AU Chairperson Urges African Leaders to Prioritize Conflict Prevention

AU Chairperson and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye addressed the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, urging leaders to bridge the gap between early warnings and preventive action. He noted that despite possessing conflict prevention mechanisms, the continent often fails to intervene before violence escalates in regions like Sudan and the Horn of Africa. President Ndayishimiye highlighted that economic instability—driven by raw material exports, illicit financial flows, and mounting debt—remains a major catalyst for conflict. He called for investment in local industries and emphasized that sustainable peace requires prioritizing youth employment and women's involvement in negotiations. The President concluded by stressing that military solutions are insufficient, advocating for negotiated settlements and stronger regional economic integration.