Volume I, Issue I - The Use and Regulation of Private Military Contractors:

In addition to establishing a regional regulatory/monitoring framework, the AU and RECs should collaborate with member states to support the implementation of knowledge campaigns with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of the private military industry among the public and local media. [...] However, while the services of PMCs are largely considered legal and/or legitimate, the use and recruitment of mercenaries are banned by international law according to the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries.6 This was preceded by the African Union’s Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaryism in Africa, enforced in 1985.7 The Africa. [...] Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks on the use of PMCs by both governments and MNCs should align with existing international and regional law instruments, including the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union,63 the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the elements of crimes of geno. [...] 63 Article 4c of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union implores AU Member States to respect the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedoms, the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian law. [...] Knowledge Campaigns The AU and RECs should collaborate with national governments to support the implementation of knowledge campaigns with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of PMCs and private military companies among the public and local media outlets.