The AU Commission Chairperson H.E. @ymahmoudali received H.E. Amb. Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the AU, who paid a courtesy call to convey her government’s support for the new leadership of the AUC. Their discussion also covered the progress of institutional reforms at the Commission and regional peace and security issues, notably Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Ambassador Hirut echoed Ethiopia’s concern over the financial shortfall facing AUSSOM, reaffirming the Mission’s centrality to Somalia’s long-term stability. She further expressed concerns regarding the slow pace of the R-ARCSS implementation, warning of its potential to instability in South Sudan. On Sudan, she advocated for reinvigorated AU engagement to catalyse a viable political pathway.

The Chairperson reiterated that peace and security remains a foremost priority for the Commission. He reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying diplomatic outreach and resource mobilisation to sustain AU-led efforts in Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. He encouraged Ethiopia, in its capacity as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council, to remain actively engaged and support collective efforts aimed at restoring stability across the region.