UN to work with AU on injustices

The 38th African Union (AU) Summit on February 16, 2025, officially closed in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa with the United Nations (UN) pledging to work with AU on injustices.

The summit under the theme: Justice for Africans and People of African Decent Through Reparations, aimed at addressing historical injustices and their lasting aftermath on the African continent.

UN Secretary General António Guterres said the partnership between the agency he heads and AU has never been stronger and that collectively, they can see Africa brimming with hope and possibility.

According to him, Africa has a booming, enterprising population and the largest number of young people in the world and given the world’s best renewable resources, the African Continental Free Trade Area is poised to turbo charge the region’s economy.

Guterres said the world must never forget that Africa is a victim of two colossal and compound injustices, first the profound impact of colonialism, and the transatlantic slave trade and whose roots stretch back centuries and that the biter fruits continue to affect Africans and the people of African descent to-date. 

He pledged to continue working with AU and all member states to ensure the representation Africa needs and the justice that the continent deserves including two permanent of the Security Council. 

Unity will ensure sustainable development

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African nations to strengthen unity to ensure sustainable development.

He also emphasized that Africa’s pursuit of justice for historical damages should not be misinterpreted as a request for aid.

He said in the world marked by dynamic change, a magnitude of uncertainties faces Africa and, therefore, the need to strengthen our protective goals, resilience and foster unity across the continent.

To achieve lasting peace, justice and prosperity, Abiy said, Africa must rise above the historical traditions imposed on us by the colonial forces and suggested that fostering solidarity among all foundations and embracing a shared destiny, the African continent can pool her resources and endowments to unlock her full potential.

Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference after the opening session of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, where leaders will elect a new head of the AU Commission, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025. (Credit: AFP)

 
AU chairperson elected

AU member state leaders on Saturday elected Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to head AU's executive commission.

Youssouf, 60, who boasts of longevity in the foreign ministerial position since 2005, won the required support of two-thirds of the region's leaders in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to secure the post representing some 1.5 billion Africans across the continent.

He beat veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, but observers praised the career the diplomat's low-key campaign to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki Mahamat and head the pan-African bloc.

The multilingual politician — who speaks Arabic, English and French — remains close to Djibouti's leader Ismail Omar Guelleh.

Guelleh called his minister's election "a proud moment for Djibouti and Africa," in a message on X.

"His leadership will serve Africa with dedication and vision."

One of the least populated countries on the continent, home to some one million, Djibouti holds a strategic position facing the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, through which passes much of the world's trade.

Governance problem

Youssouf has said there is a "problem with governance" in some African nations, particularly those that have been shaken by recent coups. 

He said that as commission chairperson, "peace and security" would be his priority.

He will have to grapple with the devastating conflicts in the eastern DR Congo and Sudan, as well as huge development aid cuts launched by US President Donald Trump.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti and candidate for Africa Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf poses for a picture during the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, where leaders will elect a new head of the AU Commission, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025. (Credit: AFP)

Happy to be voted

Youssouf took to X saying: We made it together. I am humbled and overwhelmed May God help me to serve the continent and our African peoples.

He also thanked Kenyan President William Ruto for congratulating him on his victory: He is the African champion for the Reforms. I am honoured to work with him to advance our continental agenda. Asanti sana Mzee.

Raila’s reaction

After conceding defeat, former Kenyan Prime Minister Odinga said he is ‘still available to offer other services in the continent in any other capacity’.

“I want to wish my competitor Mahmoud Youssouf success in his undertaking. And I want to thank all those members or countries who voted for me,” Odinga added. 

Ruto also congratulated Youssouf, saying this election was not about individuals or nations but about Africa’s future.

“That future remains bright, and together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage,” Ruto said. 

Meanwhile, Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco took the rotating African Union chairmanship, replacing Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.

Uganda's Vice-President Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, joined over 35 heads of state and government and a number of senior government officials in the respective countries. 

Alupo was accompanied by foreign affairs state minister John Mulimba, Uganda’s ambassador to Ethiopia Rebecca Otengo, Uganda’s Military Attache to Ethiopia Col. Fred Zakye and several Ugandan officials from AU and Ugandan Embassy in Addis Ababa.