The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the African Union (AU) Peace Fund, on 18th November 2025, carried out its first statutory meeting. The Independent Evaluation Group is set advance oversight, strengthen accountability, and reinforce performance monitoring across the Fund’s operations. The meeting aimed to consolidate the IEG’s mandate and enhance coordination among governance bodies responsible for the Fund’s effective implementation.

The meeting elected of H.E. Amb. Maria G. Harrison as Chairperson and H.E. Youness EI Mesmoudi as Deputy Chairperson of the IEG.

H.E. Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), delivered a briefing on the current peace and security landscape in Africa, outlining the persistence of interstate tensions, governance deficits, youth restiveness, and the ongoing repercussions of geopolitical competition. He further highlighted the continued threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian crises, underscoring the Peace Fund’s role in supporting preventive and responsive interventions.

Chaired by H.E. Amb. Maria G. Harrison, the Peace Fund Secretariat through its Director, Ms. Dagmawit Moges, provided an overview of the Fund’s purpose, guiding principles, and institutional arrangements. Presentations addressed the Fund’s operational modalities, disbursement processes, and the mechanisms used to determine eligibility and strategic prioritization of applications. The IEG Members also reviewed procedures related to the crisis reserve facility, emphasizing equitable and efficient allocation of available resources. The Secretariat further outlined the monitoring and evaluation framework necessary to ensure transparent reporting and evidence-based decision-making.

The meeting reviewed the Terms of Reference governing the mandate of the IEG, including its responsibilities in reporting to the BoT, conducting independent evaluations, providing advisory input, and ensuring compliance with governance and resource use standards.

The meeting concluded with agreement on a set of next steps, including preparatory work for forthcoming evaluations.

For further information, kindly contact:

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke I Information and Communications Directorate I African Union Commission I Tel: 0911-
630631 I Email: molalett@africanunion.org I Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. Estifanos Tewodros | African Union Peace Fund Secretariat l African Union Commission | E-mail: pfs@africanunion.org