African Union Assembly Session Ends in Addis Ababa
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 16, 2026
The Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) concluded today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. African Heads of State and Government participated in two days of deliberations.
The session, chaired by H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union for 2025, marked the transition of leadership to H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, who assumes the role of Chairperson of the African Union for 2026. A state dinner preceded the Assembly, hosted by H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, H.E. the President of the State of Palestine, and H.E. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy.
Peace and Security
The Assembly reviewed a report from the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and expressed concern regarding ongoing conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises across the continent. Participants reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to preventing unconstitutional changes of government and working towards silencing the guns in Africa. The need for predictable, sustainable, and flexible financing for AU-led peace support operations was also emphasized. The Assembly adopted a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) regarding the African Standby Force, advocating for improved coordination and operational readiness.
Institutional Reform and Governance
The Assembly considered a report on AU Institutional Reforms, reinforcing the commitment to a people-centered, efficient, accountable, and financially sustainable Union. Reports from the Chairperson of the Commission and various Assembly Committees were adopted, including those pertaining to Africa CDC, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), AUDA-NEPAD, the Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform, CAHOSCC, the AfCFTA, and the High-Level Committee on Libya. The Assembly reaffirmed Africa’s Common Position on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council and its demand for equitable representation in global governance institutions.
Africa and Global Governance (G20)
The Assembly received a briefing on the outcome of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg and reviewed a report on AU participation in the G20. Leaders highlighted the importance of coordinated African positions to advance continental priorities, including sustainable development financing, debt restructuring, climate action, food security, and digital transformation.
Continental Development Priorities
The Assembly reaffirmed Agenda 2063 as Africa’s strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Progress in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) was welcomed, with an emphasis on transforming African food systems and building resilience to climate shocks. The operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was also commended, and Member States were urged to accelerate implementation to boost intra-African trade, industrialization, and value addition. The Assembly acknowledged continental development initiatives focused on mobilizing resources for infrastructure, energy, water and sanitation, and climate adaptation programs, and underscored the importance of youth and women empowerment, innovation, digitalization, and skills development.
Historical Justice and International Solidarity
The Assembly considered a study examining the implications of describing colonization as a crime against humanity and certain acts during the era of slavery, deportation, and colonization as acts of genocide against the peoples of Africa. Leaders emphasized the importance of historical justice, truth, remembrance, reparatory justice, and preserving the dignity of African peoples. The Assembly also reviewed a report on the situation in Palestine and reiterated the African Union’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its support for a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Adoption of Decisions and Appreciation
The Assembly adopted its Decisions, Declarations, and Resolutions. Heads of State and Government expressed appreciation to President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for his leadership as Chairperson of the African Union for 2025 and pledged support to President Évariste Ndayishimiye in his role as Chairperson for 2026. The Assembly also conveyed gratitude to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for their hospitality and facilities provided for the Summit.
