By Simba Munyua
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In the face of a perceptible pullback in Western aid and escalating global uncertainties, African officials are urging a concerted effort to strengthen continental development, peace, and security. The call to action came during the 24th Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, convened at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The gathering, which brought together African foreign ministers, the AU Commission leadership, and officials from various AU organs, focused on strategies to navigate the evolving global landscape and accelerate Africa’s progress towards self-reliance and sustainable development.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressing the opening session, stressed the critical need for enhanced solidarity and unified action. “In light of the profound challenges and the polarization of the world, I would like to underscore the importance of African solidarity and the coherence of our actions that we carry out for our continent, because we have difficult times ahead,” Youssouf stated, expressing concern over recent developments undermining multilateralism. He further emphasized the importance of strengthening the AU and its institutions to expedite Africa’s integration and development agenda.
Echoing Youssouf’s sentiments, Angolan Minister of External Relations and Chairperson of the Executive Council Tete Antonio highlighted the imperative of collectively addressing peace and security challenges that continue to impede socio-economic development across the continent. “This is an issue of great importance to our continent,” Antonio said. “For without peace and stability, our course towards progress and development is rendered ever more inaccessible.”
Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, underscored the vital role of the AU in fostering continental unity and commitment as Africa navigates increasingly complex global challenges. In a statement delivered on his behalf, Timothewos asserted, “The AU must be proactive in navigating these challenges with wisdom and farsighted leadership. It must be agile and fit for purpose to achieve the vision of Agenda 2063, creating a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent through the implementation of ‘Silencing the Guns’ and other flagship projects.”
The two-day extraordinary session is also expected to address key institutional appointments, including the election and appointment of one member of the AU Peace and Security Council, one member of the AU Commission on International Law, and one member of the African Space Council. The appointments are seen as crucial steps towards strengthening the AU’s capacity to effectively address the continent’s pressing challenges and advance its ambitious development agenda.
The meeting underscores a growing recognition among African leaders of the need for greater self-reliance and a unified approach to navigating a rapidly changing world. As Western aid flows become less predictable, the focus is shifting towards leveraging intra-African cooperation, innovation, and resource mobilization to drive sustainable growth and ensure a prosperous future for the continent.
