AU Highlights AI’s Transformative Potential for Peace, Security and Governance 

Addis Ababa, March 22, 2025 (ENA) -- The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing peace, security, and governance across the continent.

Speaking at the 1267th Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting at the ministerial level, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, called for proactive measures to harness AI’s potential for the benefit of Africa. 

In his address, Chairperson Youssouf emphasized AI’s immense promise in addressing Africa’s development challenges.

“With AI holding immense promise for advancing development and solving persistent challenges, from boosting agriculture to improving healthcare and education, we have entered into a unique time of the human experience,” he said. 

He highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize conflict prevention, counterterrorism, and governance.

“In peace, security, and governance, AI presents organizations such as the African Union and our Member States a strategic tool that could potentially revolutionize our ability to predict and prevent conflicts, counter terrorism, enhance security operations, and make governance more effective across the continent,” Youssouf stated. 

The Chairperson noted the pivotal role of AI in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace.

“Advanced early-warning systems powered by AI now analyze vast amounts of data—social media trends, satellite imagery, and economic indicators—to detect early signs of instability,” he explained. 

Youssouf also highlighted AI’s contributions to peacekeeping and mediation. “AI tools are being used to map the interests and grievances of different conflict parties. Such tools can now assist peace mediators in choosing effective solutions,” he said. “If used effectively, the integration of AI into peace efforts will allow us to respond faster and smarter to prevent violence across the continent.” 

On counterterrorism, Youssouf pointed out how AI is transforming efforts to combat one of Africa’s greatest challenges.

“AI-powered surveillance tools can track terrorist movements, analyze suspicious financial transactions, and detect radicalization patterns on social media platforms,” he said. 

He also emphasized AI’s role in financial intelligence tracking. “Through AI-driven forensic analysis, illicit cash flows can identify abnormal financial behaviors, to disrupt the financing of terrorist operations,” Youssouf added. 

The Chairperson stressed the importance of AI in improving governance and transparency. “AI can enhance governance by tracking public spending, detecting fraud, and reducing corruption,” he said.

In elections, the Chairperson stated that AI can detect fraud, monitor manipulation, and analyze voting patterns to strengthen democracy. 

Youssouf commended the PSC for its proactive steps in addressing AI-related issues, including the establishment of the African Union AI Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence, Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance.

He urged member states to develop strong AI regulations, strengthen counterterrorism capabilities, enhance regional and international cooperation, invest in capacity building, and monitor AI’s societal impact.

Chairperson expressed optimism about AI’s potential to transform Africa recognizing its potential in transforming peace, security, and governance across Africa. 

“For this to happen, Africa must embrace this opportunity with foresight. Collectively, I believe we can use AI for peace and prosperity.” 

The Chairperson’s statement reflects the AU’s commitment to leveraging AI as a strategic tool for development, peace, and security, while ensuring its governance aligns with Africa’s unique needs and aspirations.