African Union's executive council holds its 46th ordinary session

The 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union commenced on February 12, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This session will oversee the election of new leaders and Commissioners for the organization. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation is led by H.E Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission, and includes Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah responsible for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, along with several ECOWAS experts. They are participating in parallel sessions focused on development, peace, and security issues across Africa as well as a meeting concerning the coordination platform of Regional Economic Communities.

The opening ceremony was attended by Foreign Ministers from Member States and featured a series of speeches addressing various challenges facing Africa. H.E Gedion Timotheos, Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted conflicts, security issues, health problems, and United Nations Security Council reform as pressing matters.

H.E Dr Moussa Faki delivered a farewell address at the end of his mandate as head of the African Union Commission. He called for a moment of silence in memory of former President Sam Nujoma of Namibia before outlining achievements in security and development during his tenure. He also emphasized ongoing challenges such as financing the African Union and maintaining security.

Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, spoke about Africa's potential being hampered by conflicts and economic disparities. He proposed five key areas to address these challenges: reforming financial architecture, establishing an African rating agency, developing regional value chains, involving the diaspora in development issues, and promoting free movement within Africa.

The working session was officially opened by H.E Mohamed Salem Ould Merzough from Mauritania who currently presides over the Executive Council. He noted that he would soon pass leadership to his Angolan counterpart after reflecting on his mandate’s focus on peace and development according to Agenda 2063 recommendations. He concluded with a call for unity: “Africa is only strong when it knows how to come together around ideals outlined by founding fathers.”

This 46th Executive Council session will conclude on February 13 followed by the 38th Ordinary Session of Heads of State from February 15-16.