Zambia calls for more investment in conflict prevention as AU peace fund disburses $31 million

Zambia has called for continued investment in early warning, early response, preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding and peace support operations.

The African Union Peace Fund has disbursed approximately US$31 million toward peace and security interventions across the continent, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday.

This was revealed during the 26th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union on the Strengthening of Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, held in Luanda, Angola.

Dr. Elias Munshya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to Angola, delivered Zambia’s statement on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

Munshya reaffirmed the importance of placing conflict prevention at the centre of Africa’s peace and security agenda.

“Preventing conflict before it begins is more effective, more humane and less costly than rebuilding communities and nations after they have suffered the consequences of instability,” he said.

Munshya also welcomed the implementation of the African Union Peace Fund Mobilisation Strategy for 2025 to 2026, and the progress being made toward greater African ownership of peace and security priorities.

He reiterated that international and regional partnerships remained valuable and welcome but that such partnerships must complement, and not replace the responsibility that African Member States carry for the peace and security of the continent.

“Zambia remains committed to multilateralism, preventive diplomacy, peaceful resolution of disputes and collective security under the framework of the African Union and the United Nations Charter,” Munshya stated.

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