Situation Report: SDG 16 : a review of key developmental challenges in Africa: through the lens of SDG 16: peace, justice and strong institutions

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the pertinent challenges to peace, justice and strong institutions in Africa. Drawing from open-source material, a balanced view of governance dynamics, threats to peace and security, human rights challenges and regional cooperation across the five regions of the continent. The report examines challenges to democratic consolidation, governance inclusivity, socio-economic equality, violent extremism, and civic space restrictions, which pose significant obstacles to peace and inclusive governance. It highlights opportunities for collaborative responses by African states, regional mechanisms, and global partners to advance SDG 16 and AU Agenda 2063, drawing on frameworks like the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP). While it is acknowledged that these challenges do not all manifestly prevail across the continent, focus is placed on issues that are perceived to be the most pressing, pose the greatest challenge, and require urgent actions. Key stakeholders who might benefit from this report include the African Union, regional economic communities, states, civil society organizations, international partners and global agencies engaged in governance reforms and peacebuilding interventions. By providing a situational overview of the main challenges to peace, justice and strong institutions, the report aims to give stakeholders an immediate glimpse of the regional and country contexts, highlighting areas for targeted interventions in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063. The cross-cutting analysis demonstrates how governance deficiencies, security threats and conflicts are interconnected across regions, sounding a need for coordinated approaches, heavily grounded on the African Union Transitional Justice Policy in addressing these developmental challenges.