Over the last 20 years the African Union (AU) has established itself as the principal continental policy maker on governance, peace, and security. In the last year, the AU has operationalized an institutional reform which has seen a merger of the former Peace and Security and Political Affairs (PSD, DPA) departments into the new Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) department. The PAPS’ mandate aims to contribute to the efforts of Member States and Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) towards the prevention, resolution and management of conflict and disruptive crises. RECs/RMs which are pillars of the African Economic Community, and originally established to foster economic integration in their regions, also have the mandate to promote peace and security on the continent.