from ADANE BIKILA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia Bureau
ADDIS ABABA, (CAJ News) — THE 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit convened at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa brought together presidents and prime ministers from all 55 member states to address the continent’s most pressing challenges and strategic priorities.
Under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” leaders focused on sustainable development, peace, security, unity and Africa’s role on the global stage.
One of the most compelling voices at the summit was United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who reminded attendees that global institutional reform continues to be essential.
“This is 2026 — not 1946,” he declared, underscoring the long-standing call for Africa to gain permanent seats on the UN Security Council and stronger representation in international decision-making.
Guterres praised the AU as a flagship for multilateralism while urging cooperation on peace, development and climate justice, particularly in addressing conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Sahel region and elsewhere.
The UN boss’ message highlighted Africa’s emergence as a leader in global matters even as it confronts humanitarian and security crises at home.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali welcomed delegates, emphasising that true sovereignty for African nations is not merely symbolic but must translate into “owning our narrative” on issues central to the continent’s future.
Ahmed’s remarks set the tone for discussions about resilience, development and intra-African cooperation.
Also speaking at the AU summit was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who used his platform to highlight the crucial importance of peace and stability across the expansive continent.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a prosperous, peaceful and integrated continent, stressing that the AU must strengthen political dialogue and address ongoing violent conflicts, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader region.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa also addressed summit delegates, affirming the importance of solidarity and cooperation among African states.
Mnangagwa’s remarks emphasised shared commitments to unity and Pan-African advancement, reflecting expectations that collective action will underpin the continent’s progress in 2026 and beyond.
A major focus of this year’s summit was sustainable water and sanitation — recognised as foundational for economic growth, public health and climate resilience.
Leaders acknowledged that water insecurity undermines food systems, health outcomes and stability if left unaddressed.
Peace and security remained central, with calls to “silence the guns” and reinforce efforts to end unconstitutional changes of government.
Delegates also discussed reforms to strengthen African governance structures and enhance continental policy coherence.
The summit reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to deepening regional integration under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 — long-term blueprints for sustainable development, economic cooperation and intra-African trade expansion.
The AU’s gathering in Addis Ababa underscored the belief that when Africa stands united, it wields considerable economic, political and social influence on the world stage.
Unity enhances collective bargaining power, attracts investment, fosters industrialisation and ensures that the continent’s youthful population — one of its greatest assets — is harnessed for growth.
Peace and cooperation among African nations also pave the way for stronger diplomatic relations, regional stability and shared prosperity.
Only by acting as a cohesive bloc can Africa reshape global norms, champion equitable development and secure its rightful place in international governance.
The 39th AU Summit closed with a renewed commitment to these ideals, and a determination among Africa’s leaders to transform discussions into actionable progress for the continent’s people.
– CAJ News