Kampala, 4 January 2022 (TDI): On Tuesday 21st December 2021, the African Union (AU) launched the Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) in Cairo, Egypt.
About the Centre
The Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development is an initiative of the Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Department of the African Union (AU). On 31 January 2011 AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government Decision AU/DEC.351 (XVI) provided for the establishment of the Centre.
Along these lines, the Government of Egypt had made a proposal to the AU for the establishment of the Center. Thus, the Center facilitates sustainable resilience, enhances structural transformation, and prevents relapse into conflict.
In addition, the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government applauded the proposal. This applause enabled the Decision AU/DEC.351 (XVI). So that, the Centre’s primary activities encompass security, political governance, and transition.
Besides, it is also in charge of humanitarian/emergency assistance, human rights, socioeconomic reconstruction, gender, among others.
Grand Opening of the Centre
On the other hand, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye officiated the grand opening of the Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Cairo, Egypt. Along these lines, Bankole Adeoye is the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
Hence, the Ambassador unveiled the Centre in the company of Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for African Organizations and Communities, Ambassador Soha Gendi. The Cairo-based African Diplomatic Corps, relevant Departments, Agencies of the Government of Egypt witnessed the occasion.
PCRD Centre Strategic Roles
On the other hand, the launch of the Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development is strategic. It will facilitate the implementation of the PCRD Policy Framework of the AU. In this way, the Framework, adopted at the Banjul 2006 Summit, reflects cohesive principles.
Likewise, the Centre’s mandate is the provision of technical support towards the implementation of the AU PCRD Policy Framework. So that, it is a specialized technical agency for the AU PCRD Policy Framework.
As a result, it will facilitate the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects and programs in countries where conflicts are emerging. In addition, it will be working closely with different stakeholders to gather resources for the PCRD Policy Framework.
Stakeholders Engagement
In this regard, the parties agreed that the League of the Arab States and the African Union should work in harmony to strengthen regional cooperation. Strong collaboration is necessary to tackle the peace and security challenges facing the regions.
Other stakeholders’ engagement meeting was with different institutions. These include the Institute of Diplomatic Studies and Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA).
Finally, at the engagement meetings, Ambassador Adeoye highlighted that the AU Centre is a cornerstone in facilitating peace and stability across Africa.
