Addis ababa: Africa must strengthen its unity, mobilize greater financial resources, and accelerate institutional reforms to effectively respond to mounting global crises that are increasingly affecting the continent's development prospects, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressed the opening of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa today. He emphasized that the meeting is occurring in a challenging international environment marked by geopolitical instability, security threats, public health emergencies, and financing constraints. He highlighted that the repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East are significantly affecting African economies.
The AU Commission chairperson noted that the renewed conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased fuel prices and higher costs of essential commodities, with substantial consequences for African countries. He stated that experts from the African Union are assessing the long-term implications of the crisis for the continent.
Youssouf also expressed concern over the spread of terrorism and violent extremism across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. He reaffirmed the African Union Commission's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to address terrorism and improve the humanitarian situation in affected areas.
On the public health front, the chairperson highlighted the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has claimed more than 1,000 lives. He conveyed condolences to the victims' families and commended the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for leading the continental response efforts.
Turning to institutional and financial matters, Youssouf mentioned that ministers would deliberate on the African Union's draft 2027 budget. He noted that while member states' assessed contributions remain capped at 200 million US dollars, nearly 80 percent of the programme budget relies on international partners' support.
The chairperson observed that the Commission operates with only 30 percent of its staffing and 25 percent of the required budgetary resources, highlighting the need for greater financial support. He stressed that Africa needs to mobilize an estimated 2 billion US dollars to realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
On institutional reform, Youssouf announced that the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA) process has been completed, with some issues referred to the Executive Council. He urged member states to accelerate the ratification of outstanding African Union legal instruments critical to implementing the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063.
He further appealed for African countries to support African candidates seeking election to international organizations, emphasizing the importance of continental solidarity in advancing Africa's interests globally.
Foreign ministers and senior officials from across Africa are convening in Addis Ababa for the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council to deliberate on key continental priorities, including water security, sanitation, institutional reform, financing, peace and security, and the implementation of Agenda 2063.