# African peace and security actor transitions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/african-peace-and-security-actor-transitions
> Updated: 2026-09-21T01:09:13.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The landscape of peace and security in Africa is undergoing a significant transition as United Nations peacekeeping missions decline and regional actors take on more prominent roles.

In the Sahel, the United Nations has transitioned its focus toward diplomacy, mediation, and humanitarian assistance following the conclusion of the MINUSMA mission in Mali. This shift follows the request of Mali’s transitional government for the mission's termination and coincides with geopolitical changes, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger exiting ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States.

Concurrently, research indicates that the African Union has emerged as a primary peace and security actor. The AU and various regional organizations have increasingly deployed peace operations, mediated conflicts, and supported political transitions in nations such as Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. This evolution suggests a shift where African actors are increasingly shaping conflict responses through collaboration with international partners.

## Claims

- The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by the Security Council in 2013. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mali’s transitional government requested the termination of the MINUSMA mandate in June 2023. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The MINUSMA mission completed its withdrawal from Mali by the end of 2023. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have increased cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The UN continues its political engagement in the Sahel through the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: United Nations shifts role in Sahel after peacekeeping withdrawal

The UN is shifting from peacekeeping to diplomacy in the Sahel after the withdrawal of MINUSMA and the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS to join the Alliance of Sahel States.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-shifts-role-in-sahel-after-peacekeeping-withdrawal

### 2026-09-14: African Union peacekeeping grows as UN missions decline

Research shows the African Union is increasingly leading peace and security interventions across the continent as UN missions decline, presenting a complex mix of agency and international partnership.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-union-peacekeeping-grows-as-un-missions-decline

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Cite as: African peace and security actor transitions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/african-peace-and-security-actor-transitions