Peacebuilding at a Crossroads: Africa’s Youth Demand Change, But Can Leaders Deliver?
The African continent stands at a pivotal moment. Tomorrow, November 17th, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (UNPBC) convene their 8th Annual Consultative Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This isn't just another bureaucratic gathering; it's a crucial dialogue about the future of peace in Africa, a future increasingly shaped by the frustrations and aspirations of its youthful population. But here's where it gets controversial: can traditional peacebuilding strategies truly address the complex challenges facing Africa today, especially when youth, the continent's largest demographic, feel increasingly marginalized?
Co-chaired by Churchill Ewumbue-Monono of Cameroon and Ricklef Beutin of Germany, the meeting builds upon the momentum of the 7th Consultative Session and the recent Pact for the Future, which reaffirmed global commitment to peacebuilding. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, UN Special Representative to the AU, will set the stage with opening remarks, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
This year's meeting, held during the AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Awareness Raising Week, focuses on three critical agenda items. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about reviewing past efforts, but about fundamentally rethinking how peacebuilding is done in Africa.
The first item, 'Review of Collaborative Peacebuilding Efforts and Priorities,' will likely see the AUPSC take the lead. While past achievements will be acknowledged, the discussion must confront the harsh reality: traditional peacebuilding approaches often fall short in addressing the interconnected challenges of political transitions, terrorism, rising debt, climate change, and youth disillusionment. The 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) presents a timely opportunity to rethink strategies, emphasizing operational effectiveness, measurable impact, and closer AU-UN coordination. The recently revised AUPCRD policy, the New Agenda for Peace, and the Pact for the Future collectively call for more coherent and effective global governance in conflict management. However, the question remains: will these frameworks truly empower African nations to lead their own peacebuilding processes?
The second item, focusing on 'Youth – linkages between development and Peacebuilding,' is where the meeting could get truly transformative. With Generation Z protests erupting across the continent, it's clear that youth are no longer willing to be passive bystanders. The AU Youth Ambassador for Peace and the PBC will present, highlighting initiatives like the Africa Regional Consultation for the Second Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). The PBC's 2025 Peacebuilding Fund Thematic Review on YPS offers valuable insights into best practices, showcasing how youth councils, stakeholder dialogue, and youth networks can empower young people to actively participate in peace processes. But will these initiatives be enough to address the deep-seated grievances driving youth migration and unrest?
The final agenda item, 'Peacebuilding Initiatives in South Sudan, Sahel countries and the Lake Chad Basin,' brings the discussion to the ground level. The fragile situations in these regions demand urgent attention. South Sudan teeters on the brink of full-scale war, the Sahel grapples with violent extremism and political instability, and Boko Haram remains a persistent threat in the Lake Chad Basin. The AUPSC's intensified engagement in these regions is commendable, but the challenge lies in translating words into sustainable solutions. Is the international community willing to provide the necessary resources and political will to support long-term peacebuilding in these complex environments?
The expected outcome of the meeting is a joint statement, urging Member States to integrate peacebuilding and social cohesion into their National Development Strategies. This is a crucial step, but it's only the beginning. The real test will be in the implementation, in ensuring that youth are not just included but actively lead peacebuilding efforts. The meeting must also address the need for international partners to align their efforts with nationally led initiatives, prioritizing the twin challenges of development and governance deficits that fuel youth discontent.
As the world watches, the AUPSC and UNPBC have a unique opportunity to chart a new course for peacebuilding in Africa, one that truly empowers its youth and addresses the root causes of conflict. The question remains: will they seize it?
