CAF25 Background Paper: Strengthening the role of regional organizations in addressing armed conflicts and regional instability

The African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are central to conflict prevention and management across Africa. Yet, their capacity to respond to crises is increasingly strained by shifting security dynamics and democratic backsliding, particularly in the Sahel.

This paper serves to highlight the role of partnerships between the United Nations (UN) and African regional organizations in an evolving security landscape and shifting policy discourse on the future of peace operations. The ongoing UN Review of the Future of All Forms of UN Peace Operations (the Review) provides an opportunity to integrate new thinking on how partnership with regional organizations can be further leveraged to employ flexible and adaptable models of peace operations to better respond to current and emerging threats.

The paper is authored by Bitania Tadesse who is a policy specialist for Africa at the International Peace Institute, where she conducts research and policy analysis on peace and security, with a focus on conflict management, resolution and the role of African multilateral institutions.