The AU is Africa's premier institution and principal organization for the promotion of accelerated socio-economic integration of the continent, which will lead to greater unity and solidarity between African countries and peoples. The AU is based on the common vision of a united and strong Africa and on the need to build a partnership between governments and all segments of civil society, in particular women, youth and the private sector, in order to strengthen solidarity and cohesion amongst the peoples of Africa. # As a continental organization it focuses on the promotion of peace, security and stability on the continent as a prerequisite for the implementation of the development and integration agenda of the Union.

The overall objective of the Peace and Security Directorate is the maintenance of peace, security and stability through the coordination and promotion of African and other initiatives on conflict prevention, management and resolution within the context of the UN.

Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) is one of the tools of the African Union (AU) designed to curb the severity and repeated nature of conflicts in Africa as well as bring about sustained development. With the PCRD Policy the AU seeks to break the cyclical violence that has become the continent's trademark. OBJECTIVES OF PCRD * Consolidate peace and prevent relapse of violence * Help address the root causes of conflict * Encourage and fast - track planning and implementation of reconstruction activities * Enhance copmlementarities and coordination between and among diverse actors engaged in PCRD processes