African leaders meet in Angola to strengthen AU conflict prevention

African leaders are gathered in Luanda, Angola, this weekend to discuss ways to prevent conflicts before they escalate and strengthen efforts to resolve them more quickly.

The meeting is the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa. It follows the 26th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, held on Saturday.

Among the leaders present are Angolan President João Lourenço, Ghanaian President John Mahama and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva are also attending, along with several foreign ministers.

The summit is being hosted by Lourenço in his capacity as AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation. He has called for timely interventions to prevent crises from escalating, stressing that Africa often acts only after violence has begun. He also highlighted existing mechanisms, including the Peace and Security Council, the early warning system, the Panel of the Wise and the Peace Fund, and called for more effective and timely action.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said financing Africa’s peace agenda and the goal of “Silencing the Guns” by 2030 can no longer depend primarily on external resources. He called for a stronger AU Peace Fund and renewed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2719.

“Political will remains the cornerstone of our collective efforts,” he said.

Leaders are expected to consider a Luanda Decision and a Plan of Action aimed at strengthening conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, with concrete and time-bound measures for implementation.