REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP ON THE TEN YEARS OF THE AFRICAN UNION POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: A REFLECTION ON PROGRESS, Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Development (PCRD) and peacebuilding are some of the most important challenges facing African countries emerging from conflicts. As the AU continues to make progress in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the imperative for comprehensive and integrated actions and plans for the recovery, reconstruction and development of societies recovering from conflicts becomes paramount.

The AU PCRD Policy (2006) is the AU’s main entry point in peacebuilding matters, being the authoritative policy that addresses the needs of communities emerging from conflicts and supports the process of sustaining peace. Guided by the Executive Council Decision EX.CL/191 (VII) of July 2005, it was drafted with the intention to assist African countries in the process of consolidating peace and preventing a relapse into conflicts down the road. The AU PCRD Policy is underpinned by five core principles namely; African leadership, national and local ownership, inclusiveness, equity and non-discrimination, cooperation and cohesion, and capacity building for sustainability. The five core principles embody the fundamental values and standards that underpin all PCRD processes and activities so as to ensure that PCRD activities address the root causes of conflict, contribute to the creation of sustainable peace, social justice, renewal and participatory governance.