Ethiopia and AU Officials Discuss Preparations for Upcoming AU Summit

Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Birhanu Tesgaye, met with Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to discuss preparations for the upcoming African Union (AU) meetings in February 2026. The 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is scheduled for February 11–12, followed by the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on February 14–15, both to be held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

During the meeting, Haddadi expressed the AU Commission's appreciation for Ethiopia's ongoing support and emphasized the need for close coordination to ensure the success of the summit. The Executive Council, comprising Foreign Affairs Ministers from AU Member States, will address reports from the Permanent Representatives' Committee, deliberate on the AU's participation in global platforms like the G20, and consider elections and appointments within AU organs and institutions. These discussions are expected to influence the Union's policy direction for 2026.

The Assembly, as the AU's supreme decision-making body, will set strategic priorities and adopt major decisions affecting the continent. Preparatory meetings, including sessions of the Permanent Representatives' Committee later in January, will precede the Assembly. Key themes for the Assembly include sustainable water and sanitation systems aligned with Agenda 2063, peace and security challenges, and continental integration, reflecting the priorities of Member States.

The discussions also explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Ethiopia and the AU, reaffirming Ethiopia's role as host country and strategic partner of the continental body.