At the opening of the 7th AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed gratitude to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for hosting the meeting in Malabo.

He underscored that the Executive Council session is focused on the 2026 AU budget, noting a modest improvement in the AU’s programme budget funding from 9.4% in 2025 to 12.7% in 2026, sourced member states . However, he was concerned that only 17 Member States have implemented the 0.2% import levy agreed under the 2016 Kigali Decision.

The Chairperson emphasized that persistent political instability, humanitarian crises, & insecurity in countries such as Sudan, the DRC, Somalia, & across the Sahel continue to hamper the continent’s development. He also flagged the underfunded transition in Somalia (ATMIS-AUSSOM) as a concern.

Amid these challenges, he pointed to promising developments, including the DRC-Rwanda agreement, the restoration of constitutional order in Gabon, and Guinea’s planned transition.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s continued engagement with Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Peace & Security Council (PSC), & the UN Security Council to advance peace efforts.

Finally, he urged Member States to accelerate institutional reform & ratify all outstanding AfCFTA protocols to strengthen continental integration.