The African Union (AU) convened an emergency meeting in September 2025 to address escalating regional conflicts that threaten stability across the continent. Leaders and representatives from the 55 AU member states gathered urgently to deliberate on how to curb violence and bolster peace efforts amid intensifying crises in multiple African regions. The meeting was held against a backdrop of widespread unrest in areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region.
This emergency session took place as part of the AU’s ongoing commitment to “African solutions to African problems,” a principle reaffirmed by the organization’s leadership in the face of deteriorating security conditions. The urgency arose partly from fresh outbreaks of violence in eastern DRC, where the rebel group M23 has reignited hostilities despite recent mediation attempts, and from the complex, multi-front confrontations afflicting the Sahel and neighboring regions.
AU Chairperson and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the collective responsibility of African leaders to act decisively: “It is imperative that we stand united to stem the tide of violence that threatens our people’s future. The African Union must lead the way with effective diplomacy, peace support operations, and coordinated regional responses” ().
The meeting underscored the AU’s need for enhanced funding and logistical support to its peace support operations, which have proven critical but under-resourced in confronting armed groups using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted at the Security Council earlier this year the necessity of predictable and sustainable backing for AU-led efforts, noting their front-line role in crises from Somalia to the Lake Chad Basin ().
AU representatives reported progress in operationalizing the African Standby Force and improving compliance with international humanitarian standards within peace missions. However, they also expressed concern over the shortcomings of international funding mechanisms and partnerships, calling for greater burden-sharing and partnership with the global community to enhance effectiveness.
In addition to conflict management, the meeting explored how climate change exacerbates regional instability, impacting livelihoods and fueling displacement that complicates peacebuilding efforts. Experts at the meeting called for integrated strategies combining security and socio-economic initiatives to address root causes.
The human toll of continued violence is stark. Civilians in conflict zones face displacement, loss of livelihood, and disrupted access to services, which the AU delegation described as a “crisis demanding urgent and coordinated action” (web
Looking forward, the AU plans to strengthen its mediation and peacekeeping frameworks while seeking stronger international collaboration and sustainable financing. The organization’s strategic agenda includes support for credible elections in conflict-affected countries like Cameroon and South Sudan, and backing of comprehensive peace agreements in the DRC and surrounding regions.
This emergency meeting signals a critical moment for the African Union as it escalates efforts to navigate complex regional conflicts amidst a global context of shifting priorities and challenges. The AU’s emphasis on increased self-reliance, coordinated regional action, and broad-based partnerships aims to foster durable peace across Africa.
Summary and Next Steps
The African Union’s emergency meeting in September 2025 highlighted the urgent need for increased resources, diplomatic initiatives, and operational capacities to tackle the continent’s intensifying conflicts. Going forward, the AU intends to deepen its peace support operations, enhance regional cooperation, and solicit greater international support to sustainably address and prevent conflict. Outbreaks in hotspots like eastern DRC and the Sahel will remain focal points, with the AU committing to pursue diplomatic mediation and support credible governance as foundational to lasting peace.
