The first meeting between the Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC) and the newly appointed African Union Commission (AUC) leadership took place today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting, chaired by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, and H.E. Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the African Union and Chair of the PRC, focused on improving working methods and advancing collaboration between PRC and AUC, to make the African Union more agile and effective.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the importance of translating the AU’s ambitions into tangible outcomes. “We must act with pragmatism and determination to transform our Union into an effective engine of progress across our continent,” he stated. The Chairperson highlighted the need to complete ongoing reforms within the African Union to reduce bureaucracy and enhance operational efficiency.

H.E. Youssouf also underscored the significance of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA) program, describing it as a key lever for improving the effectiveness and coordination of the AUC. “The African Union Commission must be responsive and better coordinated to meet the expectations of our people,” he added.

The Chairperson called for stronger actions in the area of Peace and Security, advocating for African-led solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts. He reiterated the importance of addressing ongoing conflicts and ensuring stability across the continent.

H.E. Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the African Union and Chair of the PRC, echoed the Chairperson’s sentiments. He emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in Africa’s development and the need for African solutions to African problems. Ambassador Bembe also stressed the importance of reforms to make the AU more agile and less bureaucratic.

During the meeting, PRC members reviewed the AU Commission’s working methods and proposed to improve transparency and accountability. A joint retreat with the Commission to deepen discussions and enhance collaboration was proposed as well.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed his appreciation for the strong collaboration between the PRC and the AU Commission, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to advancing the Continental Agenda. “We will bring the AU closer to the African people,” he concluded, assuring the PRC of the Commission’s unwavering support in shaping the future of the continent.

For further information please contact:

1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

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