From 5-7 November 2025, ACCORD participated in a meeting organised by the Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union Commission (AUC). This meeting aimed to establish a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Network for Peace, Security and Development in Southern Africa and integrate it into the Pan-African Civil Society Network on Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PANPAPS). Held in Cape Town, South Africa, the workshop brought together CSO representatives from across the sub-region, as well as representatives from AU organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU-affiliated bodies, and Southern African member states.
Over the three-day engagement, discussions focused on strengthening collaboration, improving information-sharing, and developing strategies to enhance CSOs contribution to conflict prevention, governance, and development efforts in line with Agenda 2063. Participants examined lessons learned from existing regional networks, including the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and engaged in in-depth reflections on challenges facing CSOs — such as resource constraints, duplication of efforts, and limited engagement with governments.
A key outcome of the workshop was agreement to form the Southern African PAPS (SAPAPS), a coalition that will coordinate regional civil society efforts and serve as the Southern African pillar feeding into PANPAPS. Delegates also agreed on the need for a follow-up virtual meeting to further refine governance structures and the integration roadmap.
ACCORD remains committed to supporting processes that strengthen civil society participation in peace, security, and development across the continent. Engagements such as this contribute to ACCORD’s broader work in enhancing the effectiveness of African institutions and promoting inclusive, African-led approaches to addressing complex peace and security challenges.
