The African Union and the rights of women in non-international armed conflicts

<p dir="ltr">This chapter examines the protection of the right to life of civilian women in non-international armed conflict (NIAC) in Africa, being the predominant class of conflict post-Cold War (1989). In doing so, the chapter discusses the scope of protection for civilian women under IHL at the international and African regional level, focusing on the principle of distinction. The chapter uses two on-going armed conflicts in Nigeria (since 2009) and Sudan (since 2023) to illustrate the intensity and gendered nature of some conflicts. The chapter argues that critical gaps and a lack of engagement by some African states in crisis undermine the legal regime in practice. It argues that in exceptionally intensive armed conflicts where women face significant risk and where a state is unable or unwilling to protect women at risk, the African Union (AU) deployment of troops to provide safe areas and free abductees would be an appropriate response. The chapter acknowledges the incongruity of using force to protect the rights of women, however leaving women unprotected in an unenviable option.<br></p><p dir="ltr">The chapter concludes that a transformative approach which puts the voice of African women at the centre of decision-making on protection is needed</p>