Synopsis
On March 14, the newly elected leadership of the African Union (AU) Commission, including its chairperson, deputy chairperson, and several commissioners, officially took office during a ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The leaders pledged to address key challenges and enhance Africa's influence on global matters.Key Takeaways
- New AU leadership inaugurated in Addis Ababa.
- Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasizes Africa's self-determination.
- Focus on financial autonomy and innovative funding.
- Urgent implementation of Agenda 2063's Second 10-Year Plan.
- Strengthening collaboration among AU institutions is critical.
Addis Ababa, March 14 (NationPress) The newly elected African Union (AU) Commission chairperson, deputy chairperson, and several commissioners have officially taken office after a handover ceremony held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, as per a press release.
The chairperson and deputy chairperson were elected and sworn in during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on February 15, according to Xinhua news agency.
Four out of the six commissioners were sworn in at the handover ceremony following their election and appointment during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on February 12.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the AU Commission, expressed his commitment to tackling institutional challenges and elevating Africa's position in the global framework.
"Africa must take its destiny into its own hands. It is time to assert ourselves as a determined continent, capable of influencing major global decisions and proposing solutions to the crises that affect the continent," Youssouf was quoted as saying in the press release.
"I commit today to act with determination to elevate our union to meet our peoples' expectations. We must revitalize our organization, enhance our unity, and assert Africa's role in the global arena," he stated.
In detailing his priorities, Youssouf emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of the Second 10-Year Plan of Agenda 2063 to align with the aspirations of the African populace, as well as to pursue financial autonomy for the AU, minimizing reliance on external funding by investigating innovative financing strategies.
Moreover, he highlighted the importance of fortifying collaboration among AU institutions and hastening the execution of institutional reforms to overcome administrative and structural obstacles.
