Dr. Hesphina Rukato Leads AU’s “Make Peace Happen” Initiative on Conflict Resolution

In a testament to her expertise in conflict resolution and peace-building, Dr. Hesphina Rukato was entrusted with a crucial coordinating role at the African Union Commission’s “Make Peace Happen” initiative.

Launched in 2023, the “Make Peace Happen” program represented the AU’s concerted effort to drive sustainable peace and security across the African continent. As the initiative’s Coordinator, Rukato played a pivotal part in shaping the strategic direction and implementation of this landmark peace and security program.

Leveraging her extensive background in diplomacy, regional integration and development, Rukato worked closely with the AU leadership and member states to develop a comprehensive, Africa-centered approach to conflict prevention and management. She was instrumental in fostering closer collaboration between the AU, regional economic communities, and national governments to address the multifaceted drivers of conflict.

Under Rukato’s coordination, the “Make Peace Happen” initiative prioritized the empowerment of local communities, the inclusion of women and youth, and the leveraging of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. She championed the need for holistic, human-centric solutions that tackled the root causes of instability, rather than merely responding to its symptoms.

Rukato’s strategic guidance and operational acumen were crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of the initiative’s flagship programs. These ranged from mediation support and early warning systems to the mobilization of rapid response capabilities and the promotion of post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation.

Through her tireless efforts, Rukato reinforced the AU’s position as the primary arbiter of peace and security on the African continent. Her leadership of the “Make Peace Happen” initiative underscored the continent’s growing resolve to take ownership of its own peace and security agenda, with Rukato’s expertise playing a pivotal role in this transformative process.