STATEMENT OF H.E. MAHMOUD ALI YOUSSOUF

CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

39^TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE UNION

14-15 FEBRUARY 2026

Excellency  Mr João Manuel Lorenso, President of the Republic of Angola, Current Chairman OF the African Union,

Excellencies Heads of State and Government

Excellency Madame Georgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy,

Excellency Mr Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority,

Excellency Mr Secretary General of the United Nations,

Excellencies Representatives of PanAfrican Inistitutions,

Invited Guests,

Ladies and General,

I wish to extend my best wishes for 2026 to all of you.

J’aimerais vous souhaiter à toutes et à tous la bienvenue à l’Union africaine. En particulier aux Chefs d’État nouvellement élus.

I would like to welcome you all to the African Union and in particular the newly elected Heads of State.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

This 39^th Summit of the African Union will focus on Water and Sanitation, a vital resource for our peoples and our economies. A collective good that must be a source of peace and reconciliation among nations.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our Summit is taking place in a geopolitical context of crisis, both on the Continent and throughout the world. Silencing the Guns on our Continent remains a challenge.

The political and institutional fragility of several of our countries is a source of concern. Open and latent conflicts are becoming chronic. Unconstitutional Changes of Government are resurfacing, reminding us of the dark days following independence. The upheaval in the international order is certainly having a significant impact on the affairs of the Continent. Multilateralism is being severely tested and we are witnessing the rise of Unilateralism and Protectionism. Faced with this situation, Africa must strengthen itself by accelerating its political and economic integration programmes. Pan-African institutions must redouble their efforts and determination. Agenda 2063 and its flagship programmes must guide us toward the Africa we envision: Strong, Autonomous and Prosperous.

This is not wishful thinking, but an imperative need for  survival. Major political and economic blocs are preparing for this global polarisation. Africa is certainly part of the Global South, but Africa has its own distinctive character and identity.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The reforms of the Institution must continue. Mobilising domestic resources to finance the programmes of the Continent is no longer optional. It is essential given the drying up of external funding. Our youths are impatient, our women expect more and our civil society is taking a stand.

It is crucial to accelerate the industrialisation of the Continent and the transformation of Agriculture. And this will only be possible by developing the energy potential of Africa. And by providing the Continent with high-performing infrastructure. These are the sine qua non conditions for the anticipated economic growth.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The challenges ahead are complex and numerous. You know these challenges better than anyone, as you face them daily in your respective countries. The African Union Commission, which you elected me to lead, will spare no effort to advance this Agenda. This is a long-term undertaking. We must ensure our actions are sustainable. The 2024-2028 Five-year Plan is already underway. This Decade of Agenda 2063 must be distinct by significantly higher levels of implementation and performance.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cannot conclude my address without a thought for all those who are suffering on our Continent and around the world. From The Sudan to the Sahel, to Eastern DRC, Somalia and elsewhere. Our peoples continue to pay the heavy price of instability.

Palestine and the suffering of its people also is a challenge for our consciences. The extermination of this people must stop.

International Law and International Humanitarian Law are the bedrock of this international community. Preserving and promoting them remain the only guarantees of peace in the world.                                                                                                 

I wish our deliberations full success.

I thank you.