The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, visited Angola, meeting with President João Lourenço to discuss Africa’s peace and security priorities. They emphasized the need for sustained African Union engagement to tackle complex challenges and reinforced their commitment to effective regional cooperation and infrastructure development. Upcoming forums were recognized as vital for advancing Africa’s development goals.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, recently undertook an official visit to Angola from March 18 to 19, 2025. During this visit, he met with H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of Angola and the current Chairperson of the African Union, both of whom are significant contributors to peace and security on the continent.
The discussions between the leaders focused on Africa’s pressing peace and security issues, specifically addressing the situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. H.E. Youssouf commended President Lourenço for his leadership and they jointly reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the Luanda process, which seeks to address these complex challenges.
Both leaders highlighted the necessity for the sustained engagement of the African Union to facilitate stabilization efforts and inclusive political processes that promote durable peace and reinforce national institutions. They emphasized strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture, enhancing the involvement of Regional Economic Communities, and fortifying the African Union Peace and Security Council in order to effectively respond to emerging threats.
They reiterated the importance of the “Silencing the Guns” initiative as a vital goal for achieving sustainable peace and stability in Africa. Additionally, they articulated their vision for the African Union, prioritizing infrastructure development as crucial for regional integration, economic transformation, and the realization of Agenda 2063.
The upcoming US-Africa Business Forum scheduled for June 2025 and the anticipated Summit on Mobilizing Resources for Infrastructure Development in October 2025 were acknowledged as essential platforms for attracting investment and supporting Africa’s developmental priorities.
During his visit, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf engaged with the diplomatic corps in Luanda and articulated his strategic priorities for the African Union Commission. He reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to promote peace, security, and sustainable development throughout Africa.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the President of Angola reflected a unified commitment to enhancing peace and security across Africa. The leaders identified critical areas for collaboration, particularly regarding stabilization efforts, infrastructure development, and partner engagement. Their discussions underscore a strategic vision aligning with Agenda 2063 and the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation to address contemporary challenges.
Original Source: au.int
