Speaking at the 21st Extraordinary African Union (AU) Summit on conflict prevention & resolution in Luanda this morning, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for urgent reform of Africa’s peace & security architecture. He @ymahmoudali observed that from Sudan & eastern DRC to Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, northern Mozambique & Madagascar, persistent crises and emerging threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, transnational crime & the mistreatment of migrants, demand stronger collective action. "Prevention must become our priority. We need a strengthened continental early-warning system, more effective implementation of AU decisions, sustainable financing for peace operations and a fully operational Peace Fund", he said. Chairperson Youssouf added that partnerships, including with the United Nations, must reflect Africa’s realities and expectations. The implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 is a legitimate and urgent call. He also emphasised  that AU's Regional Economic Communities & Regional Mechanisms remain central to preventive diplomacy. Continuous consultation among the PSC, the Commission, Member States and regional bodies is essential. He further underscored that no single country can confront these threats alone. Solidarity, pooled resources and greater Pan-African sovereignty in peace and security are imperative, he added. On unconstitutional changes of government, he said that the AU position remains clear: "firmness in defending AU norms, alongside dialogue and support." In conclusion, H.E. Mr. Youssouf said that this is a long-term undertaking requiring unwavering political, underscoring  that the Summit be a Summit of choices; choices that strengthen Africa’s capacity to take collective ownership of its peace & security. Convened under the leadership of H.E João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, & AU Champion for Peace & Reconciliation in Africa, & chaired by H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, the Chairperson of the African Union.  The Summit will provide an opportunity for Heads of State & Government to undertake a strategic assessment of the effectiveness of existing continental mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution. Read Full Speech @ au.int/en/speeches/20260830/… @jlprdeangola @GeneralNeva.

Press Briefing by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, following his meeting with H.E. General Assimi Goïta, President of the Republic of #Mali @GoitaAssimi @AbdoulayeDiop8

[Français] Communiqué du Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine sur l’attaque terroriste à Niamey. Le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali condamne fermement l’attaque terroriste perpétrée le 18 juin 2026 contre l’aéroport international de Niamey, en République du Niger. Le Président adresse ses sincères condoléances aux familles des victimes ainsi qu’aux autorités et au peuple nigériens, et souhaite un prompt rétablissement aux blessés. Il salue la réaction des Forces de défense et de sécurité nigériennes qui ont permis de repousser l’attaque et de sécuriser les installations aéroportuaires. Le Président réaffirme la solidarité de l’Union africaine avec la République du Niger dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et l’extrémisme violent, et réitère l’engagement de l’Union africaine à soutenir les efforts visant à préserver la paix, la sécurité et la stabilité sur le continent. Lire @ au.int/fr/pressreleases/2026…

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received & held consultations this morning with members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The exchanges focused on developments in the Great Lakes region, particularly the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, & their implications for regional peace, security, & development. The Chairperson and ICG members underscored the importance of sustaining ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, de-escalation, & confidence-building. They welcomed progress achieved through the Washington Accord & the Doha process, & stressed the importance of consolidating gains through the implementation of agreed measures, including a durable ceasefire, enhanced humanitarian access, confidence-building initiatives, & continued engagement among the concerned parties. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali reiterated the African Union’s lead role in supporting regional & international efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful & lasting resolution to the crisis, and called for continued alignment and coordination with AU-led initiatives. In this regard, ICG members reaffirmed their support for the AU's efforts & its central role in advancing peace, security, & stability in the Great Lakes region. The meeting also reaffirmed their conviction that a sustainable solution can only be achieved through dialogue and peaceful means, & called on all stakeholders to uphold their commitments, protect civilians, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, & respect international humanitarian law. The Chairperson further noted that the Ebola outbreak is placing additional strain on an already fragile humanitarian situation & underscored the need for strengthened regional cooperation, cross-border coordination, & public health preparedness, in line with the outcomes of the recent AU High-Level Meeting on Ebola in Bujumbura. The Chairperson & the ICG members reaffirmed the importance of inclusive dialogue, good governance, and regional cooperation as indispensable pillars for sustainable peace, stability, and development in the Great Lakes region. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…