The 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union commenced this morning at the AU Headquarters, with a central focus on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
In his address, Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the increasing turbulence in global affairs, which is testing multilateralism. He stressed that for Africa and the broader Global South, multilateralism is both an essential choice and an unavoidable necessity. “It is a choice because we believe in collaboration, consensus-building, and partnership. It is a necessity because the global challenges we face require global solutions,” Dr. Timothewos said.
The Foreign Minister highlighted critical challenges like climate change and pandemics, emphasizing the importance of multilateral frameworks to address these issues. He urged African nations to strengthen bodies like the United Nations and the African Union to better respond to such pressing concerns. “The coming wave of change could either propel us to greater heights or cast us into uncertainty,” he noted, stressing the importance of managing risks and seizing opportunities for Africa’s future.
On the subject of peace and security, Dr. Timothewos called for the strengthening of institutional capacities to promote mediation and conflict prevention, echoing the Pan-African principle of “African Solutions to African Challenges.” He concluded his remarks by urging member states to renew their commitment to African solidarity, noting that the continent’s future hinges on collective will and action.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also addressed the session, acknowledging Africa’s growing international partnerships and improved visibility on the global stage. However, he cautioned that while the continent has made strides in various areas, it must not overlook its ongoing challenges and shortcomings.
