The meeting in Libreville, Gabon, is the first to involve heads of state from the AU Peace and Security Council and other AU members.

South African President Thabo Mbeki is set to report on efforts to mediate between Ivory Coast's government and rebels, after a break in the nation's cease-fire last year.

Nigerian President and AU Chairman Olusegun Obasanjo is also expected to report on peace efforts in Sudan's western Darfur region.

Also attending the summit are Congo's President Joseph Kabila and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame.

Late last year, Mr. Kagame sparked fears of renewed fighting between the nations, when he warned of sending troops to attack Rwandan Hutu fighters based in Congo.