AUC, UNDP jointly launch Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions
Addis Ababa, July 17, 2023 (FBC) – The African Union Commission (AUC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT), on the side-lines of the 5th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, in Nairobi, Kenya.
AFSIT aims at providing support to countries undergoing complex political transitions and countries at risk.
It is to be recall that in May 2023, African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government reiterated a zero-tolerance stance against unconstitutional changes of government (UCG) and called for collective action in developing a robust mechanism for deepening democracy and collective security on the continent.
In response to the call, the AU Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined efforts to launch the AFSIT, an innovative initiative aimed at providing comprehensive programmatic support to African countries undergoing complex political transitions.
The primary objective of AFSIT is to assist in the development of credible, inclusive and legitimate transition roadmaps, mechanisms and institutions, ultimately leading to the restoration of constitutional rule, democracy and stability in relevant countries. AFSIT complements existing AU, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) and UN instruments, as well as initiatives by development partners, to ensure inclusive transitions. The Facility will proactively anticipate, respond to and address complex political crises within AU Member States.
The implementation of AFSIT will occur in phases, with initial priority given to addressing UCG as defined by AU norms. This will encompass responses to military coup d’états and instances of democratic process manipulation.
AFSIT will also extend support to ‘at risk countries’ teetering on the edge of a political crisis, as identified by early warning signs and data from the AU, RECs/RMs and the UN.
AU Member States, including members of the Peace and Security Council, Representatives from the UN, AU, RECs/RMs, as well as respective bilateral and multilateral stakeholders, participated at the launch event.