Faced with the rise in armed conflicts and political crises in Africa, the African Union is bringing together experts, diplomats and security officials in Libreville. The Gabonese capital hosts the 17th high-level retreat of the AU Commission dedicated to peace and stability on the continent. Objective: strengthen ceasefire, political dialogue and reconciliation mechanisms. A strategic meeting in a context marked by more than 35 active conflicts in Africa.
Since May 21, 2026, Gabon has hosted the 17th high-level retreat of the African Union dedicated to peace, security and stability on the continent. For two days, diplomats, UN special envoys, security experts and former heads of state discuss mechanisms for preventing conflicts and consolidating lasting peace in Africa.
‘’ Gabon has always supported mediation and facilitation initiatives carried out under the subject of the CAC, Economic Community of Central African States, while contributing to regional stabilization efforts through its participation in support operations for the plain. This constancy reflects our deep conviction that regional security is a common good which is based on the solidarity, coordination and collective action of States.   ‘’
HERMANN IMMONGAULT, Vice-president of the government – GABON
This meeting takes place in a particularly tense context. Africa today has more than 35 active armed conflicts, notably in Sudan, the Sahel and eastern DRC. According to estimates by the African Union and international agencies, nearly 45 million people are displaced or refugees because of violence on the continent. Terrorist groups affiliated with Daesh and Al-Qaeda also continue to expand their influence in several African regions. Placed under the theme “Strengthening ceasefires, national dialogue and reconciliation for lasting peace”, the retreat also focuses on role of women, young people and regional organizations in mediation processes.
‘’Now the continent faces many challenges. There are pockets of tension in all regions. So it is the primary responsibility of the African Union Commission that I have the honor to lead, of our heads of state, to be able, I would say, to show solidarity, resilience and adaptation so that solutions are found to these crises by Africans themselves.   ‘’Â
MAHAMOUD ALI YOUSSOUF, Chairperson of the African Union Commission – DJIBOUTI
The discussions also focused on the financing of African peacekeeping operations and the strengthening of preventive diplomacy in the face of the multiplication of coups d’état and political crises on the continent. For Gabon, the organization of this meeting represents a strong diplomatic signal. The Gabonese authorities want to reposition the country as an African platform for dialogue and regional mediation. The Palais des Congrès Omar Bongo Ondimba, which hosts the works, is gradually confirming its status as a diplomatic hub in Central Africa.
