Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ As Africa continues to face significant political conflicts and instability, discussions surrounding the future role of the African Union (AU) have taken centre stage. At the recent Annual Peace and Security Dialogue, hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, calls were made to overhaul the AU’s leadership and reimagine the organization to address the continent’s evolving challenges.
Keynote speaker Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, emphasized the AU’s pivotal role in navigating the complex global landscape. He highlighted that more than 120 global conflicts are currently unfolding, with the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan facing some of the worst humanitarian crises. Lamola noted that these African conflicts receive far less international attention than conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
A growing trend of coups and unconstitutional government changes has further destabilized Africa, with six AU member states currently suspended. Lamola stressed the urgent need to strengthen the AU and its regional communities to address these threats, particularly in regions like the Sahel and Southern Africa, where terrorism and extremism are on the rise. South Africa’s contribution to the Southern African Development Community’s Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was cited as a key example of regional cooperation against terrorism in Cabo Delgado.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa, also called for the revival of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to manage security issues more effectively. He warned against relying solely on militarized conflict resolution, urging the AU to invest in diplomacy and social development to alleviate the root causes of instability.
Experts like Sheina Kiyara, director at Think Africa, argued that the AU must evolve beyond its outdated strategies. She critiqued the organization for being too dependent on external support and failing to adapt to contemporary geopolitical trends. To regain relevance, Kiyara suggested that the AU must better align with Africa’s actual needs, rather than following international agendas.
Liberian Defence Minister Geraldine George added that the rise of extremist groups across West and East Africa further threatens stability. The continent’s conflicts, driven by both internal strife and external interests over natural resources, demand a more robust and self-sufficient AU.
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