Conflict, violence and insecurity continue to be major threats to realising the African Union’s Agenda 2063. To address widespread instability in Africa, and with the aim of leaving a continent at peace to the next generation, Africa’s leaders committed to working towards a continent free from conflict by 2020. It has been seven years since the declaration, which has become known as Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, and four years since the Master Roadmap of practical steps towards implementing its objectives was adopted. This study assesses the context in which the initiative was rolled out and is being implemented. It examines what the implementation efforts have achieved, and challenges hampering its implementation. The monograph provides answers to help policymakers understand the extent of progress made and how to improve steps towards silencing the guns in Africa. Using data from extensive secondary sources and interviews with key actors involved in the implementation efforts, this study provides insights on the aspects of the initiative outlined below.
