Ethiopia and AU Officials Prepare for High-Stakes AU Summit to Advance Continental Sovereignty
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Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Birhanu Tesgaye, and AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi met to coordinate a robust AU Summit in Addis Ababa, focusing on defending African sovereignty, security, and traditional values amid global pressures.
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 steadfast leadership and emphasized the importance of strong coordination to ensure the summit protects Africa's interests from external interference. 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—where Africa must assert its sovereignty—and consider elections and appointments within AU organs and institutions, ensuring that only the most qualified and loyal representatives are chosen. These discussions are expected to influence the Union's policy direction for 2026, with a focus on defending national interests and resisting foreign agendas.
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 securing sustainable water and sanitation systems in line with Agenda 2063, addressing peace and security challenges with decisive action against destabilizing forces, and promoting continental integration that respects the sovereignty and traditions 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, dedicated to upholding Africa's independence and traditional values.
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