Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, on Tuesday reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to working closely with international partners in advancing sustainable development across the continent.

Mr Youssouf disclosed this in a statement by Nuur Sheekh, spokesperson for the AUC chairperson, during his official visit to the Republic of Angola from March 18 to 19, 2025.

Mr Youssouf had, during the visit, met with the African Union Chairperson, President João Lourenço of Angola, and the diplomatic community in Luanda, alongside Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola.

Mr Youssouf said, “In this regard, we welcomed the upcoming U.S.-Africa Business Forum in June, 2025 and the Summit on Mobilising Resources for Infrastructure Development in October, 2025.

“These are important platforms to attract investment and support Africa’s development priorities. I presented his new vision and strategic priorities for the commission, reaffirming the AU’s commitment to peace, security and development across the continent.

“I reaffirm the African Union’s continued commitment to working closely with international partners in advancing the union’s strategic objectives and collective strategic interests on promoting peace, security and sustainable development across Africa.”

He explained that during the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on Africa’s peace and security priorities, with a focus on the situation in the DR of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.

He also commended Mr Lourenço for his display of statesmanship, reaffirming commitment to the Luanda development process.

He stated, “We noted complex challenges in some situations and stressed the importance of sustained African Union engagement, alongside existing efforts on ground to support stabilisation efforts and inclusive political processes. This is aimed at advancing durable peace and strengthening national institutions. We emphasised the need to strengthen African Peace and Security Architecture, enhance Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, and reinforce the African Union Peace and Security Council to address emerging threats.’’

The AUC chairperson described the commission’s plan to advance the “Silencing the Guns” agenda as a central priority for sustainable peace and stability in Africa.

He reiterated the need for infrastructure development as critical to regional integration, economic transformation and the realisation of Agenda 2063. 

(NAN)