- विज्ञापन -
Addis Ababa: The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government commenced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on reparations and the election of senior AU Commission leadership. This two-day summit, attended by African leaders and representatives from various international and regional organizations, aligns with the AU’s 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
In addition to reparations, the summit addressed critical issues such as regional peace and security, continental development, AU reform, and enhancing Africa’s global presence. Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, the AU’s chairperson for 2024, emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle insecurity, climate change, and socio-economic challenges facing the continent.
Outgoing AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, in his final address after eight years in office, underscored the development, peace, and security challenges the continent has faced, including economic distress and rising conflicts. He noted the increased representation of Africa on the global stage, particularly through the AU’s full membership in the G20 since September 2023, which has amplified Africa’s voice and representation.
The AU highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, which addresses historical injustices linked to colonialism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, apartheid, and systemic discrimination. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out the dual injustices faced by Africa: the lasting effects of colonialism and the continent’s underrepresentation globally. He stressed the need for reparatory justice frameworks.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged African leaders to leverage technological advancements for continental development, unity, peace, and security. He called for collaboration to harness Africa’s potential as a united continent amidst rapid global changes.
During the summit, Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf was elected as the new AU Commission chairperson, with Algerian Ambassador to Ethiopia Selma Haddadi appointed as the deputy chairperson.
