Africa : 43 countries meet in Bujumbura to address peace and security challenges

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, September 21, 2026 — Burundi hosted the 18th session of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security from September 15 to 18. Held in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital and home to UN agencies, the central government, numerous public institutions, and a large portion of the country’s economic activity, the meeting brought together representatives from 43 of the 55 member states of the continental organization to discuss the political and security situation in Africa, conflict prevention and management, and disarmament.

The meeting was announced on September 14 in Bujumbura by Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB). He indicated that the work would focus in particular on assessing the political and security situation on the continent and on strengthening African mechanisms for conflict prevention and management.

For four days, participants examined expert reports on the evolving security situation in Africa and ways to strengthen African crisis response mechanisms.

At the closing of the proceedings, Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza emphasized the link between security and development.

“Africa’s development cannot flourish without security. It is essential to understand that where there is no peace, there can be no progress,” he stated.

Addressing the root causes of conflicts

Participants stressed the responsibility of African states in preserving peace and security. Discussions focused in particular on the need to address the root causes of conflicts and strengthen collective responses to various crises affecting the continent.

Burundi’s Minister of Defense, Marie-Chantal Nijimbere, addressed several challenges that Africa continues to face, including ethnic conflicts, terrorism, and youth unemployment. She called for collective action to support vulnerable populations affected by these crises.

The discussions also addressed disarmament issues, in light of the peace and development goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This strategic framework sets out the major directions for the continent’s socio-economic transformation by 2063, particularly in the areas of peace and security, integration, sustainable development, and governance.

Recommendations expected

The recommendations from the meeting are to be submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council and the African Union Assembly. They will inform the deliberations and decisions of the continental organization’s main bodies responsible for peace and security issues.

Before the session opened, the Burundi Defence Force (FDNB) indicated that the discussions would allow representatives of member states to take stock of the political and security situation on the continent and to consider strengthening African mechanisms for conflict prevention and management.

For the Burundian authorities, hosting this meeting also represents a sign of confidence in the country.

“It is an honor for Burundi to host this meeting,” declared Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, announcing the participation of 43 African Union member states.

The closing of this 18th session comes as the African Union seeks to strengthen continental mechanisms designed to prevent conflicts, respond to crises, and create the conditions necessary for peace and sustainable development.

However, several observers believe that implementing these goals remains complicated by the persistence of conflicts between African countries, the lack of financial and logistical resources, and the dependence on external aid to finance certain peace and security operations. In addition to these difficulties, governance problems and institutional weaknesses continue to hinder efforts toward stability and development in several countries.