AU gets new chair, calls on Africa to unite to cope with global shocks

The AU Commission chairperson said "rapid and violent geopolitical upheavals are causing economic and diplomatic chaos, signaling a global geopolitical reconfiguration"...

The AU Summit took place on February 15-16 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

On February 15, Chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, called for stronger continental unity and spiritual renewal in the face of increasing global instability.

The politician made the call in his final speech before ending his second term as head of the AU's support body.

Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, AU Commission Chair Faki outlined the backdrop of his tenure as "rapid and violent geopolitical upheavals," including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated debt burdens, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has caused economic and diplomatic chaos, "signaling a global geopolitical realignment."

These events also left the AU facing challenges related to food security, health , social and political issues.

Referring to the continuation of internal conflicts in Africa such as in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, the Sahel region..., the AU President commented that these factors have contributed to the movement of refugees and internally displaced people, putting a strain on already fragile resources.

Stressing the importance of change to adapt to new global realities and assert one's place in the changing world order, President Faki called for a renewal of the spirit of pan-Africanism, stressing the importance of addressing the aspirations of African youth.

The AU Summit took place on February 15-16 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, bringing together representatives from 55 member countries.

Key issues on the agenda include the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, along with cuts in US aid.

The conference elected the new chairman of the AU - a position that represents about 1.5 billion people across the continent - Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf - Foreign Minister of Djibouti. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf won over Mr. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and Mr. Richard Randriamandrato, former Foreign Minister of Madagascar, in the vote at the conference.

Mr. Youssouf will serve a four-year term, replacing Mr. Moussa Faki - who has held the position since 2017.

As head of the AU Commission, Mr. Youssouf will face many challenges, in a context where the AU is often criticized for not taking action or responding seriously to armed conflicts in many parts of the continent.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/au-co-chu-tich-moi-keu-goi-chau-phi-doan-ket-chong-choi-voi-nhung-cu-soc-toan-cau-304564.html