On 4 February 2026, the Institute for Peace and Security Studies and the Institute for Security Studies convened a Pre-AU Summit Seminar in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The session focused on the 39th AU Summit and APSA reforms amid a fraying global order. Diplomats, scholars, and policy leaders assessed paths for peace, security, and governance during a period of strain across Africa and beyond.
H.E. Willy Nyamitwe, Ambassador of Burundi, emphasized shared responsibility for peace and outlined three priorities for Burundi’s leadership: water and sanitation, strengthening peace and security, and African renaissance through innovation, capacity building, and empowerment of women and youth. His remarks highlighted the link between peace, development, and social investment.
Dr. Paul-Simon Handy of ISS stressed the need for clear incentives within African institutions to strengthen cohesion. He noted that economic benefits must complement political incentives to prevent further fragmentation and strengthen participation in the AU and regional security mechanisms.
Prof. Tim Murithi, Senior Advisor, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, highlighted the need to align African reform with global structures and to center citizen engagement. He called for greater inclusion of civil society, youth, and women in decision-making to ensure that the AU’s social and convening power translates into effective action on the ground.
Key takeaways:
- Prevention must be prioritized, linking early warning systems to early response.
- Peace financing needs discipline, with consistent support for field operations.
- Membership in the AU and RECs requires tangible value, both political and economic.
- Governance and security must be balanced, ensuring that APSA and AGA reforms are well coordinated.
- Citizens, women, and youth must have meaningful roles in reform and implementation.
The seminar concluded that reforms require urgency, credible incentives, and direct engagement with people across the continent. These recommendations are expected to inform deliberations at the 39th AU Summit and shape subsequent policy decisions and implementation efforts.