Your Excellency H.E. João Emanuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union,

Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Incoming Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Excellency Monique Nsanza Baganwa, Outgoing Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, Incoming Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission,

Excellencies Commissioners, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my distinct pleasure to be here today as we witness the leadership transition of the African Union Commission. It is, indeed, a pivotal moment that will enable us to reflect on what we have accomplished and an occasion where we will envisage the task we ought to fulfil.

I am deeply grateful to His Excellency João Emanuel Lourenço for the kind invitation extended to me to this notable handover ceremony. On behalf of the Government and the People of Ethiopia, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to Your Excellency President Lourenco for a successful term in leading our continental organization, the African Union.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my dear brother, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment in leading the African Union Commission over the last eight years.

Your Excellency Moussa Faki, we are grateful that you managed to navigate the complex currents of our continent in an ever-evolving geopolitical dynamics. Indeed, your commitment brought-forth tangible results. To mention a few of the many lists of accomplishments, the African Continental Free Trade Area has become a reality during your tenure. Your leadership secured Africa's seat at the G-20, a hard-won victory that signals our continent’s rising global influence.

May I also applaud Madam Monique Nsanza Baganwa's effective leadership as the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, and in particular to your unwavering dedication in meaningfully empowering women. It has, indeed, been impactful and transformative.

And to all the outgoing commissioners; your service has laid a vital foundation for the task that remain to be done; and thank you for that!

Excellencies,

While we made significant progresses, we are also left with many responsibilities and tasks to be fulfilled. The new leadership of the Commission have assumed their mandates at a time when the global order is facing unprecedented challenges, and multilateralism is under increasing strain than ever before. We also face a confluence of challenges such as escalating conflicts, scourge of terrorism and climate crisis that threatens our development aspirations.

Amidst these challenges lie extraordinary opportunities. Our G-20 membership is not merely a seat at the table; it is a platform that will make Africa an active contributor in shaping our collective economic destiny. Without meaningful African participation, the G20's Common Framework for Debt Treatment has proven to be inadequate, and inundated by inefficiency, delays, and a lack of clarity.

We must also push for Africa’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council so that we will sure be part of the decisions that will affect and determine the destiny of our continent.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our new Chairperson of the Commission, my brother Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, your seasoned experience in diplomacy is greatly needed now more than ever. Together with Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador Selma Haddadi and the new commissioners, you will lead us with, vision, courage and action. I am confident that You will be counted among the trail-blazers of the African we want.

By virtue of the mandates entrusted upon you, I firmly believe that you will resolutely pursue for the peace of the continent by addressing the drivers of conflict. Championing Africa’s food sovereignty through strategic agricultural investment; and forging an interconnected continent by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be a major task. Equally, securing an energy-sufficient-Africa by encouraging member states to implement strong policy frameworks will be imperative. Finally, you will make us achieve financial sustainability by garnering the support of African financial institutions such as the African Credit Rating Agency that will help in ushering a truly African path towards development.

When we realize these key undertakings, the African Union will emerge as a formidable institution and also serve as a strong platform of African citizenry as well as an agent of our collective will.
In conclusion, Excellencies, Ethiopia, as a seat of the African Union, bears a responsibility in supporting the Commission. We would like to assure Ethiopia's unwavering support and full cooperation as the new leadership undertake the mandates entrusted on them. May I also seize this opportunity to extend my best wishes to the outgoing members of the Commission in their future endeavors. Your exceptional service to our continent will always be cherished. I am looking forward to seeing you again in your second home, Addis Ababa- Ethiopia.

I thank You all!