With almost half of the 32 conflict-ridden countries situated in Africa, the Peace, Security, and Development (PSD) nexus acknowledges that emergencies often stem from broader inequalities and injustices, offering an opportunity to engage with root causes.

Over $20 billion is allocated annually to military interventions across the continent, contributing to Africa’s cumulative GDP losses, which have reached a staggering $788 billion over the past decade due to conflicts. These figures, when juxtaposed against the glaring developmental needs of the continent, underscore the urgency of addressing the conflict’s root causes comprehensively.

Beyond the economic toll lies a priceless human cost. The conflict has profoundly impacted millions of lives, making Africa home to nearly one-third of the world’s forcibly displaced population. The repercussions, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers, extend to shattered families, disrupted communities, and individuals left without homes and basic services. The collateral damage resonates through disrupted education and healthcare systems, putting dreams on hold and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Women and girls become victims of indescribable atrocities, leaving lasting physical and psychological scars on individuals and their communities. To quantify the impact is an impossible task. Urgent action is required, shifting from policies to a holistic approach that addresses the entire conflict cycle from prevention to post-conflict development and reconstruction.

Amidst various peacekeeping endeavors, there is a mounting acknowledgment that these efforts need to synchronize with security and developmental initiatives. A prolonged, home-grown engagement focusing on robust institutions, good governance, inclusive political processes, and active community participation is crucial.

Recognizing the importance of a holistic strategy, AUDA-NEPAD has crafted the “Socio-Economic Development in Post-Conflict States: the triple nexus on peace, security, and development” program. With almost half of the 32 conflict-ridden countries situated in Africa, the Peace, Security, and Development (PSD) nexus acknowledges that emergencies often stem from broader inequalities and injustices, offering an opportunity to engage with root causes.

The AUDA-NEPAD PSD triple nexus program intends to promote sustainable development and peace through regional integration anchored in peace, security, and development principles. This involves interventions in policy areas, linking with regional programs, and flexible programming in priority interventions for select post-conflict states (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and South Sudan). Establishing institutional frameworks for accountability, monitoring, and evaluation, the integrated program aims to foster sustainable development, peace, and regional integration over a five-year implementation period.