Eswatini calls for early action on conflict warnings

**Eswatini Urges African Union to Act on Early Conflict Warnings**

*Luanda, Angola – September 3, 2026* – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, speaking on behalf of King Mswati III, called on the African Union (AU) to translate early warning information into timely preventive action during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly on Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa.

In remarks delivered at the summit in Luanda, Dlamini emphasized that the continent possesses ample data on potential conflicts but often fails to act before violence erupts. “Time and again, warning signs of conflict have long shown themselves before the violence did and a moment when dialogue was still possible,” he said, adding that the gap between knowledge and action “is where people die.”

### Key Points Highlighted

– **Root Causes of Conflict** – Dlamini noted that many disputes begin before armed forces cross borders, driven by ideological differences, intolerance, and competition over scarce resources such as water and grazing land. He identified climate stress and migration as potential precursors to instability, urging “timely, lawful and coordinated action” to address them.

– **Legal and Institutional Gaps** – The prime minister cited Article 30 of the AU Constitutive Act, which bars governments that come to power through unconstitutional means from participating in AU activities. He argued that the AU must apply this rule consistently, calling for the immediate suspension of such governments and the establishment of credible timelines for a return to civilian rule.

– **Early Warning System Shortcomings** – While praising Eswatini’s own early warning mechanisms for producing solid analysis, Dlamini observed that the AU and regional bodies often reach similar conclusions only after days or weeks, limiting the effectiveness of preventive measures.

### Proposed Measures

Dlamini outlined six recommendations for the AU summit to consider:

1. **Elevate Dialogue** – Treat dialogue as a proactive mechanism rather than a response after violence has begun.
2. **Strengthen the AU Early Warning System** – Institute an automatic council session within days of each warning issued.
3. **Restore the Panel of the Wise** – Give the panel a standing mandate to engage early in emerging conflicts, with full participation of women and youth in mediation.
4. **Resource the African Standby Force** – Ensure adequate funding and logistical support.
5. **Increase Conflict‑Prevention Funding** – Adopt the proposed billion‑dollar Peace Fund.
6. **Recognize Regional Mechanisms** – Enhance coordination with bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

### Royal Message on Coordination

King Mswati III, conveyed through Dlamini, urged stronger cooperation among the AU, SADC, the United Nations and other stakeholders to improve conflict prevention and resolution across Africa. The prime minister relayed the king’s call for “coherent and effective approaches” and reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to supporting AU peace initiatives.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf thanked the king for his leadership, noting that the proposals align with the AU’s mandate and praising SADC’s role in regional peace and security. Youssouf indicated that the suggestions would receive due consideration.

### Context

Eswatini currently chairs the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and holds a seat on the AU Peace and Security Council. The nation’s early warning systems have been highlighted in recent regional assessments, but the prime minister’s remarks underscore a broader continental challenge: converting early warnings into decisive, preventive action before conflicts flare.

The summit’s outcomes are expected to shape the AU’s conflict‑prevention architecture for the coming years, with particular focus on bridging the “knowledge‑action gap” identified by Eswatini’s leadership.

Article and image source: eswatiniobserver.com