By Michael Omotosho |
The African Union and the United Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and Africa’s long-term growth agenda during the Tenth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The meeting, convened on May 13, brought together Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and António Guterres at the African Union Headquarters.
In a joint communiqué issued after the conference, both leaders stressed that the AU–UN strategic partnership remains critical in addressing escalating global and continental challenges, including armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, poverty, inequality, climate change, and violations of international law.
They reaffirmed support for the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting that cooperation between both institutions is anchored on collective coordinated action to tackle complex international challenges.
Focus on Peace and Security Across Africa
The two organizations emphasized the importance of political solutions to conflicts and called for predictable, sustainable and adequate financing for African Union-led peace support operations, particularly through the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719.
They reviewed security situations across the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, Sudan, and the Sahel, expressing concern over worsening violence and humanitarian suffering.
On the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the AU and UN called for an urgent and lasting ceasefire through AU-led mediation efforts spearheaded by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé.
Regarding Sudan, both bodies welcomed appeals by Sudanese civilian groups for de-escalation and urged all parties to prioritize the interests of the Sudanese people through constructive peace efforts and inclusive dialogue.
The communiqué also highlighted growing concerns over violent extremism in the Sahel and condemned the April 25 terrorist attacks in Mali.
“The Chairperson of the Commission and the Secretary-General underscored the imperative of a comprehensive approach to prevent and counter violent extremism,” the communiqué stated.
Concerns Over Middle East Conflict Impact on Africa
The AU and UN also warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having increasing economic and humanitarian repercussions on Africa.
They cited concerns over food security, energy supply disruptions, inflationary pressures, trade challenges, and shrinking fiscal space across African economies.
Both organizations pledged to push for coordinated international responses through global platforms including the G20 and G7.
Push for Development, Financial Reform
On sustainable development, the leaders welcomed progress under joint AU–UN cooperation frameworks, including the establishment of a joint roadmap and digital dashboard to monitor implementation of development priorities.
They called for accelerated reforms of the international financial system to better reflect the realities and priorities of developing nations, especially African countries facing debt burdens, financing gaps, and illicit financial flows.
The communiqué further emphasized the importance of:
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Energy transition
- Digital transformation
- Youth employment
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The leaders also urged stronger support for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 aimed at helping African countries achieve middle-income status by 2033.
Human Rights and Water Security Prioritized
The AU and UN reaffirmed that human rights remain central to conflict prevention and inclusive development.
They welcomed the adoption of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and pledged stronger cooperation to improve compliance with human rights standards in African Union peace operations.
On water security, both institutions aligned support behind the African Union’s 2026 theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
They committed to increasing investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems for climate and water risks, and supporting the African Ministers’ Council on Water.
Health Sovereignty, Migration and Humanitarian Cooperation
The communiqué also highlighted commitments to advancing health sovereignty and universal health coverage across Africa.
The AU and UN pledged continued collaboration on migration governance, protection of vulnerable migrants, combating human trafficking, and responding to climate-induced displacement.
They further agreed to deepen support for the operationalisation of the African Humanitarian Agency and strengthen Africa’s humanitarian preparedness and resilience.
On illicit drug trafficking, both sides committed to intensifying efforts to combat drug-related crime while expanding access to treatment, rehabilitation, HIV prevention services, and controlled medicines for medical and scientific use.
Tribute Paid to António Guterres
During the conference, the African Union Commission paid tribute to António Guterres ahead of the conclusion of his tenure as UN Secretary-General.
The AU praised his leadership and commitment to issues affecting Africa, particularly in the areas of peace and security, climate justice, humanitarian action, sustainable development, and global governance reform.
The communiqué described his tenure as marked by principled leadership and unwavering commitment to Africa and multilateral cooperation.
Next Conference Scheduled for 2027
The African Union and United Nations agreed that the Eleventh AU–UN Annual Conference will be held in 2027 in New York at a mutually agreed date.
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