Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on Peace, Justice and Development , “National Reconciliation as a Critical Factor for Peace and Development in Africa”

Abstract

This document deals with issues of reconciliation in the context of African Union’s (AU) efforts in promoting peace, security and stability on the continent. It looks at the past ways in which the African Union has intensified its efforts towards the resolution of conflicts and peacebuilding. The challenges of reconciliation in the aftermath of conflict and its relationship with justice and development are discussed. It calls the attention of the reader to the 347th meeting, held on 12 December 2012, where Council addressed the relationship between the fight against impunity, justice, peace and reconciliation, and adopted a press statement on the matter [PSC/PR/BR(CCCXLVII)]. This report provides a brief overview of Africa’s approach to the issues of peace, justice and reconciliation and identifies priority areas on which the AU should focus its efforts to attain sustainable peace and development.