Mbabane – Government officials and civil society representatives from across Southern Africa wrapped up a four-day regional workshop on strengthening early warning and government monitoring mechanisms on 28 August 2025.
The event, held from 25 to 28 August, was organised by Thinking Africa in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It aimed to institutionalise collaboration between governments and civil society organisations (CSOs) in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Dr. Said Abass Ahamed, Director of Thinking Africa, led the programme, which brought together CSO representatives from SADC member states, officials from the AU Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), SADC personnel, national government delegates, and experts from regional think tanks and technical partners. 
Participants focused on building structured partnerships with the AU, SADC, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The workshop offered training in conflict analysis, digital tools, mediation techniques, and data protection to equip CSOs with practical skills for peacebuilding.
A key development was the formalisation of the Southern Africa CSO Early Warning Coalition, designed to improve regional early warning systems and responses to potential conflicts. Delegates also co-designed digital tools for conflict monitoring and rapid alerts, using technology to strengthen preventative measures.
The workshop concluded with actionable partnerships and a framework for sustained collaboration between governments and civil society. Delegates also visited Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu, who welcomed their efforts.
Minister Shakantu said the initiative supports the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and CEWS, which coordinates conflict prevention with regional bodies. She referenced Article 12 of the PSC Protocol, which requires CEWS to work with CSOs on data collection, analysis, and response strategies. She also noted the AU Peace and Security Council’s call for inclusive, community-based approaches to Africa’s complex peace and security challenges during its 1163rd Ministerial Meeting.
