Burundi assumes rotating chairmanship of African Union
The Chairperson of the African Union holds office for a one-year term
Angola’s President Joao Lourenço (C) hands over the Chairpersonship of the African Union to Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye (CL) during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on February 14, 2026. AFP Photo
Burundi on Saturday officially assumed the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) for 2026 during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye took over the chairmanship from Angolan President Joao Lourenco at the AU headquarters.
In his acceptance speech, Ndayishimiye said Angola was passing the torch to Burundi amid unrelenting security challenges, the rise of unilateral approaches, growing economic tensions, and the impact of climate change across the continent.
Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye addresses a plenary session inside the Nelson Mandela Hall during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. AFP Photo
"I want to assure you that Burundi will exercise its presidency in a spirit of listening, impartiality and cooperation with all, and for the good of all member states. We intend to work with all AU members to reach common consensus," he said.
Ndayishimiye said that Burundi will seize the opportunity to strengthen Africa's voice on the international arena and actively contribute to building a fairer, more balanced and inclusive world.