H.E. Dr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission

Ten years ago, the Constitutive Act establishing the African Union (AU) came into force. In a landmark decision, African states pledged that war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity would trigger intervention by the AU; asserted respect for democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance practices; and rejected changes in government deemed unconstitutional. In the last decade, the AU has led peacekeeping operations, mediated peace negotiations between warring parties, and suspended member states for unconstitutional changes in government. The challenges to maintaining peace and security in Africa remain great, with insecurity and uncertainty surrounding many countries - such as, Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya.

H.E. Dr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission, discussed the role that the African Union continues to play in creating peace and establishing security in Africa.

Speakers:

• H.E. Dr. Jean Ping
  Chairperson of the AU Commission
• Tara Sonenshine, Introduction
  Executive Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace
• David Smock, Moderator
  Vice President, USIP Center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Explore Further

• Read a summary of this event
• Listen to an audio recording of this event
• Eye on the Middle East and North Africa: Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace are closely following developments throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In a series of reports and interviews, they cover a wide range of issues.
• Countries and Regions: Sudan
• Countries and Regions: Côte d'Ivoire

If you are interested in this event, you may also be interested in the following Academy courses:

• Peacebuilding Organizations and Institutions
  
• Governance and Democratic Practices in War to Peace Transitions
  
• Social Reconstruction and Human Security