Addis ababa: The current Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council, €š¬…¡¬°douard Nduwimana, has renewed Africa's call for fair and permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, stressing that global governance structures must reflect the realities of the 21st century.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, while opening the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa today, Nduwimana emphasized that Africa's progress on the international stage should be accompanied by reforms that ensure the continent receives equitable and enduring representation in global decision-making structures.
Nduwimana, who also serves as Burundi's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, highlighted Africa's membership in the G20 as a historic milestone, illustrating the continent's significant role in global economic governance. He underscored the importance of continuing to advocate for reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Reaffirming the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, Nduwimana reiterated these as the foundations of Africa's common position on reforming the United Nations Security Council. He also urged African countries to maintain a unified voice, defend shared interests, and strengthen solidarity at international forums.
Nduwimana noted that the continent is at a pivotal point in its history, dealing with challenges such as persistent conflicts, the effects of climate change, economic pressures, employment challenges, and the need to accelerate industrialization and strengthen self-reliance. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about Africa's future, highlighting its growing influence in global affairs.
The Chairperson emphasized the necessity of translating African Union commitments, decisions, and policies into tangible outcomes that benefit African citizens. He stressed the importance of sustainable financing of the African Union, advocating for the continent to rely on its own resources to implement its priorities and maintain independence in decision-making.
Nduwimana declared, "A strong Union should be funded first by Africans themselves," underscoring that member states' contributions enhance the credibility and predictability of the continental organization. He also called for maintaining consensus-based decision-making within the African Union, describing it as a reflection of political maturity and a means of promoting unity among member states.
In his address, Nduwimana expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting the session, hailing Addis Ababa as a symbol of Pan-Africanism and continental unity. The two-day session has gathered ministers and representatives of AU member states under the African Union's 2026 theme, "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."