Yesterday, the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) and the Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC) convened the Joint Civil Society Organisation (CSO) meeting on the state of peace and security in Africa and the regional learning and networking exchange.
The three-day event, brings together key stakeholders from CSOs across the continent, including Regional Economic Communities, AU Organs and Departments, members of the ECOSOCC General Assembly and national chapters, to deliberate on the continent's peace and security challenges and to strengthen collaboration among CSOs, the AU, and regional bodies.
In a key note address, during the opening session, ECOSOCC’s Emeritus Presiding Officer, Mr. Richard Ssewakiryanga, emphasised the urgency of peacebuilding efforts in Africa as the International Day of Peace which will be commemorated on 21st September 2024 approaches.
“The International Day of Peace is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a call to action. It challenges us to work together in solidarity to achieve a world where peace is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all,” he stated.
Mr. Ssewakiryanga highlighted the critical challenges Africa faces, including violent conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government, and political instability, and called for inclusive dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable development as the core principles guiding the African Peace and Security Architecture and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Mr. William Carew, ECOSOCC’s Head of Secretariat, emphasised the need for collaboration in addressing Africa's complex peace and security challenges. He praised the partnership between ECOSOCC and the Women’s International Peace Centre as a significant milestone in the journey toward inclusive peacebuilding.
“For two decades now, ECOSOCC has been the voice of African civil society within the African Union. Our partnership with the Women’s International Peace Centre is a significant milestone in this journey,” Mr. Carew noted.
He highlighted the achievements and gaps that remain in CSO engagement within AU peace and security frameworks, emphasising the need for actionable strategies and honest dialogue. He invited participants to bring their experiences, ideas, and passion to the discussions, stating, “As we embark on this journey over the next three days, I urge us all to remain committed to the vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Africa. Let us build on our shared strengths, address our common challenges, and seize the opportunity to shape the future we want—a future where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality for all Africans.”
Ms. Sandra Adong Oder, Executive Director of the Women’s International Peace Centre, in her remarks, acknowledged the significant gaps in CSO involvement in peace mechanisms across Africa. She emphasised the need for youth and women to be fully engaged in peace and security conversations, as their roles are central to the implementation of peace initiatives and ensuring the peace dividend of the continent is realised.
To highlight the added value CSOs bring to achieving Agenda 2063, she proposed that the African Union considers designating the 2026/2027 the Year of Civil Society Organization.
Ms. Oder further underscored the importance of recognising the legacy of Zambia’s first President, Kenneth Kaunda in peace and security, proposing that the Kenneth Kaunda Museum be designated a specialised AU centre.
Noting that there has been progress in advancing women’s leadership role in peacebuilding, she also invited all stakeholders to begin preparing for celebrations in 2025 for the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform, and the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, as key moments around which to strengthen the leadership and participation of women and youth in decision-making and peace process.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is about creating an environment where everyone, especially women and youth, can thrive and contribute meaningfully,” Ms. Oder remarked. “These reflections and conversations must be taken seriously if we are to achieve the Africa we want.”
The Joint ECOSOCC and Women’s International Peace Centre CSO Meeting is part of the ECOSOCC and APSA 20th Anniversary commemorations, celebrating two decades of civil society contributions to the AU’s peace and security agenda. The meeting will address the ongoing peace and security challenges by fostering collaboration between ECOSOCC and CSOs, advocating for inclusive governance, and developing actionable strategies to enhance CSO participation in AU peace and security initiatives. . It will result in a jointly developed roadmap for sustained advocacy on peace and security, ensuring actionable steps for enhancing civil society’s role in providing solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.
