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.
Mr Isaac Asare, Founder and President, ACPSEA, speaking during the virtual launch in Accra, said 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 Africa nations to strengthen institutional capacity to prevent conflicts, manage crises, and build sustainable peace.
ACPSEA would promote professionalism, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action in the fields of conflict, dispute resolution, peacebuilding, and security studies.
He said 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.
“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,” he stated.
Mr Asare noted that ACPSEA would work towards the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms across the justice systems in Africa.
“The success of this Association will depend on the commitment of professionals, institutions, and partners across Africa and beyond,” he said.
“I, therefore, extend an open invitation to governments, individuals, professionals, international organisations, security institutions, academic communities, and civil society organisations to join us in building this continental platform.”
Mr Asare emphasised collaborative effort in ensuring peace across the continent, stressing that dialogue must replace violence, and institutions must be stronger than divisions.
Ms Mina Mensah, the Secretary General, ACPSEA, said the group would promote research, education, and professional training in conflict, peace, and security studies, and called for support from stakeholders to help the organisation achieve its objectives.
Mr Mchael Lang, a guest speaker, urged 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.