In just 7 days, the Policy Center for the New South will host the 7th edition of the African Peace and Security Annual Conference (APSACO) under the theme "Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Africa". Taking place on July 10-11, 2023, this conference aims to delve into the challenges and catalysts of peacebuilding in Africa, with a particular focus on the implementation of the African Union Policy Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD).

APSACO serves as a vital platform for experts from diverse fields, including the military, politics, academia, and civil society, to engage in high-level conversations about peace and security in Africa. By analyzing the continent's assets, history, and resilience in the face of emerging challenges, APSACO aims to foster a deeper understanding of Africa's peace and security structures and institutions, ultimately strengthening its global competitive advantage.

One of the key driving forces behind the conference is the need to address post-conflict reconstruction in Africa. In recent years, African nations have made significant efforts to establish a comprehensive policy framework for the post-conflict period in line with the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA). These efforts have led to the adoption of the AU Policy Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) in 2006, along with the establishment of the African Solidarity Initiative (ASI) in 2012 to coordinate continental financial contributions to the program.

To adapt to evolving challenges, the PCRD underwent a thorough review workshop organized by the AU Peace and Security Commission (PSC) in 2022 and was subsequently validated in Cairo, Egypt in March 2023. However, successful implementation of the PCRD relies on strong leadership and the mobilization of national, regional, and multilateral stakeholders. The APSACO conference aims to explore the implementation challenges, focusing on issues such as financing, partnerships, the role of African actors, and the appropriation of PCRD responses by states in post-conflict situations.

The APSACO agenda will feature thought-provoking discussions on several key axes:

Collective security in Africa: Towards a new conceptual framework?
What prevention for sustaining peace?
African solidarity in times of financial crisis
For an effective global partnership to enhance PCRD

As we approach APSACO, we look forward to engaging with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders who share a common goal of advancing peace, security, and post-conflict reconstruction in Africa. Stay tuned for updates and real-time insights from the 7th African Peace and Security Annual Conference and follow our official Twitter account using the hashtag #APSACO2023 to join the conversation!