The African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) is at the heart of the continent’s efforts to achieve stability and progress. Tasked with the monumental job of addressing conflicts and promoting good governance, PAPS plays a critical role in the AU’s Agenda 2063. But is this department truly making a difference, or is it just another layer of bureaucracy?
Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ll cover:
- The mission and structure of PAPS
- Key achievements of PAPS under Amb. Bankole Adeoye
- Criticism and challenges facing the department
- PAPS’s role in counter-terrorism efforts
- Future outlook and what needs to change
What Exactly is PAPS and Why Does it Matter?
PAPS is not just some obscure department within the African Union; it’s a critical component of the AU’s grand strategy for a peaceful and prosperous Africa, as laid out in Agenda 2063. This department is the result of a merger of two formerly separate entities. Its mandate is wide-ranging, covering political affairs, peace, and security. In short, PAPS is supposed to be the engine of change that tackles everything from conflicts to governance issues.
The department’s core functions are designed to be proactive. They monitor political and security trends, assess and report potential issues via early warning systems, support conflict prevention through legal and policy frameworks, and manage conflicts with peace support and mediation. Essentially, if it’s related to peace and security in Africa, PAPS is supposed to be involved.
Key Achievements: Where Has PAPS Made a Difference?
Amb. Bankole Adeoye, the current AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, has been at the helm since 2021. His vision is centered on strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA). According to experts like Brian Kwayedza, these architectures are foundational for achieving peace and development across the continent. Some of the key successes under his leadership include:
- Peace Enforcement: Prioritizing strategies to fight violent extremism and terrorism.
- Ethiopia-Tigray Peace Process: Facilitating the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in 2022.
- Improved Early Warning Systems: Enhancing intelligence sharing and decision-making processes.
- Regional Collaboration: Launching the AU Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention (I-RECKE)
The Flip Side: Where is PAPS Falling Short?
Despite these achievements, PAPS is not without its critics. Many argue that the AU has failed to take effective action in several crucial areas. Here’s a breakdown of the major criticisms:
| Criticism | Details |
|---|---|
| Weak Conflict Management | The AU is often viewed as a ‘toothless bulldog’, unable to take concrete actions against unconstitutional regime changes and extremist activities. |
| Unconstitutional Regime Changes | The rise of juntas in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Chad highlights the AU’s struggle to prevent such events. |
| Rise of Extremism | The increasing activities of violent extremists and trans-border terrorism demonstrate the AU’s failures in addressing these security threats. |
Counter-Terrorism Efforts: What’s the Game Plan?
Terrorism has become a major threat in Africa, and PAPS is expected to be a major player in addressing it. The 2024 counter-terrorism summit in Abuja was aimed at strengthening regional cooperation. Key initiatives include the operationalization of the African Standby Force, which aims to provide a rapid response to conflict situations. Additionally, there is a push for closer collaboration among various agencies like the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), AFRIPOL, and the AU Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD). However, the effectiveness of these bodies remains up for debate.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change?
Despite its mandate, PAPS faces some daunting challenges. These include a limited budget, a lack of human resources and capacity, the exponential spread of terrorism and violent extremism, external interference, and increased geopolitical competition. To effectively tackle these issues, experts suggest:
- Resource Mobilization: PAPS needs more financial and human resources to fulfill its mandate.
- Strengthening Institutions: Specialized agencies such as ACSRT, AFRIPOL, and PCRD need improved support.
- Enhanced Cooperation: Better collaboration and synergy is needed with other agencies involved in security and counter-terrorism.
Ultimately, the African Union’s ability to realize Agenda 2063 hinges on the success of PAPS. While there have been successes, significant challenges remain. The department must step up to truly be the champion of governance, peace, and stability that Africa needs. Is PAPS up to the task? Only time will tell.