APSACO 9th Edition - The African Peace & Security Architecture in the Face of Emerging Threats

As Africa faces increasingly complex security challenges, the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) must evolve to address both emerging threats and its own structural limitations. How effective has APSA been in managing crises and promoting collective security across the continent? To what extent can it adapt to new forms of instability, including transnational terrorism, hybrid conflicts, and climate-induced security risks? This panel will examine how Africa can rethink its collective security framework in response to shifting regional and global dynamics. With a growing need for proactive rather than reactive mechanisms, what structural and institutional reforms are required to enhance APSA’s operational effectiveness? Additionally, the discussion will explore the strategic advisory tools needed to strengthen the African Union Commission’s capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging security challenges. How can APSA improve coordination among regional bodies, enhance early warning systems, and optimize its crisis response mechanisms?