Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
The appointment marks a key leadership transition within the continental body, with the Commission praising both the incoming official’s expertise in peace and security affairs and the outgoing chief’s service and leadership during his tenure.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged stronger regional integration, infrastructure investment, and policy coordination at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, warning illicit financial flows and instability could derail development goals.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed “deep concern over the renewed escalation in the Gulf region,” pointing to recent attacks attributed to Iran targeting neighbouring states such as the United Arab Emirates.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed gratitude to all nations that supported Mogadishu’s candidacy.
The African Union has endorsed a China–Pakistan five-point initiative to de-escalate Gulf and Middle East tensions, citing risks to Africa’s energy, trade and food security and urging urgent diplomatic action.
The AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said Kikwete will support peace, diplomacy and regional cooperation efforts in the strategically important region, working with regional and international organisations to promote stability, security and sustainable peace.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Youssouf said he was “deeply concerned over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Republic of South Sudan,” citing reports of rising tensions and violence that have forced large numbers of people to flee their homes.
The African Union Commission Chair further reiterated the AU’s broader commitment to supporting democratic governance across the continent.
According to the AU Commission, the trade framework has played a critical role in supporting industrialisation, job creation and the development of regional value chains across the continent.
The African Union Commission expressed hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the United Nations, and other international partners would help sustain critical multilateral functions, while also improving efficiency and accountability.
The talks occurred concurrently with the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People‑to‑People Exchanges, a yearlong initiative to promote cultural, educational and social links between China and African states.
The peace initiative presented to the UN Security Council outlines measures intended to address both the immediate security situation and longer-term governance challenges.