AU and EU call for urgent action on conflicts
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Citizen Digital
The African Union and European Union are calling for urgent action over conflicts in Sudan, DR Congo, Somalia and the Sahel. The two blocs want to strengthen cooperation, sustainably fund peace operations and protect civilians at their 6 November consultative meeting, according to Citizen Digital.
The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have called for urgent measures to address conflicts in Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia and the Sahel. The two organisations called for stronger cooperation, sustainable funding for peace operations, better protection of civilians and new diplomatic initiatives during their 17th annual joint consultative meeting, held on 6 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, according to Citizen Digital.
The meeting also reaffirmed the two organisations’ support for a just and lasting peace in Sudan, eastern DRC, Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian territories. Participants stressed the protection of women and children as well as the full and effective participation of women in peace processes. The discussions were co-chaired by Antonin B. Bieke, Ivory Coast’s ambassador and chair of the AU Peace and Security Council for November 2026, and Lene Mandel Vensild, the permanent chair of the EU Political and Security Committee.
Regarding Somalia, the AU and EU welcomed the progress made by the Somali federal government and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in the fight against the armed group Al-Shabaab. They nevertheless expressed concern over financial and operational difficulties threatening the continuity of operations. They called for predictable and sustainable funding for African peace support missions, notably through the use of assessed contributions from UN member states.
A joint retreat held on 5 November preceded the meeting. It focused on maritime security, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, artificial intelligence governance in peace operations, as well as programmes dedicated to women and young people in security processes.
