Collaborating for a peaceful and secure Africa

The African Union Commission and the ISS renewed their partnership on governance and human security issues.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The long-standing strategic partnership between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) was renewed on 16 October with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Collaboration between the two institutions was formalised in 2014 when the first agreement was signed.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in Addis Ababa by Her Excellency Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs at the AUC and by Dr Roba Sharamo, ISS Addis Ababa Office Director and Regional Representative to AU, Horn and East Africa.

‘The ISS cherishes its decades-long collaborative relationship with African Union,’ said Sharamo. ‘With our partnership now reaffirmed, ISS is well positioned to support the AUC in its goal to realise Agenda 2063.’

The agreement enables the AUC and the ISS to work together on a broad range of governance and human security issues, including: strengthening governance, rule of law, human rights, crime prevention and justice, peacebuilding, democracy, counter-terrorism, migration, gender mainstreaming, capacity building for women’s participation in political processes, and humanitarian issues.

Sharamo said the ISS looked forward to strategic engagements and collaboration with the various organs of the AUC, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms. ‘Through this work we can contribute to the structural transformation of Africa and help achieve a more peaceful, stable and progressive continent, driven by its own citizens,’ he said.

The ISS is as a leading African organisation that partners to build the knowledge and skills needed to secure Africa’s future. It provides evidence-based research, policy advice, technical  assistance and training on human security in Africa. Productive partnerships with the AUC and African governments will improve the quality of ISS research and policy work, and encourage decision makers to engage with ISS’ recommendations.

For more information contact:

Dr Roba D Sharamo, ISS: +251 9440 83900, [email protected]

Picture: African Union Commission

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