The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), focusing on the protection of water resources and safe sanitation to achieve Agenda 2063, wrapped up in Addis Ababa today.
Peace and security, integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and UN reform were also key issues raised during the two-day meeting of Heads of State and Government. The situation in Sudan and Somalia, as well as terrorism in various parts of Africa, were among the top priorities in the discussions.
On the sidelines of the summit, numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings took place.
Somalia’s election to the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), along with nine other countries, was a major highlight, marking its stunning comeback to the continent’s security architecture after decades of absence. Following the election, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the win as a significant diplomatic milestone and the reclamation of its continental position.
The ministry stated that Somalia remains committed to “advancing regional peace, security, stability, and constructive dialogue across the continent.”
Two Key Guests
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both of whom addressed the summit, were the most prominent guests.
In his address, Guterres emphasized his tireless efforts to strengthen the partnership between the AU and the UN. He also won the hearts and minds of the African leaders present when he decried Africa’s absence from the global financial architecture and the UN Security Council (UNSC). Guterres backed Africa’s aspirations for a UNSC seat, calling the current exclusion “indefensible.”
“This is 2026 — not 1946. Whenever decisions about Africa and the world are on the table, Africa must be at the table,” he added.
The Secretary-General also met with several leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the new AU Chairperson, President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
Meloni also discussed pressing African challenges, including debt. She announced a program to convert the debt of fragile African nations into investments. In alignment with this year’s AU theme, she also pledged to strengthen projects focused on water infrastructure and sanitation systems.
