The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government opened today at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, calling for African solidarity and financial independence.
President Hakainde Hichilema has joined other African leaders at the summit.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf framed the summit around the 2026 theme of water and sanitation, describing access to water as a shared resource that supports development and peace.
He says the continent faces ongoing conflicts, weak institutions, and unconstitutional changes of government, making reforms and financial self-reliance more important than ever.
Chairperson Youssouf urged African countries to mobilize domestic resources and speed up key continental programs in industrialization, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.
Outgoing AU Chairperson and President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, stressed that safe water and sanitation are a political, moral, and strategic priority for Africa’s development, health, food security, and stability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the importance of the partnership between the UN and the AU, calling for multilateral cooperation to advance peace, security, and development.
He emphasized Africa’s growing role in global affairs, the need for UN Security Council reform to give Africa stronger representation, and support for the continent’s development and fair access to financing.
By Bruce Mwale
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