Accra: A new professional body, the Association of Conflict, Peace and Security Experts In Africa (ACPSEA), was launched on Tuesday with a call on African nations to lead their own peacebuilding and security agenda. The Association, among other objectives, seeks to build a continental network of professionals working in mediation, peacebuilding, diplomacy, and security analysis.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Isaac Asare, Founder and President of ACPSEA, stated during the virtual launch in Accra that the Association would advance conflict resolution, strengthen security cooperation, and promote collaborative conflict resolution across Africa. He highlighted security challenges in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria, urging African nations to strengthen institutional capacity to prevent conflicts, manage crises, and build sustainable peace.
ACPSEA aims to promote professionalism, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action in the fields of conflict, dispute resolution, peacebuilding, and security studies. Mr. Asare mentioned that the Association had been structured to ensure professionalism, accountability, and continental participation with National Chapters across Africa, which would serve as platforms for professional engagement and collaboration within their respective jurisdictions.
He stated that ACPSEA envisions a future where African professionals lead mediation and conflict resolution across the continent, and African research institutions shape global peace and security debates. Mr. Asare noted that ACPSEA would work towards the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms across the justice systems in Africa and stressed the importance of commitment from professionals, institutions, and partners across Africa and beyond.
Mr. Asare extended an invitation to governments, individuals, professionals, international organisations, security institutions, academic communities, and civil society organisations to join in building this continental platform. He emphasized the need for collaborative effort in ensuring peace across the continent, stating that dialogue must replace violence, and institutions must be stronger than divisions.
Ms. Mina Mensah, the Secretary General of ACPSEA, emphasized the group's focus on promoting research, education, and professional training in conflict, peace, and security studies. She called for support from stakeholders to help the organization achieve its objectives. Mr. Michael Lang, a guest speaker, encouraged members to explore the unknown, remain confident, and be open to change to help the Association succeed.
The launch and fundraising event brought together members of the Association from Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Kenya as the Association unveiled its official logo. ACPSEA was registered as a professional body under the Professional Bodies Registration Act, 1973 (Act 143) of Ghana in June 2025, and currently has over 100 members.