The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received for the first time at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa the Group of Francophone Ambassadors accredited and based in Addis Ababa. The group was chaired by H.E. Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ethiopia and Djibouti, in the presence of the Permanent Representative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), H.E. Mrs. Nefertiti Tshibanda.

On this occasion, the Chairperson of the Commission presented the strategic priorities of the Commission for 2026, as well as the main decisions and outcomes of the 39th African Union Summit. He notably highlighted the continuation of institutional reforms, the strengthening of the African Peace and Security Architecture, the consolidation of the Union’s role on the international stage, and the effective implementation of the sectoral priorities adopted by the Heads of State and Government.

Discussions also focused on the promotion of multilingualism within the African Union and its central role in managing Africa’s diversity. The Chairperson of the Commission underscored that linguistic plurality constitutes a strategic asset for the continent and an essential instrument for institutional cohesion. He further noted that multilingualism strengthens dialogue among Member States and contributes to more inclusive participation in the Union’s decision-making processes.

Participants also emphasized the close link between multilingualism and multilateralism. In an international context marked by rising tensions and evolving geopolitical dynamics, the ability to engage in dialogue while respecting linguistic and cultural identities appears as a fundamental pillar for strengthening multilateralism and collective action in addressing contemporary challenges.

The meeting also reaffirmed the shared commitment to further consolidate the strategic partnership between the African Union and the International Organisation of La Francophonie around common priorities, notably peace and security, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), youth empowerment, and digital transformation.

Participants agreed to maintain and further energize this framework of dialogue and regular consultations, with a view to strengthening synergies between the African Union and the Francophonie in support of diversity, dialogue, and a renewed multilateralism.