ANNEX 1
DESCRIPTION OF THE AFRICAN UNION'S CONTINENTAL EARLY WARNING SYSTEM, THE PANEL OF THE WISE AND THE PEACE FUND
The African Union's Emerging Peace and Security Regime
Opportunities and Challenges for Delivering on the Responsibility to Protect
Kristiana Powell
The Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) will be designed to anticipate and prevent conflicts. It will consist of an observation headquarters (“The Situation Room”) in the Conflict Management Directorate and will be charged with the task of collecting and analysing data. The Situation Room will be connected to the observation and monitoring units of the regional mechanisms. The information collected and analysed through this system will be used by the chairperson of the commission to provide the Peace and Security Council with advice on appropriate responses to potential or actual conflict.
The proposed Panel of the Wise will consist of highly respected African personalities from various segments of society who have made outstanding contribution(s) to the cause of peace, security and development on the continent. The panel will meet regularly and will assist the Peace and Security Council and the chairperson of the commission with the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability on the continent.
The peace and security activities of the African Union will be supported by a Peace Fund. The Peace Fund houses financial contributions from the AU’s regular budget voluntary contributions from member states, from other sources within Africa such as the private sector, civil society and individuals, and from international donors.
