KatsinaTimes
The Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union concluded on Sunday at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after two days of deliberations by African Heads of State and Government on peace, governance and continental development priorities.
The session was held under the outgoing chairmanship of João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and African Union Chairperson for 2025. Leaders formally welcomed Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi, as the new Chairperson of the African Union for 2026.
The summit was preceded by a state dinner hosted by Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
During the opening ceremony, statements were delivered by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; the President of the State of Palestine; and Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy.
Leaders launched the AU Theme of the Year for 2026: “Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”
Peace and Security
The Assembly considered a report of the Peace and Security Council on the state of peace and security across the continent. It expressed concern over ongoing conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government and humanitarian crises in parts of Africa.
Heads of State reaffirmed the Union’s policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and reiterated their commitment to “silencing the guns” in Africa. The Assembly also underscored the need for predictable, sustainable and flexible financing for AU-led peace support operations.
Leaders adopted a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms on the utilization of the African Standby Force to enhance coordination and operational readiness.
Institutional Reform and Governance
The Assembly reviewed progress on institutional reforms and reaffirmed its commitment to building a people-centered, accountable and financially sustainable Union.
It adopted reports relating to several AU organs and mechanisms, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Peer Review Mechanism, AUDA-NEPAD, the Committee of Ten on United Nations Security Council reform, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the High-Level Committee on Libya.
Leaders reiterated Africa’s Common Position on reform of the United Nations Security Council, calling for equitable representation of the continent in global governance institutions.
Africa and Global Governance
The Assembly welcomed a briefing on the outcome of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg in November 2025 and reviewed the report on AU participation in the forum.
Leaders emphasized the importance of coordinated African positions in advancing priorities such as sustainable development financing, debt restructuring, climate action, food security and digital transformation.
Continental Development
The Assembly reaffirmed the central role of Agenda 2063 as Africa’s long-term development blueprint.
It welcomed progress under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and urged accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to strengthen intra-African trade, industrialization and value addition.
Leaders also reviewed initiatives aimed at mobilizing resources for infrastructure, energy, water and sanitation, and climate adaptation programmes. They highlighted youth and women empowerment, innovation and skills development as key drivers of transformation.
Historical Justice and International Solidarity
The Assembly considered a study examining the implications of describing colonization as a crime against humanity and certain acts committed during slavery and colonization as acts of genocide against African peoples.
Leaders emphasized the importance of historical justice, remembrance and reparatory justice, and reaffirmed solidarity with the Palestinian people. The Assembly reiterated support for a just and lasting solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Adoption of Decisions
The Assembly adopted its Decisions, Declarations and Resolutions and expressed appreciation to President Lourenço for his leadership during his tenure as Chairperson.
Leaders pledged full support to President Ndayishimiye in the discharge of his mandate for 2026 and thanked the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting the summit.
