The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the African Union (AU) Peace Fund held its 24th statutory meeting virtually on 26 June 2025 to assess the Fund’s operational status, review current investment performance, and address pressing challenges in securing sustainable financing for peace and security efforts across Africa. The meeting marked a pivotal moment as the AU continues to respond to most conflict-affected regions of the continent.

H.E. Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, former Prime Minister of Central African Republic chaired the meeting, which focused on enhancing the Peace Fund’s

capacity, accountability, and strategic direction to ensure that peace initiatives are driven by predictable and African-led financial mechanisms.

In his first address to the Board, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), commended Member States and the Board for their continued support. He underscored the AU’s call for adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing to support peace-related initiatives, crisis response mechanisms, and mediation efforts led by the Union.

Building on this message, H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, AUC Deputy Chairperson, emphasized the importance of African solidarity and the strategic and equitable allocation of resources. She reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to prioritizing support for the regions most affected by conflict and fragility.

Further reinforcing the operational vision, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for PAPS, reiterated the AU’s dedication to “African-led solutions to African challenges”. He called for transformative leadership, operational readiness, and effective resource management to deliver lasting peace and security outcomes.

Providing a financial and investment update, Mrs. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the AU Peace Fund, reported that the Fund’s total portfolio has now surpassed USD 400 million, with USD 19 million disbursed from interest earnings between 2023 and 2024 to support approved peace and security efforts. The Audit Committee presented performance results for Q2 2025, highlighting strong returns, positive portfolio growth, and adherence to sound investment strategies. Trustees welcomed these results and stressed the importance of maintaining returns above inflation, backed by prudent and transparent fund management.

To support consistent planning and sustainable impact, the Board approved maintaining the USD 15 million ceiling for both programmatic activities of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department and the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF) for the 2026 fiscal year.

Board members expressed their full support for the strategic direction of the African Union Commission leadership and its steadfast commitment to making the AU Peace Fund more responsive, resilient, and transformative. The Board reiterated the importance of accelerating implementation timelines and strengthening the absorption capacity of allocated resources to ensure timely delivery and measurable results on the ground.

The Trustees also welcomed Ms. Tryphosa Ramano, newly appointed as the representative for the Southern Africa region, and acknowledged her dedication to supporting the mission and future growth of the Peace Fund.

As it expands in scope and impact, the Peace Fund continues to serve as a cornerstone of the AU’s peace and security architecture, guided by transparent governance, sustainable financing, and strong political leadership.

For further information, kindly contact:

Mr. Mikaïla Issa| Communication Expert l African Union Peace Fund Secretariat l African Union Commission | Tel. +251 988558335 | E-mail: AbramaneM@africanunion.org

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communications Directorate; AU Commission Tel: 0911-630631; Email: molalett@africanunion.org

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