PCRD overview

Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) is a priority area of the African peace and security agenda. Since the transition from the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU), African leaders have progressively put in place mechanisms and institutions, at regional and continental level, to prevent violent conflict and attend to and resolve those that have already occurred. In each conflict situation the AU and regional organisations continue to make efforts to facilitate negotiations for peaceful resolution and encourage peaceful co-existence. The result has been a steady decline in the number of active conflicts on the continent.

The risk of resumption of conflict in many situations is high, and a combination of local, regional and international factors create numerous obstacles to successful post-conflict reconstruction. Africa’s future has become increasingly dependent on the continent’s ability to undertake successful PCRD activities that consolidate peace and pave the way for growth and regeneration. In recognition of this imperative, the AU adopted a policy framework for PCRD at its 7th Summit in Banjul, the Gambia in June-July 2006. Pax Africa supported and assisted the AU in developing the policy framework.

After supporting the African Union throughout the policy process that led to the adoption of the AU Policy on PCRD, Pax Africa continues to engage with the AU, RECs, affected countries and other stakeholders within and outside of Africa in the unpacking and implementation of the policy. This includes the clarification of key concepts and activities such as disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation, reintegration and repatriation (DDRRR) and the development of an African science and technology base for PCRD.