By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 20th February, 2026
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has taken the helm as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2026, succeeding Angola’s João Lourenço. The new Bureau of the Assembly includes Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as First Vice Chair, Tanzania’s President as Second Vice Chair, and Angola’s President João Lourenço as Rapporteur, with the Third Vice Chair position from North Africa yet to be confirmed.
The summit’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” underscored the critical importance of water security and institutional reform. Leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on key priorities, including peace and security, economic integration, and sustainable development, all of which are crucial to the continent’s progress.
Ghana’s President Mahama successfully spearheaded a landmark resolution seeking global recognition and reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and racialized chattel enslavement as foundational crimes against humanity. This achievement underscores the AU’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting healing and reconciliation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the imperative of equitable financing, industrialization, and sustainable development, highlighting Africa’s growing global influence. He reiterated the UN’s unwavering support for UN Security Council reform to ensure stronger African representation, recognizing the continent’s vital role in shaping global affairs.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for African unity and warned against a new form of colonialism, saying “Africa needs to respond with one voice” and “It’s time for Africa to do business on its own terms.”
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of “silencing the guns” to achieve Africa’s development, addressing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and combating terrorism in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa, aligning with Agenda 2063
The AU Summit also delivered a rare diplomatic breakthrough on South Sudan, with a six-point agreement committing the government to an immediate ceasefire, release of detained Vice President Riek Machar, and elections without further postponement.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
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