Addis ababa: The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) concluded at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after two days of discussions involving African Heads of State and Government.
According to Ghana News Agency, the session was chaired by President Joo Manuel Gon§alves Louren§o of Angola, who served as the outgoing Chairperson of the AU for 2025. The Assembly welcomed President ‚¬Å¡¬°variste Ndayishimiye of Burundi as the Chairperson for 2026 and introduced the AU Theme of the Year 2026: 'Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.' Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama was elected as the First Vice Chairperson.
The Assembly addressed peace and security, acknowledging the report from the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the current state of affairs in Africa. Concerns were raised about ongoing conflicts, terrorism, unconstitutional changes in governance, and humanitarian issues. The Assembly reiterated its commitment to eradicating unconstitutional governance and emphasized the necessity of sustainable funding for AU-led peace initiatives. An MOU was adopted to enhance the coordination and readiness of the African Standby Force.
On institutional reforms, the Assembly reviewed the AU Institutional Reforms report, emphasizing the need for a people-focused, efficient, and financially sustainable Union. Various committee reports, including those from Africa CDC, APRM, and AfCFTA, were also adopted. The Assembly maintained Africa's stance on UN Security Council reforms, demanding fair representation for the continent.
Regarding global governance, the Assembly discussed the outcomes of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg and highlighted the importance of unified African positions for advancing continental priorities such as sustainable development and climate action.
In terms of development, the Assembly underscored Agenda 2063 as Africa's blueprint for inclusive growth. Progress was noted in areas like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with calls for expedited implementation to enhance trade and industrialization. Initiatives for infrastructure and climate adaptation were discussed, along with the empowerment of youth and women as key transformation drivers.
The Assembly also explored historical justice, considering a study on colonization and slavery as crimes against humanity. The importance of remembrance, reparatory justice, and the dignity of African peoples was emphasized. Solidarity with Palestine was reaffirmed, supporting a peaceful resolution in line with international law.
Finally, the Assembly adopted decisions and resolutions from the session and expressed gratitude to President Louren§o for his service, as well as to the Ethiopian government for their hospitality.