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IOL News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Peace Fund and the Quest for Peace and Security in Africa
In 1993, the Peace Fund has remained dormant due to African leaders' lack of commitment and political will to act on their resolution and financially support the AU. Image: Pixabay In June, thirty-two years ago, in its quest to ensure and implement African-led peace and security initiatives, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which preceded the African Union (AU), resolved to establish a Peace Fund. This was seen as a strategic and vital financial instrument for achieving home-grown peace and security in Africa. However, since its establishment in 1993, the Peace Fund has remained dormant due to African leaders' lack of commitment and political will to act on their resolution and financially support the AU. The fund was revitalised in 2016 and officially adopted by the AU in 2018 after 25 years of dormancy. The revitalisation happened after the African heads of state resolved in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, that Africa, more than ever before, needs financial autonomy and ownership of its peace and security initiatives to practically implement the fourth aspiration of the AU Agenda 2063 of building a peaceful and secure Africa through the critical step of silencing the guns by 2020. Unfortunately, this target has not been met to date. The resolution further indicated that the peace fund, as one of the pillars of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), must encompass critical areas of stabilisation, including preventive diplomacy, mediation, institutional capacity building, and peace support operations (PSO), while also financing the preparedness of other APSA structures. The AU urges its member states, individuals, and the private sector to contribute to the peace fund. Following the restructuring and adoption of the funding model for the peace fund, the secretariat launched an intensive and extensive resource mobilisation strategy aimed at raising at least US$400 million by 2021. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This target was only achieved in June 2025. However, research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) reveals that before 2024, of the US$392 million mobilised for the peace fund, AU member states contributed 98% of the budget, while US$6 million (2%) came from individuals and the private sector. Towards the end of 2024, however, contributions from member states decreased by 34%, while private donations rose from 2% to 36%. Despite all these interventions and resource mobilisation efforts, Max Boqwana (October 2024) argues that Africa still accounts for 70% of global conflicts. And, almost eight years after revitalising the peace fund, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation convened the inaugural African Peace and Security Dialogue from 4 to 6 October 2024. The dialogue critically analysed, discussed, and provided insights into the root causes of prolonged violent conflict in Africa, focusing particularly on two regions: West Africa and the Horn of Africa. Many panellists and participants expressed concerns about the lack of strong leadership and political will to mobilise domestic resources for financing peace and security initiatives. Some argue that Africa is home to the most critical minerals, which should be harnessed and utilised for the continent's development. The ongoing protracted violent conflict and civil wars in Africa necessitate a thorough analysis of the effectiveness of the peace fund, more so since there is a narrative that the financial contribution of the member states towards the fund continues to face a spiral decline. It is essential to highlight that over two weeks ago, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation held its annual governance symposium in Marrakech, Morocco, where Ibrahim raised a serious concern regarding the fact that 70% of the AU's annual budget comes from Europeans under the pretext of 'development partners'. Africa's dependency syndrome continues to undermine its agenda of achieving socio-economic and political self-reliance in pursuing development and home-grown peace and security initiatives. At the next summit in February 2026, I still contend that the AU needs to discuss and develop a criterion for selecting the so-called 'development partners', as even parasitic partners are masquerading as genuine partners of Africa. It can be posited that if this partnership and resource mobilisation issue is not effectively addressed, it will continue to obfuscate and derail the intended purpose of the peace fund. Asuquo (2025) argues that one of the reasons African States fail to fund the AU's peace fund sufficiently is 'a (created) culture of external mediation: Post-independence, African nations have routinely turned to external actors like the UN, World Bank, and Western powers for arbitration and funding, setting a precedent that weakens pan-African accountability'. It is time for the AU to develop its African-led conflict resolution, mediation and peacebuilding. Critically, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have been locked in a prolonged diplomatic crisis, leading Kinshasa (DRC) to seek sanctions from France against Kigali (Rwanda). This shows that some African leaders still perceive European nations as having the most effective solutions to African problems; this belief persists despite the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) attempting to de-escalate tensions in the Eastern DRC. However, the reality is that there was inadequate coordination among mediators, compounded by insufficient financial support. Evidence shows that only US$5 million was allocated from the peace fund for the conflict in Eastern DRC. The budget proved inadequate to the point that the PSC utilised its annual council-to-council meeting with the European Union to request additional funding for mediation. The AU has also urged its member states to contribute their dues to the peace fund. A crucial question must be addressed: who and how has the peace fund been financially managed since its revitalisation? For instance, two weeks ago, the AU advertised positions for an independent fund manager and the hiring of a custodian bank for the AU peace fund. It is concerning that the post-criteria are not clearly stated within the context of the peace fund's objectives, which may further undermine the AU's financial autonomy and ownership of its peace and security architecture. Regarding the conflict between Kinshasa and Kigali, it is evident that there has been no adequate preventative diplomacy, PSO, and well-coordinated mediation, as these essential interventions fall within the mandate of the peace fund as stated in Article 21 of the PSC protocol. In South Sudan, Africa's newest state, which has experienced violent conflict since it seceded from northern Sudan in 2011, effective interventions through the peace fund have yet to be effectively implemented. As a result, South Sudanese established a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called the Peace Canal in 2019 and adopted a fundraising strategy, 'Peace Opportunity Fund,' to finance locally led peacebuilding initiatives in South Sudan. Seventeen advisors from four major ethnic groups lead the NGO; unfortunately, this initiative has attracted donors from beyond the continent, and some have undermined the noble intention of inclusive peacebuilding, particularly the integration of indigenous peacebuilding methods and strategies into the broader post-conflict reconstruction and development. This is a great initiative that AU was supposed to effectively support through the peace fund in a quest to realise its strategic objective of African-led peace and security initiatives. On the other hand, two weeks ago, Naomi Kilungu, an armed conflict expert in Africa, predicted that 'Africa will have spent over US$ 300 billion by the end of this year (2025) on armed conflicts'. However, because AU has only managed to secure US$400 million for the peace fund, there will be a shortfall of at least US$ 299.6 billion. If the shortfall cannot be mobilised domestically, the so-called 'development partners' would take over and continue their nefarious agenda in Africa. Indeed, Africa needs the emergence of Pan-African thought leaders who will act locally and think globally with unflinching love for the people of this continent. Leaders who will genuinely end parasitic partnerships and colonialism in its forms and content. Orapeleng Matshediso is a Masters graduate of Pan African Development Studies and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation). The author is also an alumnus of the then Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI). Orapeleng Matshediso is a Masters graduate of Pan African Development Studies and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation). Image: Supplied.
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab Seed Corporation becomes Member of Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance
LAHORE: Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC) has been selected as a member of the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), marking a significant milestone for the organization. Managing Director Ali Arshad Rana and Deputy Managing Director Mahboob Alam described the membership as a major achievement, highlighting APSA as a highly important platform that supports the promotion, research, and marketing of high-quality seeds both regionally and globally. They stated that APSA represents the largest network of seed-related companies, organizations, and government institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a collaborative platform for the exchange of ideas and research, fostering better understanding, mutual cooperation, and business development. Ali Arshad Rana and Mahboob Alam emphasized that Punjab Seed Corporation will fully utilize this platform to provide farmers in Punjab with high-quality seeds. They added that formal planning has already begun in this regard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSC becomes Member of Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance
LAHORE: Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC) has been selected as a member of the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), marking a significant milestone for the organization. Managing Director Ali Arshad Rana and Deputy Managing Director Mahboob Alam described the membership as a major achievement, highlighting APSA as a highly important platform that supports the promotion, research, and marketing of high-quality seeds both regionally and globally. They stated that APSA represents the largest network of seed-related companies, organizations, and government institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a collaborative platform for the exchange of ideas and research, fostering better understanding, mutual cooperation, and business development. Ali Arshad Rana and Mahboob Alam emphasized that Punjab Seed Corporation will fully utilize this platform to provide farmers in Punjab with high-quality seeds. They added that formal planning has already begun in this regard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) hosts training to equip Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy tools to influence peace and security policy across Africa
The African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has concluded a three-day training session in Accra, Ghana, aimed at equipping Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy techniques and strategic policy engagement within the Conflict Management Cycle. This initiative, part of the EU-APSA IV Programme, reflects growing momentum to ensure civil society's structured involvement in African Union peace and security policy formulation and implementation. The high-impact initiative was designed to equip CSOs with advocacy and policy engagement skills necessary to influence decision-making at regional and continental levels and to strengthen their understanding of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the Conflict Management Cycle. The training, which drew participants from across the continent, underscored ECOSOCC' s commitment to empowering civil society as a cornerstone of Africa's peace and security agenda, in line with the Livingstone Formula. Officially opening the training, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the African Union, Dr. Robert Afriyie, shared his experiences from a global perspective, highlighting Accra's historical legacy as a cradle of Pan-African unity and democratic participation, and the critical role of CSOs. 'I have seen firsthand how CSOs shape narratives and influence peace processes. CSOs have demonstrated their immense power to foster peace. Our training here is about more than technical skills; it is about nurturing an unwavering commitment to objective, consistent advocacy for Africa's future,' Amb. Afriyie stressed. Amb. Afriyie stressed the need for objective observation, careful separation of short-term narratives from long-term truths, and the importance of working collectively ('our' vs. 'theirs'), in approaching peace and development efforts. He quoted Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma's visionary 'Email from the Future,' emphasizing that the peace of Africa is not only a precondition but a determinant of its development. Mr. William Carew, Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat, stressed the importance of collective effort in peacebuilding, saying, 'The scourge of conflict constitutes a major obstacle to Africa's socio-economic development. Peace, security, and stability are prerequisites for integration and growth. This training is not just timely; it is critical. We are here to equip CSOs with practical advocacy techniques and policy engagement strategies to ensure your voices are heard, your evidence is valid, and your solutions are integrated into policy frameworks.' Mr. Carew also highlighted how civil society actors are central to bringing life to the principles of intervention, resolution, and reconstruction embedded within the APSA, stressing, 'Conflicts in Africa are complex, rooted in deep historical, political, and economic realities. Those most affected — the communities — must not be excluded from the solutions.' Mr. Emmanuel Nzunda, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), reinforced the call for inclusive conflict prevention and resolution, stating: 'Africa continues to grapple with security challenges with marginalized groups like women and children suffering the most. Inclusive peacebuilding is not optional; it is essential for achieving the goals of the AU's Agenda 2063. Trade unions and CSOs must be recognized as pivotal players in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.' He referenced concrete examples where CSO involvement led to successful conflict prevention outcomes and stressed the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships across Member States and AU organs. Adding to the discussion, Mr. Boniface Cheembe, ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster Chair, emphasized the evolving security threats facing Africa, from asymmetric warfare to violent extremism. 'As civil society, we must strengthen our expertise to engage effectively within existing continental frameworks. Popular participation is not a privilege; it is a right. We are the fourth estate, providing alternative voices for peace, security, and social justice across the continent,' he emphasized. The three-day training included sessions on stakeholder mapping, evidence-based advocacy, AU policy entry points, and message framing for impact. Participants also developed practical action plans for influencing AU and Member State policy, to be integrated into a workshop outcome document. This training combined theoretical and practical sessions to ensure that participating organizations leave empowered to contribute to Africa's peace and security goals. As part of the training, the participants also paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) on the third day, welcomed by Secretary General Mr. Arezki Mezhoud. This visit underscored ECOSOCC's commitment to fostering collaboration and enhancing civil society engagement within Africa's peace and security architecture. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Daily Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Surprise fortune Pope Francis left behind revealed
Pope Francis' net worth has been revealed following the news of his death at 88. The pontiff died from a stroke and heart failure in Rome on Easter Monday. The head of the Roman Catholic Church stepped into his role in 2013, but his fortune isn't as massive as you might think it would be despite the Vatican's substantial real estate holdings around the world. MORE: Horror find inside Hackman's death house Trump's 'garish' White House plan slammed What was Pope Francis' Net Worth and salary? Hello! reports Pope Francis had a personal net worth of £16 million ($A33 million), with assets associated with his office such as his cars, home and clothing. According to the outlet, the late pontiff was able to draw a yearly salary of £384,000 ($A801, 000). However, the Pope actually turned down his salary to live a modest life. It's believed that he donated this money to separate funds and trusts. But, Francis' wealth has been disputed. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth was estimated to be around £100 ($A208) at the time of his death. The Argentina-born Pope's salary was $0. His basic needs, such as living expenses, food, clothing and travel, are paid for by the Vatican. MORE: Amazon boss Bezos signs new mega deal Shock amount Bill Gates plans to leave kids What is the Vatican's net worth? According to TIME, the Vatican's net worth is staggering, with bankers estimating that it is worth anywhere from $US10 to $US15 billion ($A15 billion to $A23 billion). How many properties does the Vatican own? Back in 2021, The Vatican released information on its real estate holdings for the first time. Multiple media outlets reported the Holy See owns more than 5,000 church and investment properties around the world. According to a report from the church-run Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), the papacy holds 4,051 properties in Italy and 1,120 abroad. Records show APSA owns investment properties in Paris, Geneva and Lausanne, as well as in London, where the purchase of one property in South Kensington led to huge losses in 2014. According to Reuters, a majority of the Vatican's properties in Italy are rented at reduced rates to Church staff. Around 40 per cent are institutional buildings such as convents, but also schools and hospitals Where did Pope Francis Live? Traditionally, popes have resided in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican — a suite of ten rooms including a private study, bedroom, dining room, chapel, medical suite, and offices for the papal secretary. However, Pope Francis broke tradition and chose to live in the modest Vatican guesthouse, Casa Santa Marta, a residence used by visiting clergy. In addition to his Vatican home, the Pope also had access to the Papal summer retreat, Castel Gandolfo, a historic estate located on the site of the ancient city of Alba Longa.
