The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for stronger political support and sustained investment to accelerate recovery, rebuild livelihoods among African communities affected by conflict.
Youssouf made the call in a statement issued over the weekend as he joined member states and citizens across the continent in the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the AU Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Policy, adopted in Banjul in 2006.
The union observes PCRD month from 01 to 30 November 2026.
The AUC chairperson encouraged closer coordination among member states, regional economic communities and regional mechanisms, AU institutions and partners in support of nationally owned recovery priorities.
He welcomed the outcomes of the Ninth Annual Consultative Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, held on 21 October 2026, and called for sustained follow-up, including through the AU PCRD Centre, in accordance with the consent and priorities of the countries concerned.
The chairperson also called for more predictable and sustained financing for recovery, with transparent management, effective oversight and clear accountability for results.
He urged partners and financial institutions to align their support with national priorities and strengthen coordination so that available resources deliver lasting benefits to communities.
He further stressed that women and young people must participate meaningfully in defining and implementing recovery priorities, while children’s protection, education and well-being must remain central.
Digital and other technologies should help extend services and opportunities where they respond to local needs and can be used responsibly and accessibly.
He invited member states, regional organisations, civil society, researchers, the private sector and partners to use PCRD Month to share lessons and advance implementation.
MG/as/APA