At the opening of the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat placed institutional reform, peace, and sustainable development at the heart of Africa’s immediate priorities ahead of the 39th AU Assembly.
Addressing ministers and delegates, the Chairperson emphasized the urgency of deepening reforms across AU institutions while strengthening mechanisms for peace and security on a continent still grappling with pockets of instability.
This year’s AU theme — centred on water and sanitation — received particular attention. Mahamat described water not merely as a natural resource, but as a strategic asset that must be protected collectively.
Water, he stressed, should be safeguarded as a shared resource and leveraged as a driver of cooperation, especially in the face of climate change, which continues to intensify pressure on African communities, agriculture, and infrastructure.
On governance and political stability, the Chairperson acknowledged progress in parts of the continent, noting that Gabon and Guinea have returned to constitutional order. However, he warned that instability and terrorism remain persistent threats in several regions, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated security responses.
Institutional reform under the AU’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, he said, is already advancing. Key areas of progress include strengthening the African peace and security architecture, improving sustainable financing mechanisms, and reinforcing institutional capacity to deliver on continental mandates.
Mahamat reaffirmed the central role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and AU institutions in accelerating regional integration. He highlighted the importance of innovative financing models and deeper collaboration with Africa’s private sector and civil society to unlock the continent’s development potential.
He concluded with a call for focused leadership and clarity of purpose, noting that Africa’s success will depend on strategic priorities and coordinated execution.
The Chairperson also expressed appreciation to the Republic of Angola for its stewardship of the Executive Council. Angola currently serves as Chair of the African Union.
