Africa-Press – Angola. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mousa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pointed to the poor financing of the Organization as an element that continues to “weigh heavily” on its effectiveness and independence in decision-making.
Speaking at the 46th session of the AU Executive Council, a preview of the summit of the continent’s heads of state and government scheduled for February 15 and 16 in the Ethiopian capital, Mahamat lamented the weakening of African solidarity and its “soul mate,” Pan-Africanism, which reduces the scope and resonance of the contribution at the continental and international levels.
The AU Commission Chairperson said this situation was all the more worrying at a time when multilateralism, already in bad shape for some, seemed to be facing new challenges and blows from across the Atlantic.
He lamented the fact that violent conflicts in Africa continue to claim large numbers of lives, such as the wars in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Angola’s presidency
Mahamat spoke of the transfer of leadership of the AU to Angola and called on all members to contribute to its “paving”, which should attract the high attention of the continent’s leaders.
He described the Angolan head of state, João Lourenço, who will take the helm of the organization, as a qualified and “great” African president who is at the forefront of resolving some issues whose solution is crucial for the survival of the African Union.
Mahamat said he continues to believe more that if the issues of African political architecture, peace, security and governance and partnerships are not quickly understood, then the financing of the Organization and the powers of the Commission and its Chairperson would frankly be a source of concern for the future of the Organization.
He stressed that this was the main message he wished to convey, in all humility, to the next leadership, to whom he wished success.
Progress
Despite the obstacles mentioned in his speech, Mousa Faki stressed that many achievements have been made in recent years, with the constant support of the Heads of State, laying the foundations for more ambitious programs.
He highlighted the confirmation of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for Africa (Africa CDC) as an effective tool, as well as the African Medicines Agency, which is taking shape and coming out of gestation, while the Pan-African Veterinary Vaccination Center is being equipped.
As for education, Faki said it is modernizing and definitely moving into the future, focusing attention and efforts on innovation and artificial intelligence.
The industrial strategy, he continued, is on the horizon, with the African Continental Free Trade Area showing signs of becoming operational, despite the obstacles.
He highlighted as gains the fact that African positions on climate change are being strengthened, with agriculture and the blue economy beginning to take their natural place in strategic decisions.
As regards to infrastructure and energy, he considered that significant progress has been made.
Mahamat pointed out that all the Union’s organs and specialized agencies have made steady progress, both in terms of institutional consolidation and the diversity of programs and projects implemented, so that the AU’s institutional reform has made significant progress and continues to yield positive results.
These achievements, according to the AU official, have broadened international partnerships and opened new horizons. “Our international credibility and visibility in the global arena have been significantly enhanced,” he said.
He cautioned, however, that the achievements should not hide the AU’s shortcomings, deficiencies, difficulties and challenges to be faced on all sides.
The 46th Session of the AU Executive Council is considering the Report of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Annual Report on the Activities of the Union, its organs and champions, the Report of the 15th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Trade of the Continental Free Trade Area, as well as the Public Health Emergency for Continental Security.
The delegates will also examine the draft legal instruments, the reports of the committees of the Executive Council, the items proposed by the Member States, the draft agenda and the draft decisions of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Assembly will also elect and appoint six Commissioners of the AU Commission and other senior officials of the organs of the African Union.
The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African continent will confirm the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, as the leader of the continental organization until February 2026.
Source: ANGOP
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