African heads of state and government returned to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 37th ordinary summit of the Organization which lasted for 2 days, 17th and 18th February 2024, to discuss the continent’s recent challenges and further create a path to ascertain the continent’s stance as a powerhouse in the globe.
This year’s main theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st century” was a key agenda at the summit with discussions on how building resilient education systems will increase lifelong and relevant learning in Africa. However, the pressing discussions were on the issues of peace and security, development, as well as regional integration.
Some of the primary discussions at this year’s summit include:
- President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ghazouani was elected as the new Chairperson of African Union.
- The Conflicts in Sudan which have created the world’s largest displacement and urgently craves humanitarian assistance were addressed behind closed doors at the summit.
- The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo crisis which has intensified over time leading to violent results caused by the actions of the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda was a heated debate at a mini-private summit before the general summit concluded.
- Discussions on the structural and financial reform within the organization to fund the AU to perform better were also a key agenda at the summit.
- South Africa’s president Cyril Raphosa met with Palestine’s prime minister Muhammad Shtayyeh who conveyed his gratitude to South Africa for their support against Israel at the International Court of Justice earlier this year.
- Other agendas on poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and political instability were also discussed at the summit.
The African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat addressed the assembly in his closing remarks in his words
“Our main challenges have not diminished, the political and institutional instability, climate change, deficits in economies, poverty, the marginalization of women and young people in development processes, and leadership in our political and social systems remain our main sources of concern”
The assembly elected the president of Mauritania as the new chairman of the African Union 2024, which was previously held by President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros.
The next summit will be held a year from now at the constant location where the headquarters is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia although there is no fixed date for the summit.
With a population of close to 1.5 billion and 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, Africa has vast potential and to capitalize on its resources African leaders need to achieve durable results by promoting peace, development, good governance, and above all must stand together in unity.
