Nairobi, Kenya – July 2026 — While the African Peace and Security Architecture remains one of the African Union’s most significant institutional innovations, concerns persist regarding its operational effectiveness and political influence. It is widely recognised that Africa’s peace and security challenges cannot be addressed solely through institutional reforms, but require greater political commitment, stronger implementation of existing frameworks, and revitalised continental leadership.

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation was represented by its Senior Advisor, Prof Tim Murithi, at the expert policy dialogue convened by Amani Africa on the review and revitalisation of the African Peace and Security Architecture. The meeting, held in Nairobi on 13–14 July 2026, brought together leading African peace and security practitioners, former diplomats, scholars, mediators, and policy experts to assess the future of Africa’s conflict prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms.

The dialogue was organised under the theme, “The Quest for Restoring AU’s Agency in Peace and Security: Expert Policy Dialogue for Informing the APSA Review and the Luanda Summit.” It formed part of wider continental efforts to contribute to the ongoing review of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), initiated by the African Union and to inform the forthcoming Luanda Summit on conflict prevention in Africa.

Discussions throughout the meeting reflected growing concern over the deteriorating security environment across the continent. Participants examined conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel, Somalia and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government and the impact of geopolitical rivalries on African peace processes. Delegates highlighted the need for stronger African ownership of peace initiatives and renewed commitment to preventive diplomacy and mediation.

Representing IJR, Prof Murithi moderated a session which examined the current condition of the African Peace and Security Architecture, the challenges affecting its effectiveness, and proposed areas for reform. The session sought to critically assess the implementation gaps that continue to undermine the AU’s peace and security agenda.

On the second day of the dialogue, Prof Murithi also served as one of the principal discussants during the session that explored practical pathways for strengthening the AU’s political leadership and strategic relevance in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding amid increasing geopolitical competition and evolving security challenges

A central theme emerging from the discussions was the importance of restoring the AU’s agency in peace and security affairs through enhanced preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution efforts. Participants stressed that APSA’s comparative advantage lies not primarily in military interventions but in political engagement, dialogue and mediation. The meeting further underscored the need for stronger coordination between the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and member states in responding to emerging crises.

During the dialogue, the view was that the primary challenge confronting the AU is not the absence of policies or normative frameworks but the consistent implementation of the extensive peace, security and governance instruments already in place. It called for renewed investment in conflict prevention, early warning mechanisms, mediation capacity, and sustainable financing for peace and security initiatives.

The Nairobi dialogue is expected to contribute expert recommendations to both the APSA review process and preparations for the AU’s planned Luanda Summit on conflict prevention.