Addis Ababa, February 15, 2025 (FMC) – Outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat delivered a comprehensive address at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, reflecting on his two terms in office and offering insights into the continent’s challenges and achievements.
Moussa Faki began by highlighting the historical significance of the moment, noting the eight years since his election. He emphasized his extensive travel across the continent, having visited all 55 member states, and framed his address as both a report and a platform for raising critical questions. He referenced the availability of detailed reports on the AU’s accomplishments.
He outlined the context of his tenure, marked by “rapid and intense geopolitical upheavals.” These included the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated debt burdens, and the Russia-Ukraine war, which triggered global economic and diplomatic turbulence. These events led to the resurgence of conflict, economic shocks, and external influence in Africa. The AU also faced challenges regarding food and health security.
Moussa Faki strongly condemned the ongoing injustices against the Palestinian people. Despite the dire situation, he reiterated the African Union’s solidarity with Palestine. He also acknowledged the impact of increased globalization, which has caused conflicts, terrorism, and extremism. He further mentioned the continuation of conflicts such as those in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya, as well as heightened tensions in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and other regions. These factors contributed to the movement of refugees and internally displaced persons, straining already fragile resources.
Turning to the AU’s institutional reforms, Moussa Faki emphasized the implementation of Agenda 2063. He highlighted the reconfiguration of leadership, enhanced cooperation with regional economic communities, and the establishment of technical groups to ensure the quality of human resources and adherence to financial principles.
Regarding the first 10-year implementation plan of Agenda 2063, Moussa Faki pointed to progress in areas like health, mentioning the establishment of the Africa CDC. He noted progress in livestock and animal health. He acknowledged that the African Medicines Agency (AMA) had started the process of setting up its headquarters in Kigali and its activities on the launching pad. He pointed to the importance of educational reform and programs focusing on gender and youth issues. He highlighted the AU’s focus on mining, agriculture, the blue economy, infrastructure, climate change, regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, humanitarian efforts, and partnerships with organizations such as the United Nations.
Moussa Faki then addressed several urgent issues for the future. He emphasized the importance of the Peace and Security Council’s role in maintaining continental stability, warning against decisions that undermine its principles and effectiveness. He raised concerns about unconstitutional changes of government and the need for consistent enforcement of AU standards. He also called for greater financial autonomy for the AU and a reduction in the multiplication of unnecessary organs.
In conclusion, he stated the need for Africa to adapt to new global realities and to assert its position in the evolving world order. He called for a renewed sense of Pan-Africanism, emphasizing the importance of addressing the aspirations of African youth. He thanked his colleagues for their support and acknowledged his own limitations, while expressing his commitment to continue working for Africa’s future. He thanked partners, colleagues, and the AU staff for their contributions during his tenure and asked for forgiveness for mistakes. He extended a final word to the current leaders and expressed his belief that the continent would continue to move forward.