A new continental professional body aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity to manage conflicts and promote sustainable peace has been officially unveiled.

The Association of Conflict, Peace and Security Experts in Africa (ACPSEA) was inaugurated virtually on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, during an unveiling ceremony and fundraising event attended by diplomats, security professionals, scholars, and peacebuilders from across the continent.

Founder and President of ACPSEA, Isaac Asare, described the launch as a historic step toward building a professional platform dedicated to advancing conflict resolution, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting collaborative peacebuilding initiatives across Africa.

“Today marks a historic and deeply significant moment in our collective journey toward a more peaceful, stable, and secure Africa,” Mr Asare said in his inaugural address. “This occasion represents far more than the unveiling of an institution. It marks the birth of a continental professional platform dedicated to advancing conflict resolution, dispute resolution, peace, and security cooperation across Africa.”

Mr Asare said the vision for the association began in 2024 when a group of African professionals and scholars recognised the need for the continent to assume greater ownership of its peace and security agenda. The organisation was formally registered in June 2025 under Ghana’s Professional Bodies Registration Act, 1973 (Act 143), establishing its legal framework.

“At its core, ACPSEA is built on one fundamental belief: Africa must lead its own peacebuilding and security agenda,” he stated.

Addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges

The ACPSEA President noted that the association is being launched at a time when several regions of Africa are grappling with complex and evolving security threats.

He cited ongoing armed conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, political instability and coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as extremist activities by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria.

Mr Asare also drew attention to maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, where piracy and armed robbery at sea continue to threaten trade routes and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

“These realities remind us that peace and security cannot be taken for granted. They also remind us that Africa must strengthen its institutional capacity to prevent conflicts, manage crises, and build sustainable peace,” he said, noting that insecurity in neighbouring Burkina Faso had already claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian traders.

Promoting professional collaboration

According to Mr Asare, ACPSEA will focus on building a continental network of professionals working in mediation, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and security analysis. The association will also promote research, education, and professional training in conflict, peace, and security studies, while encouraging collaboration among practitioners, policymakers, academics, and security institutions.

“The success of this association will depend on the commitment of professionals, institutions, and partners across Africa and beyond,” he emphasised.

ACPSEA will be governed by an Executive Council, led by the President and supported by specialised councils for conflict, peace, and security. The association also operates national chapters to facilitate professional engagement across African countries.

A call for African-led solutions

Throughout his address, Mr Asare echoed calls by prominent African leaders for the continent to take greater responsibility for resolving its own challenges.

Quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he reminded participants that “Africa must take greater responsibility for its own problems and solutions.” He also cited Nelson Mandela, who said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”

ACPSEA seeks to nurture the next generation of African peacebuilders and security professionals while strengthening early warning systems and mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution.

“Peace is not simply the absence of violence,” he said. “Peace is the presence of justice, accountable institutions, economic opportunity, and inclusive governance.”

Mr Asare called on governments, international organisations, security institutions, civil society groups, and academic communities to collaborate with the association.

“The unveiling of ACPSEA today is only the beginning,” he said. “Together, we can strengthen Africa’s capacity to prevent conflicts, resolve disputes, and sustain peace.”

He concluded by urging Africans to embrace dialogue and cooperation as pathways to stability.

“Let us work together to build an Africa where dialogue replaces violence, where institutions are stronger than divisions, and where the next generation inherits a continent defined not by conflict but by peace, stability, and opportunity.”

ACPSEA Executive Council Members

1. Isaac Asare, FACPSEA – Founder and President
2. Alberta Kpeleku, FACPSEA – Vice President
3. Mina Mensah, FACPSEA – Secretary-General
4. Konlan Dafabin, FACPSEA – Head of Party
5. Dr Ayo Ayoola-Amale, FACPSEA – Lead, Council for Conflict Experts
6. Samuel Kobina Junior Amissah, FACPSEA – Lead, Council for Peace Experts
7. Musah Ibn-Ahmed, FACPSEA – Lead, Council for Security Experts
8. Enosh Kweku Blay, FACPSEA – Secretary, Council for Conflict Experts
9. Humphrey Kuupiel, FACPSEA – Secretary, Council for Peace Experts
10. Paul Akwasi Baami, FACPSEA – Secretary, Council for Security Experts
11. Daniel Okyere, FACPSEA – Legal Officer
12. Kezia Peace M. Kenneth Azumah, FACPSEA – Country Coordinator, Ghana
13. Sewuese Yaji-Aondo, FACPSEA – Country Coordinator, Nigeria
14. Buba Fatty, FACPSEA – Country Coordinator, The Gambia
15. Dan N. Odaba, FACPSEA – Country Coordinator, Kenya

With humility, hope, and determination, Mr Asare formally declared the Association of Conflict, Peace, and Security Experts in Africa (ACPSEA) open for collaboration.