H.E Amb. Mohamed Edrees, Addresses African Group Meeting as the New Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations.

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September 08, 2025

H.E Ambassador Mohamed Edrees, was officially welcomed on September 4, 2025, by the Agrican Group of Permanent Representatives (P.R) of African Union (AU) Member States to the United Nations (UN), during their weekly briefing meeting at the Mandela Conference Room of the Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN.

The meeting was presided by H.E Amb. Mohamed Dabo, P.R of the Republic of Guinea, and African Group Chair of the month of September.

In his introduction remarks, Amb. Edrees expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, for his appointment as Permanent Observer of the AU to the UN. “ I will strive to build on the good legacy of all my predecessors, and to leave a good legacy for those who will come after. We need not to reinvent the wheel, but to move forward guided by the past, its lessons learned and aspiring to the future and its potentials.” Underlined Amb. Edrees. He added, “I am aware of the crucial time we are passing through; at the global and the continental levels. Africa is at the heart of high geopolitical challenges, we need to put our acts together, with a sense of identity rooted in our history and a hope geared toward the future”.

Amb. Edrees further recalled that the AU is a member driven entity, with guiding principles and common positions agreed upon and endorsed by “our African House” at different levels and in different areas of work. He reassured the African Group to continue enhancing the excellent collaboration between the AU Mission and the Group. “The ownership is yours as Representatives of our Member States. This office, myself and my able colleagues, are committed to providing the utmost effort to fulfil our duties of supporting, facilitating and defending our common African causes, positions and interests”. Reiterated the Ambassador.

Highlighting his priorities, Amb. Edrees emphasized “the need for proper peace keeping, effective peacebuilding, fair sustainable development, humanitarian issues, social and cultural dimensions, UN Reform and UN 80 plan, enhancing our coordination and partnership with the UN system, enhancing our own coordination in New York and with the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa; and many others, all are priorities worth of hard work together.” He said, while underlining the importance of working together in the spirit of a teamwork, which he said, is a basic recipe of any possible success.

Regarding the upcoming UNGA 80 , Ambassador Edrees called on all concerned to put all hands on deck to ensure a successful participation of the AU at these global discussions. “Together we should stand united to be up to the challenges and to chart our right path forward”. He concluded

African Group members took the floor one after the other, to congratulate Amb. Mohamed Edrees for his appointment which they said,” marks a significant moment for our collective efforts in strengthening the partnership between the AU and the UN. Your extensive experience of a seasoned diplomat and commitment to advancing the interests of Africa will undoubtedly be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of global governance and cooperation. We look forward to your insights and leadership in addressing critical issues that affect our continent and its people”. Underscored the African Group members.

The Chair of the African Group, H.E Amb. Mohamed Dabo, on behalf of the Group, gave the following message to the New AU Head of Mission. “As we embark on this journey together, we are excited about the prospect of working closely with you to promote peace, security, and sustainable development in Africa. Your role will be pivotal in enhancing our engagement with the different stakeholders and partners and ensuring that the voices of African nations are heard and respected on the global stage. Once again, welcome to your new role. We look forward to a productive collaboration that will benefit not only our organizations but the African continent”.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communications Directorate, AUC, and Communication Adviser of the Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | E-mail: yamboue@africanunion.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org