By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Ethiopia, June 26, 2026 - African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has acknowledged that Africa continues to grapple with complex and evolving security challenges, urging Member States to strengthen regional cooperation and sustain support for African-led solutions.
Speaking during the closing session of the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC), Youssouf said enhanced coordination among the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) remains critical to advancing the continent's integration, peace, security, and development agenda.
"The continent continues to face complex and evolving challenges," Youssouf said, expressing confidence that the AU's collective efforts and the political will demonstrated by Member States would enable Africa to effectively respond to emerging threats.
He noted that closer collaboration between continental and regional institutions would improve the implementation of policies aimed at promoting peace, economic integration, and sustainable development.
The AU Commission Chairperson also highlighted the continent's ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak, saying a recent virtual High-Level Summit chaired by Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the AU Champion on Ebola, had successfully mobilised political support and resources to strengthen containment efforts.
Youssouf thanked AU Member States for demonstrating solidarity through financial and logistical support to affected countries and commended the Democratic Republic of the Congo for committing national resources to contain the outbreak.
Beyond health emergencies, the Chairperson pointed to growing global economic pressures affecting Africa. He said disruptions to maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz had negatively impacted African economies by increasing pressure on global energy markets and disrupting supply chains.
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He expressed optimism that the recently announced ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran would help reduce regional tensions, restore stability, and ease economic pressures linked to international trade routes.
Youssouf also praised the Permanent Representatives for what he described as their diligence and constructive engagement during the session, which he said resulted in significant progress on key issues before the committee.
He further commended PRC Chair Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe for his leadership in steering the committee's work.
In his closing remarks, the AU Commission Chairperson urged Member States to continue advancing the African Union's institutional reform agenda, particularly efforts aimed at strengthening the organisation's financial sustainability and improving the Commission's capacity to deliver on its mandate across the continent.
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