[Deutsche Welle] AU- The Panel of the Wise explained

The African Union’s topic has currently shifted to ways of reducing the odds of increased 

conflict through mediation. The delegate of Chad introduced as a solution increasing the influence of the Panel of the Wise (referred to as ‘Panel’ from here). Some delegations have also proposed adapting the current procedures of the Panel. But what is this Panel, and who is on it?

The Panel is a part of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union, meant to enforce the decisions of the Union. This was meant to increase effectiveness of the Union as a whole, and has long since been criticized for its lack of influence. The goal of the panel is to provide advice to the PSC on actions they are considering to take. It consists of 5 people who are ‘highly respected African personalities from various segments of society who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of peace, security and development on the continent’. Each represents a different region of Africa: North, Central, East, West, and South. Currently, these 5 members are all current or former politicians. 3 of them are women. 

While their goal is an idealistic one, it currently lacks funding. This holds them back from implementing their ideas to the best of their ability, even with the best intentions. Furthermore, all of the past and current Panel members have been politicians. This does not align with the goal of having people from ‘various segments of society’ on the panel. 

The African Union was today debating changing the panel, expanding it and creating a quota for the amount of women on the panel. And while these ideas hold true, it might be worthwhile to create more monetary resources for the Panel first, allowing them to do what they were meant to do for the first time.