The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this morning participated in the closing session of the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (#PRC).
In his keynote address, the Chairperson Mahmoud Ali youssouf expressed his deep appreciation to the Permanent Representatives for the diligence, dedication & constructive spirit that characterised their deliberations, which resulted in significant progress on key matters before the Committee.
He also commended the Chair of the PRC, Amb. Willy Nyamitwe, for his able leadership & stewardship in guiding the Committee’s work.
The Chairperson briefed the PRC on his recent consultations with the heads of the Regional Economic Communities (#RECs) & Regional Mechanisms (#RMs), underscoring the importance of strengthened coordination & enhanced complementarity in advancing Africa’s integration, peace, security & development agenda.
On peace & security, Chairperson Youssouf acknowledged that the continent continues to face complex & evolving challenges. He nevertheless expressed confidence in the AU’s collective capacity to address these challenges, noting the sustained commitment & political will demonstrated by Member States in support of African-led solutions to African challenges.
The Chairperson also updated the Committee on the recent virtual High-Level Summit on the Ebola outbreak, chaired by H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye of the Republic of #Burundi in his capacity as AU Champion. He noted that the Summit successfully mobilised political support & resources to strengthen the continental response.
He expressed gratitude to AU Member States for their solidarity & generous contributions to the affected countries, while commending the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its continued commitment & mobilisation of national resources to contain the outbreak.
Addressing global developments, the Chairperson observed that the disruption of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has had significant economic repercussions for African economies, particularly through its impact on global energy markets and supply chains. He expressed hope that the recently announced ceasefire agreement between the United States & Iran would contribute to easing regional tensions and restoring stability.
In his concluding, the Chairperson thanked the Permanent Representatives for the seriousness & commitment with which they continue to discharge their responsibilities. He encouraged them to sustain their efforts in advancing the Union’s institutional reform agenda, including measures aimed at strengthening the AU’s financial sustainability & enhancing the effectiveness of the Commission in delivering on its mandate.
: African Union Commission