African Union Peace and Security Council to Meet for Critical Session on Preventive Diplomacy
The African Union (AU) is set to host its 1336th Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting on March 17, 2026. This important assembly aims to receive insights from the AU Panel of the Wise, focusing on their recent activities across the continent.
Opening Statements and Key Briefings
The session will commence with remarks from Mahlaba Ali Mamba, the Permanent Representative of Eswatini to the AU and current Chairperson of the PSC for March. Following his opening statement, Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, will deliver an introductory address. The session’s highlight will feature Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chair of the Panel of the Wise, providing an extensive briefing to the Council.
The Role of the Panel of the Wise
The Panel of the Wise is instrumental in the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) for preventive diplomacy. It last updated the PSC during its meeting in March 2025. The PSC had anticipated quarterly updates, but interactions have largely occurred on an annual basis. The Panel’s previous session in March 2025 reaffirmed its pivotal role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, particularly regarding the escalating tensions in South Sudan.
Key Discussion Topics
During the upcoming session, three primary areas of focus are anticipated:
- Preventive Diplomacy Initiatives: Addressing conflict risks or potential relapses.
- Election-Related Activities: Promoting peaceful electoral conditions across member states.
- Subsidiary Activities: Reviewing the contributions and impacts of bodies like FemWise.
Preventive Diplomacy in South Sudan and Madagascar
The PSC is expected to pay special attention to the Panel’s efforts in South Sudan and Madagascar. Following the PSC’s 1270th meeting, a delegation was dispatched to South Sudan to mediate ongoing tensions, although challenges, including limited access to key political figures, remained.
In Madagascar, the PSC suspended activities following an unconstitutional change in government. An AU delegation, coordinated with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), undertook a mission to engage stakeholders for an inclusive national dialogue aimed at restoring constitutional governance.
Focus on Electoral Processes
The Panel has undertaken preliminary assessments and engaged in dialogue across several nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, and Malawi, to ensure peaceful electoral transitions. However, recent events have demonstrated that these initiatives alone have not sufficiently mitigated electoral instability.
Engagement in the Sahel and West Africa
The Panel of the Wise recently convened a consultative roundtable aimed at fostering peace within the Sahel and West African regions, highlighting the significant role of religious and community leaders in peacebuilding efforts.
Outcomes of the Session
The expected outcome from the PSC’s session is a formal communiqué that will:
- Commend the Panel’s missions, particularly in South Sudan and Madagascar.
- Advocate for enhanced integration of FemWise and the AU WiseYouth Network in preventive diplomacy initiatives.
- Call for a comprehensive assessment of the Panel’s working methods to bolster its effectiveness amid escalating conflicts.
- Stress the importance of proactive measures for early warning and conflict prevention.
Conclusion
This upcoming meeting not only serves as a platform for evaluating the current political landscape in Africa but will also address the Panel’s future strategic direction in enhancing preventive diplomacy. As tensions continue to rise in various regions, the PSC aims to reaffirm its commitment to fostering peace, coordination, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders across the continent.
For more information on the AU and its activities, visit the official AU Peace and Security website.
