Institute for Security Studies´ visit to NUPI

On Tuesday, May 13th, the Institute for Security Studies and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs convened to discuss peace and security in Africa. The discussions focused on several key themes, including the progress of the African Union, geopolitical changes, the decline of the multilateral system, strategies for realigning the African Union and the broader African continent to prepare for future challenges, the vision for Africa's future, and the role of UN peacekeeping in Africa.

Discussion also centred on the effectiveness of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), especially against the military coups in the Sahel and the increasing instability in the Horn of Africa, which faces a difficult challenge. During the meeting, the two instead discussed the move away from large multidimensional UN peace missions as in the past, in future effective peace missions, but also robust interventions to protect the population. Central to this was the need for regional organisations such as the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECS), and regional coalitions to connect better and play more of a strategic role. The fundamental possibility of co-financing Peace Support Operations (PSOs) in Africa through UN contributions, which the Security Council decided with Resolution 2719 at the end of 2023, brings new opportunities for the AU to fulfil its regional responsibility. However, more work is needed to support the AU. Finally, both organisations committed to continuing and enhancing collaboration, not only through existing projects such as the Training for Peace Programme but also through collaborative research projects.