The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has taken note of the recent Presidential Memorandum issued by the Government of the United States of America directing the cessation of United States participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations entities, as well as the withdrawal from selected non-United Nations international organisations.
The Chairperson acknowledges the sovereign right of the United States to review its international engagements in line with its national priorities and domestic processes. The United States has long been a pivotal partner of Africa and a central pillar of the multilateral system, whose leadership, resources, and values have contributed significantly to global peace, development, humanitarian action, and the advancement of human dignity.
The Chairperson aligns with the statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system at a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats.
The African Union Commission notes that a number of the entities affected by the Memorandum; among them the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, UN Women, UNFPA, the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund, as well as mechanisms dedicated to the protection of children in armed conflict, play an important role in supporting Africa’s development, peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
These institutions have been instrumental in strengthening national and regional capacities, promoting inclusive economic growth, advancing gender equality, supporting post-conflict recovery, and safeguarding vulnerable populations across the continent. Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
H.E. Mr. Youssouf underscores that Africa’s partnership with the United States has consistently been anchored in shared interests—peace and security, economic opportunity, democratic governance, and global stability. Multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which these shared objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community.
In this regard, the African Union Commission expresses its hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the United Nations, and international partners will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected.
The African Union Commission remains committed to constructive engagement with all partners, including the United States, in strengthening a rules-based international order that responds to today’s global realities while preserving the spirit of solidarity and collective responsibility that has underpinned decades of international cooperation.
The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism as a cornerstone for addressing global challenges and advancing shared prosperity, peace, and security
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
