The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has reacted to a recent directive by the United States Government to withdraw participation and suspend funding to several United Nations bodies and selected international organisations. The decision, issued via a Presidential Memorandum, represents one of the most significant shifts in U.S. engagement with the multilateral system in recent years.
In a measured response, the AU Chairperson noted the sovereign right of the United States to reassess its international commitments in line with domestic priorities. He also acknowledged Washington’s long-standing role as a key global actor and reliable partner to the African continent—particularly in areas such as peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, development financing, and democracy support.
Youssouf highlighted the alignment between the AU’s position and that of the United Nations Secretary-General, who underscored the importance of a functional, inclusive, and well-resourced multilateral system at a time marked by overlapping global crises—from conflict and climate change to economic fragility and health emergencies.
Potential Implications for Africa
The AU Commission expressed concern over the specific institutions affected by the U.S. directive, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), UNCTAD, the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, UN Women, UNFPA, the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund, and mechanisms protecting children in conflict zones.
These bodies play central roles in Africa’s development architecture, supporting Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda. Their contributions span economic integration, post-conflict recovery, gender equality, humanitarian interventions, and local institution-building—areas where funding gaps could have real consequences for fragile communities.
According to the AU, reduced operational capacity in these entities may slow progress in peacebuilding, weaken social resilience, and undermine development gains achieved across the continent over the past decade.
AU Calls for Dialogue
Despite the geopolitical sensitivities, the Chairperson emphasised that Africa’s relationship with the United States remains defined by shared interests—particularly in security, trade, governance, and global stability. Historically, multilateral platforms have been effective instruments for advancing these converging priorities.
The AU Commission therefore expressed hope that constructive dialogue between Washington, the UN system, and international partners will help safeguard essential programmes, improve institutional efficiency, and ensure vulnerable populations are not disproportionately impacted.
Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to multilateralism, describing it as a cornerstone of modern cooperation and an indispensable mechanism for addressing global challenges.
