Chairperson’s 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa Theme: “Powering Ceasefire, National Dialogue and Reconciliation for Durable Peace”

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May 21, 2026 to May 22, 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY

Chairperson’s 17^th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa

Theme: “Powering Ceasefire, National Dialogue and Reconciliation for Durable Peace”

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: The African Union Commission will convene the Chairperson’s 17th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa.

Expected speakers during the opening session include:

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
H.E. Amb. Nasir Aminu, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the African Union and Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council for May 2026
H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission
Representative of the Government of Finland
Representative of the Government of Gabon

When: Thursday, 21 May 2026, 09:00 AM West Africa Time (WAT)

Opening Session: 09:00 – 10:00 AM

Where: Palais des Congrès Omar Bongo Ondimba, Libreville, Gabon

Why: The Retreat aims to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation effectiveness and institutional coordination in addressing Africa’s evolving peace and security challenges. It will also provide a platform to generate actionable recommendations to reinforce the African Union’s efforts in ceasefire implementation, inclusive national dialogue, reconciliation and durable peacebuilding.

Who: The African Union Commission (AUC), through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), with the Government of Gabon, will host the Chairperson’s 17^th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa.

Participants

The Retreat will bring together AU High Representatives, members of the Panel of the Wise, Special Envoys, Special and Permanent Representatives, United Nations Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and Special Envoys, Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities/Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), experts and other relevant stakeholders to exchange experiences and strengthen collective responses to conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa.

Background

The High-Level Retreat is a flagship annual platform that brings together members of the Panel of the Wise, AU High Representatives, Special Representatives, Special Envoys, senior policymakers, mediation practitioners, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), youth and women peace actors, as well as international partners to reflect on emerging peace and security challenges across the continent and strengthen African-led responses.

The 2026 edition will focus on strengthening the nexus between ceasefire facilitation, national dialogue, and reconciliation processes as key pillars for achieving sustainable peace in Africa.

Media are invited to connect and attend the opening ceremony of the Chairperson’s 17th High-Level Retreat on 21 May 2026

For more, please contact:

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africaunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia