1. INTRODUCTION
The African Union (AU) recognizes that the effective use of preventive diplomacy/conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation process are vital for achieving its mandate of Silencing the Guns and ensuring peace, security, and development across the continent. To this end, the AU has, over the years, taken significant steps to institutionalize and strengthen its capacity for timely and effective mediation.
Relatedly, the Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) of the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS) was established in 2021 and is mandated to provide technical and operational support on the preventive diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, and reconciliation efforts undertaken by the Commission (i.e., through Special Envoys, High Representatives, Panel of the Wise and its subsidiary mechanisms – PanWise, FemWise-Africa, WiseYouth etc.), as well as to provide technical support to RECs/RMs and Member States.
In furtherance of these efforts, the African Union (AU) now seeks to establish a Roster of Mediation and Thematic Technical Experts, as a strategic tool to support the AU’s efforts in peace mediation across the continent.
