"Over the years, the African continent has been devastated by a vast number of conflicts, many of them of an intractable and prolonged nature.  Millions of lives have been lost, and the human rights of survivors abused. Entire populations have been forced to abandon their homes and take refuge in neighbouring countries. The economic cost of these conflicts has been crippling, reversing the development of countries and communities already exposed to extreme poverty... The realisation has grown in Africa over recent years that the continent’s leaders have to take collective responsibility if they wish to ensure a significant reduction in the number of conflicts. This realisation lies behind the decision to create a Peace and Security Council of the African Union, with the ability to intervene and resolve conflicts on the continent.” 

The launching of the Peace and Security Council is both welcome and historic. Based on continental solidarity and firm regional building blocks, it is destined to make a vital and indispensable contribution to the task of promoting peace and stability in Africa. The European Union's speedy endorsement of the Peace Facility acknowledges the credibility and authority with which the African Union is assuming its responsibilities in the domain of peace and security. The Peace Facility gives tangible backing to the emerging African resolve to deal with conflicts.