The African Union (AU) 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council officially kicked off Today at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Ahead of the meeting, foreign ministers (council members) from many African member states arrived in Addis Ababa, where they were received by Ethiopian officials.
During the opening session, the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized that institutional reform, peace, and development remain the continent’s top priorities.
Commenting on this year’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems,” the Chairperson stressed that water resources must be protected as a shared asset and a driver of cooperation.
“Reforms are advancing under the 2024–2028 Plan,” he noted, highlighting progress in the peace and security architecture, sustainable financing, and institutional strengthening.
The Chairperson expressed concern over the patterns of instability and terrorism in parts of the continent. African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and AU institutions remain central to driving integration, he reaffirmed adding that focused leadership and strategic priorities will define the Union’s success.
The Council’s meeting, which will be concluded tomorrow, February 12, will set the agenda for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.
