Renewed agreements between the African Union and the United Nations were signed on September 21, 2026, at UN Headquarters in New York, strengthening their peacekeeping partnership. H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Mr. Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, formalized these frameworks. The agreements, which include a Memorandum of Intent on cooperation in operational support and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme (KEEP), reaffirm the importance of networked multilateralism, practical cooperation, and African ownership. They also place a strong emphasis on preparedness for future peace support operations, showing a shared vision for more effective and regionally led peacekeeping efforts.
Details of New Agreements
The renewed cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations focuses on critical areas including capacity development, institutional strengthening, and shared learning. These efforts specifically address mission planning, supply chains, finance, human resources, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The full scope of these areas is designed to enhance the full spectrum of operations required for successful peace support missions. A key initiative supporting this partnership is the Strategic Transformation and Reinforcement (STAR) Programme. The STAR Programme brought together expertise from both the AU and the UN to enhance the institutional capacity and operational readiness of the African Union for peace support operations. This joint work aims to streamline processes and improve the effectiveness of future missions, reflecting a commitment to practical collaboration across various operational domains and ensuring that the AU is well-equipped to manage complex security challenges.
History and Evolution of Cooperation
The renewed agreements build upon nearly a decade of collaborative efforts between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). This cooperation began with the establishment of the Knowledge, Experience, Exchange, and Partnerships (KEEP) initiative in 2016, which was subsequently revitalized in 2022 to further strengthen their joint peace and security endeavors. This sustained engagement has provided a strong foundation for the current enhanced partnership, demonstrating a long-term commitment to shared goals. The inaugural Strategic Transformation and Reinforcement (STAR) Programme, a key initiative supporting the strengthened partnership, was conducted in Algiers from July 19 to 23, 2026. This event marked a significant step in implementing the renewed focus on capacity development and institutional strengthening for peace support operations, bringing together vital expertise from both organizations to achieve common objectives.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
The renewed agreements between the African Union and the United Nations formalize two key instruments designed to enhance their collaborative efforts. These instruments include a Memorandum of Intent on cooperation in operational support, which outlines a framework for coordinated action in areas such as logistics, technology, and personnel management for peace support operations. This Memorandum of Intent is key for ensuring smooth coordination and resource optimization in the field. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme (KEEP) was signed. The KEEP initiative aims to facilitate the transfer of best practices, lessons learned, and specialized knowledge between the two organizations, further strengthening their joint capacity to address complex peace and security challenges. This dual approach, combining operational coordination with knowledge sharing, shows a strategic commitment to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping missions across the African continent. The agreements are expected to provide a structured pathway for sustained collaboration, reinforcing the AU's ability to lead and manage its peace operations with strong support from the UN, ultimately contributing to greater stability and security in the region.