Summary:
- All 55 AU member states, except six that were suspended, participated in the summit.
Addis Ababa: The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union officially opened at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
The theme seeks to address historical injustices and their lasting impact on the African continent. Her Excellency Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, joined over 35 heads of state and government, along with senior government officials from their respective countries.
Vice President Alupo was accompanied by State Minister for Foreign Affairs John Mulimba, Uganda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Rebecca Otengo, Uganda’s Military Attaché to Ethiopia Col. Fred Zakye, and other Ugandan officials from the African Union and the Ugandan Embassy in Addis Ababa.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Abiy Ahmed, called on African nations to strengthen unity to ensure sustainable development. He emphasized that Africa’s pursuit of justice for historical damages should not be misinterpreted as a request for aid.
“In a world marked by dynamic change, Africa faces numerous uncertainties, making it imperative to strengthen our protective goals, enhance resilience, and foster unity across the continent,” Abiy stated.
He further stressed that achieving lasting peace, justice, and prosperity requires Africa to rise above historical traditions imposed by colonial forces. By fostering solidarity and embracing a shared destiny, the continent can pool its resources to unlock its full potential.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, highlighting Africa’s immense potential.
“Africa has a booming, enterprising population, with the largest number of young people in the world. With abundant renewable resources, the African Continental Free Trade Area is poised to turbocharge the region’s economy,” Guterres said.
He reminded global leaders that Africa remains a victim of two colossal injustices: the profound impact of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, whose consequences continue to affect Africans and people of African descent today.
The UN Secretary-General pledged continued collaboration with the African Union and its member states to ensure Africa’s rightful representation and justice, including securing two permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
During the summit, African Union leaders elected a new chair for the African Union Commission. In a secret ballot, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emerged victorious, defeating Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato after eight rounds of voting.
Youssouf, who celebrated his 60th birthday a week ago, succeeds Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who served two terms as AU Commission Chair. Having served as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2005, Youssouf is the longest-serving foreign minister on the continent.
Meanwhile, Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenço assumed the rotating chairmanship of the African Union, replacing Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.
All 55 AU member states, except six that were suspended, participated in the summit.
