Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has announced the launch of the sixth edition of the African Union's post-conflict reconstruction and development initiative, marking a significant milestone in the continent's efforts to rebuild and develop after conflicts. The initiative, which is being celebrated for the first time over a month-long period in November 2026, aims to promote sustainable peace and development in Africa. As the current chair of the African Union's post-conflict reconstruction and development initiative, President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of this effort in promoting peace, security, and development in Africa.
The initiative, which was first adopted 20 years ago, seeks to address the root causes of conflicts and promote sustainable development in affected communities. President El-Sisi noted that post-conflict reconstruction and development is not just a humanitarian or economic effort, but a crucial component of the African peace and security architecture. He emphasized that it is essential to coordinate efforts with various stakeholders, including national governments, international partners, and the private sector, to ensure that reconstruction efforts are effective and responsive to the needs of affected communities.
The launch of the initiative coincides with the 25th anniversary of the African Union, which will be celebrated in 2027. President El-Sisi noted that this milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew commitments to promoting peace, security, and development in Africa. He praised the efforts of the African Union Commission and the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Cairo, which have been working to support national institutions and build capacity in conflict-affected countries.
Egypt will host the sixth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development later this month, which will provide a platform for promoting the link between peace, security, and development. President El-Sisi emphasized that reconstruction efforts must be based on national priorities and the needs of affected communities, and that the private sector has a critical role to play in supporting economic recovery and development. He noted that the private sector has the capacity to mobilize investments, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.
The African Union's post-conflict reconstruction and development initiative has made significant progress over the past 20 years, but there is still much work to be done. President El-Sisi called for a review of the initiative's progress and for renewed commitments to translating its goals into concrete programs and projects on the ground. He emphasized that the initiative must be responsive to the needs of affected communities and that it must prioritize rapid and direct impact projects.
President El-Sisi also highlighted the importance of involving young people and women in reconstruction efforts, as well as the need for effective coordination among various stakeholders. He noted that Egypt will continue to work closely with its African partners, the African Union Commission, and international partners to promote peace, security, and development in Africa. The President's efforts aim to convert current security challenges into opportunities for stability, peace, and sustainable development.
The launch of the month-long celebration of post-conflict reconstruction and development is a significant step towards achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, Africa's development blueprint. President El-Sisi's leadership on this initiative demonstrates Egypt's commitment to promoting peace, security, and development in Africa. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to support national institutions and build capacity in conflict-affected countries, with a focus on rapid and direct impact projects.
Key points
- The initiative aims to promote sustainable peace and development in Africa by addressing the root causes of conflicts.
- The private sector has a critical role to play in supporting economic recovery and development in conflict-affected countries.
- The initiative must prioritize rapid and direct impact projects that respond to the needs of affected communities.
