About Us – COMESA CSO Platform

The overall objectives of GPS are to foster Peace for economic development in the COMESA region.

Who are we?

21

Member States

More than 40 Civil Society Organizations

The COMESA Governance Peace and Security (GPS) Programme derives its mandate from Article 3(d) of the COMESA Treaty. The programme was established by the Fourth Summit of the COMESA Authority, which was held in Nairobi, Kenya in May 1999. The COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government endorsed a decision for the establishment of a formal structure for engagement on matters of peace and security and mandated COMESA Ministers of Foreign Affairs to meet at least once a year to discuss modalities for addressing issues of peace and security. The programme has a short three tier decision making structure comprising the Committee on Peace and Security, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Authority.

Let’s create something extraordinary!

Our Programmes

Governance, Peace & Security Programmes

Children Affected by Armed Conflict

Promotion and protection of the rights of the children is a priority of the GPS Unit as highlighted in Article 3(d) of the Treaty

Transnational Organised Crimes

The GPS Unit is implementing a Regional Capacity Building Project Against Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) that commenced in 2026.

Civil Society Organisation Engagement

Designed to ensure the relevant provisions in the Peace and Security Council (PSC) Protocol, that is, the Livingstone Formula and the Maseru Conclusions are fully implemented with a view of enhancing the involvement and participation of CSOs in peace and security activities of the AU in line with the EU APSA IV plan of action.

Children Affected by Armed Conflicts

Promotion and protection of the rights of the children is a priority of the GPS Unit as highlighted in Article 3(d) of the Treaty.

Youth, Peace and Security

COMESA recognises the importance of youth in promoting peace and security in the region. Initiatives on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) are implemented in line with the existing normative frameworks guiding the YPS Agenda including the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 2250, 2419, 2535, 2807 and the Continental Framework on YPS (CFYPS).