The African Union (AU) Summit is poised to address and enact significant decisions regarding the continent’s security landscape, amidst ongoing security challenges faced by several member states. An extraordinary mini-summit addressing the security challenges in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), as announced by the DRC government.
Scheduled for late Friday, the mini-summit will be attended by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, who arrived in Addis Ababa for the occasion. The DRC presidential office, via X, formerly Twitter, confirmed President Tshisekedi’s participation, alongside leaders from Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Burundi, Malawi, and Equatorial Guinea.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, stated earlier on Friday via X that the mini-summit is convened under the auspices of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who serves as the designated mediator on peace and security matters in the eastern DRC.
The security situation remains precarious, particularly in the vicinity of Goma, the capital of the DRC’s eastern province of North Kivu, where clashes persist between the national army and rebels belonging to the March 23 Movement (M23). The M23 rebels have intensified their offensives in the region in recent weeks, contributing to the ongoing volatility in the area.
H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized the imperative of addressing continental issues comprehensively, taking into account global dynamics exacerbating existing challenges. He highlighted security deficiencies in various regions, including Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, and the Sahel, plagued by armed conflicts and terrorism. Notably, he stressed that these crises, alongside other governance issues, risk undermining the progress achieved by the continent.
H.E. Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, Comoros Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes of government, which pose threats to democratic processes. Efforts to resolve crises, such as the conflict in Sudan and political transitions in the Sahel, were underscored, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and swift action.
H.E. Taye Atske-Selassie, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, commended the AU’s efforts in addressing crises, citing the successful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ethiopia through the Pretoria Peace Agreement as an example. He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to African-led solutions and collaboration with the AU to ensure peace and stability.
Looking ahead, the AU is set to unveil the Special Project on Agenda 2063, marking the second decade of its implementation. Challenges encountered during the first decade will inform strategies for the next phase. Education takes centre stage in 2024, with a focus on enhancing skills to meet continental goals and market demands. Partnership between industries and educational institutions is emphasized to align curricula with job markets and foster human capital development.
Multilateral cooperation remains pivotal, with the AU’s participation in the G20 seen as an opportunity to contribute to global economic governance. The upcoming Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 17th – 18th, 2024, will address a wide array of issues, including trade, regional integration, institutional reforms, and preparations for AU Commission elections.
