The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat today welcomed H.E. Dr. Annette Weber, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Horn of Africa during her courtesy visit to AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The Chairperson and the EU Representative discussed the importance of multilateralism in tackling the challenges facing the region and the need to enhance the capacities of the regional players to resolve the challenges. The two leaders deliberated on Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.

The Chairperson lauded the EU for the consistent support they have given the African Union and the regional and national bodies. He commended the EU’s role in the transitional process in the Sudan, the unilateral ceasefire in Ethiopia as well as the long-term support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); which has brought about real change in the geopolitics of the region.

The AUC Chairperson called on the EU to continue its support for the African Union efforts towards dialogue with the warring parties in the region, to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the horn of Africa. On the transitional process in Sudan, he said that for the transition to continue smoothly, the country required, political, social and financial support. “This conflict requires international support to achieve stability”, the Chairperson said. On Ethiopia, he stated that the African Union welcomed the ceasefire and that a political solution to the ongoing conflict is the only way out. He further called on the EU and the international community to support the AU led dialogue in the country.

On Somalia, the Chairperson commended and thanked the EU for supporting the AMISOM for the past 12 years. He further reported that Somalia is undergoing an assessment on its readiness for the upcoming election in October 2021. He added that the outcome of the assessment would be discussed in the upcoming sessions of the AU Peace and Security Council.

On her part H.E. Dr. Annette Weber reiterated that the EU is keen on working closely with the African Union toward finding a lasting solution to the complex conflicts in the Horn of Africa region. She commended the African Union for taking the lead on the situation in the region and agreed to support the tremendous efforts.

The EU special envoy in her exchange with the Chairperson committed to supporting national dialogue in Ethiopia and encouraging cohesion. On Somalia, they agreed to dismantle the economic back-borne of the Al-Shabab to ensure stability and in Sudan to strengthen the government to support the transition process.

In conclusion, the Chairperson thanked the special envoy for the fruitful discussions ahead of the upcoming AU-EU strategic partnership meeting to be held later in the year.

For further information, please contact:

Mrs Ebba Kalondo | Spokesperson | Bureau of the Chairperson | E-mail: EbbaK@africa-Union.org;

Mrs Christiane Yanrou Matondo | Principal Communication Officer | Bureau of the Chairperson | E-mail: Yanrouc@africa-union.org;

Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division | Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org | Tel: +251911361185 | Ext 2558 | [http://www.au.int%20|]www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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