Ministers of Foreign Affairs and heads of delegations from the Member States of the African Union (AU) converged today at the headquarters of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the official opening of the 24th Extra-Ordinary Session of the Executive Council. The opening session was chaired by H.E. Tete Antonio, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the Executive Council in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) representative, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, the Commissioners of the AUC and Heads of AU Organs/ Missions, the diplomatic corps, representatives of the international community and invited guests among others.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AU Commission Chairperson, called for endogenous financing mechanisms to reduce reliance on external partners, emphasizing the need to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade. The AUC Chairperson underscored the critical need to open African market and lift all barriers. “We should open the African markets to exports of member states and further broaden the initiative of guided trade and lift all barriers that still exist,” said H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

In the areas of Health, Food Security, and Private Sector Engagement, the AUC Chairperson underscored the need to double efforts in the area of health, food security, and trade. “Our Union must adapt itself and count on its own domestic resources. We must work with the private sector as well as our philanthropies to be able to fill financing gaps. Indeed, the AFCFTA and its various mechanisms must work harder and transform these challenges into opportunities,” emphasized H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

In the area of peace and security on the continent, the AUC Chairperson underscored the challenges ahead. “In order to permit proper conduct of Peace Support Operations (PSOs), we should count on our own resources,” noted H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. He further added that “The United Nations Security Council ensures peace and security across the world. The African Union is supporting UN efforts in that regard. I would like to underscore the importance of African solidarity and the coherence of our actions that we carry out for our continents.” The Chairperson concluded by stressing the urgency of African unity and coherent actions.

The Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the Executive Council H.E. Tete Antonio reiterated the AU’s commitment to peace and security as a cornerstone of development, noting the need for African-led solutions.

H.E. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), who was represented by Amb. Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AU and UNECA, reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to work with all elected officials for the effective discharge of their responsibilities during their tenure. “As the host country of the African Union headquarters, we are deeply committed to the success of the mandates.”

The outcomes of this session are expected to include decisions regarding the convening of elections for the remaining two Commissioners: Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) and Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), the Peace and Security Council, and other specialized agencies. This session, therefore, is crucial in furthering the vision of the Union.

For further information, please contact:
1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communications Directorate, AUC, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org