Africa-Press – Angola. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, praised on Wednesday the Angolan presidency for its exemplary role at the helm of the continental organization.
Speaking at the opening of the 48th ordinary session of the Executive Council, the Chairperson of the AU Commission highlighted Angola’s performance in leading the activities of the body.
Mahmoud Youssouf emphasized the paramount importance of this year’s Summit theme of water and sanitation. Water is a vital resource that must be preserved as a collective good and used sparingly in all areas of daily life, promoting peace and reconciliation between states.
He addressed the AU’s reform efforts, referring to the 2024–28 Five-Year Plan and the implementation of the Competency Audit and Skills Assessment (SACA) process reform.
With regard to political stability, Mahmoud Youssouf welcomed the return to constitutional order in Gabon and Guinea following successful transition processes monitored by the Commission.
The AU Commission leader stated that efforts are ongoing to support Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, which have experienced unconstitutional changes of government, having expressed concern that terrorism still poses a threat in the Sahel and East Africa.
In terms of development and integration, he highlighted the progress of the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as the work of specialized agencies such as AUDA-NEPAD and the Centre for Disease Control.
Mahmoud Youssouf spoke of the need to capitalize on these instruments to accelerate growth dynamics by involving the private sector, civil society and philanthropic foundations and urged the Executive Council to prioritize strategic issues to ensure the success of the 39th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
During the 48th Ordinary Session, which runs until Thursday, the Executive Council will analyze reports from the 51st Session of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, consider the African Union’s participation in the G20 and review the continent’s positioning in global governance forums.
It will also oversee elections and appointments to the Union’s bodies, review legal instruments, monitor Agenda 2063 and address matters relating to the financial contributions of Member States.





