On 21-22 May 2026 ACCORD attended and participated in the African Union (AU) Chairperson’s 17 High Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace and Stability in Africa in Libreville, Gabon. The retreat was convened under the theme Powering Ceasefires, National Dialogue and Reconciliation for Durable Peace.
The Retreat was held against the backdrop continuing evolving nature of conflicts in Africa that have become more complex over time. Conflicts are increasingly characterised by fragmented armed actors, changing cross-border dynamics, competition over resources, identity-based grievances, unconstitutional changes of government, and heightened geopolitical influences. The Retreat then provided an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned, share good practices, and identify practical measures to enhance the AU’s preventive diplomacy and mediation architecture.
On day one of the Retreat, ACCORD’s Senior Political Advisor, Ambassador Welile Nhlapo was the lead presenter for the session Ceasefires at work – Focus on the Great Lakes Region, where he shared his experiences with the conflicts in the Great Lakes region and providing insights into resolving the current challenges to conflict resolution.
Other discussions held at the Retreat included a dialogue on youth, peace and security and sessions on promoting peace and ceasefires in the Sahel and Sudan. In the evening, a fireside chat was held on leadership perspectives on the state of peace and security in Africa, with former presidents Kenyatta and Masisi sharing their insights in a sessions mediated by Cathy Mohlahlana.
The high-level retreat was attended by; H.E Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria; H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, the former president of Kenya; H.E Mokgweetsi Masisi, the former president of Botswana; H.E Patrice Emery Trovoada, the former prime minister of Sao Tome and Principe; H.E Domitien Ndayizeye, the former president of Burundi; and H.E Sahle Work Zewde, the former president of Ethiopia. In addition, the chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E Bankole Adeoye were also in attendance. Other attendees include AU special envoys, members of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), representatives from WiseYouth and various permanent representatives.
ACCORD will remain engaged with the AU and partners to continue its support to mediation and ceasefire efforts across Africa.
