The partnership between UNDP and the AUC in the establishment of AFSIT portends several advantages. The African Union and other regional actors have established robust normative frameworks to advance democratic governance, and human security and promote the right to development on the continent. They have also often led political engagements and interventions to address complex political transitions in Africa. These political engagements have had mixed results and may sometimes constrain regional actors from direct or immediate engagements with countries experiencing complex political transitions due to decisions such as sanctions. Yet, there is a clear recognition of the need to stay and deliver for the population even during such complex political transitions.

In recent years, democratic backsliding has become manifest in diverse contexts across the globe. On the African Continent, this phenomenon has become particularly pronounced in a wave of military coups and other Unconstitutional Change of Governments (UCG), including third-termism.

The Steering Committee discussions highlighted several critical questions and key messages, which provide direction for enhancing AFSIT’s role in supporting regional offices and organizations. Read the outcome report for more insights.

The AFSIT Regional Dialogue, held on 24 to 25 June, served as a platform to identify challenges, opportunities and ways to enhance partnerships to support democratic governance and inclusive political transition processes in the Horn of Africa. It provided aspace for the cross-fertilization of knowledge, learning and capacity building. The regional dialogue brought together government representatives from the member states of the Intergovernmental Agency on Development (IGAD), civil society groups and regional/sub-regional organizations, as well as development partners

As part of the Regional Dialogue Series on Deepening Democracy, Good Governance, and Inclusive Political Transitions, the UNDP organized a Civil Society Organisations (CSO) consultation forum for the West and Central Africa region, in collaboration with the AUC and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). The forum brought together over 30 civil society representatives, who reflected on UCG and democratic setbacks across West and Central Africa.

AFSIT provides targeted and catalytic support to African countries navigating complex political transitions. It adopts a development-oriented approach aimed at strengthening governance structures, promoting stability and building resilience, ensuring that transitions are peaceful, inclusive and sustainable.

In 2024, the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) actively engaged in fostering peaceful and stable political transitions across Africa through its multi-faceted strategy.

This report, Advancing inclusive development: Policy options for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Mali and Niger, builds on the insights of UNDP’s flagship report, Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa, which highlighted the necessity for enhanced people-centred governance and inclusive development as the basis for building state resilience against crisis. It moves beyond crisis response to explore long-term, development-oriented solutions that foster resilience and inclusivity as critical for sustaining peace and development.