Africa’s Unity Takes Center Stage at AU Executive Council Session

Amid emerging threats to multilateralism due to shifting global dynamics, the AU Executive Council's 46th Ordinary Session of Foreign Ministers that started today in the Ethiopia capital has renewed calls for a united Africa. During the opening ceremony, leaders spoke to the critical challenges associated with adverse effects of climate change, geopolitical polarization and rivalry, regional instability, as well as concerns on artificial intelligence.

The Council is calling for comprehensive reforms in global governance, financial systems, climate financing, and technology to ensure these structures are more responsive to Africa’s needs, and promote fairness and equity.

The Council further acknowledges African unity as crucial for driving economic integration, as envisioned in Agenda 2063. It has urged member states to strengthen collaboration on flagship projects under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to accelerate economic growth.

In addressing historical injustices such as the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation, the Executive Council has endorsed the theme for this year as “Justice for Africa and Justice for People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

Kenya is represented at the session, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs who has emphasized that peace and security remain critical to Africa’s progress. The Prime Cabinet Secretary has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional and continental stability, highlighting the upcoming presentation of the EAC-SADC Report on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the Council.

Dr. Mudavadi has lobbied for Hon. Raila Odinga, to succeed the outgoing H.E. Moussa Faki as Chair of the African Union Commission.