The African Development Bank Group has reiterated its dedication to promoting peace and stability in Africa by participating in a technical workshop to finalize the “Handbook for the African Union Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM).” Organized by the African Union Commission, the three-day workshop concluded on 21 July and was supported by the Bank’s Joint Secretariat Support Office. It brought together key stakeholders to gather lessons learned and best practices that will support the operationalization and institutional strengthening of the AU-MVCM.
The AU-MVCM was established in December 2022, following the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in November 2022 between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. As a peace support mechanism, the mission is tasked with monitoring, verifying, and ensuring compliance with the agreement. Its formation reflects Africa’s growing capacity to resolve complex peace and security issues through home-grown, AU-led solutions.
Responding to a formal request from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank initially committed $1 million in 2022 to support the High Representative for the Horn of Africa’s mediation work. In 2023, the Bank further pledged about $2.4 million in technical assistance to enhance the AU Commission’s ability to implement peace frameworks and respond to regional instability, particularly across the Horn of Africa.
According to Abibu Tamu, Lead Programme Coordinator at the Bank’s Joint Secretariat Support Office, the Bank’s engagement demonstrates a strong commitment to strengthening African institutions for conflict resolution and long-term resilience. The newly developed Handbook will improve the AU-MVCM’s operational effectiveness and serve as a foundation for institutionalising peace processes continent-wide.
The Handbook is a key deliverable of the Bank’s support and functions as a strategic guide for mission personnel. It defines operational procedures, monitoring and verification protocols, and coordination frameworks. It also captures vital lessons from the Ethiopia peace process, offering a replicable model for future AU-led peace support missions.
Participants of the workshop reached a strong consensus on the Handbook’s content and relevance, marking a significant milestone in institutionalising the progress achieved in Ethiopia. The African Development Bank’s support for the Handbook highlights its broader mission of fostering peace, security, and development across the continent, acknowledging that sustainable peace is essential for inclusive growth and regional transformation.
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