Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the new AUC Chair, visited Angola prioritizing peace efforts in crises such as the eastern DRC and South Sudan. His discussions with President Lourenço reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to peace and security, emphasizing joint efforts for an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, the leaders highlighted upcoming economic forums and the need for stronger regional peace mechanisms, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), embarked on his inaugural official visit to Luanda, Angola, signaling a strong focus on addressing Africa’s security issues. His two-day visit, held from March 18 to 19, included discussions with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who also holds the position of African Union Chairperson. Together, they underscored the African Union’s commitment to enhancing peace, security, and sustainable development throughout the continent.
During their meeting, both leaders emphasized the delicate Luanda peace process and expressed their shared objective of achieving an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region plagued by persistent militia violence. The AUC Chair also highlighted the importance of addressing conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia, advocating for ongoing African Union engagement to foster stabilization efforts and inclusive political solutions in these regions.
The discussions extended to broader priorities of the African Union, with particular emphasis on strengthening Africa’s peace architecture and enhancing regional organizations’ capacity to tackle emerging security challenges. The leaders reiterated the significance of advancing the ‘Silencing the Guns’ agenda as essential for achieving sustainable peace and stability across Africa.
On the economic front, Mahmoud and Lourenço acknowledged significant upcoming events, including the US-Africa Business Forum in June 2025 and the AU Infrastructure Summit in October 2025. These events are viewed as pivotal opportunities for attracting investments that align with Agenda 2063’s objectives.
Addressing the diplomatic community in Luanda, Mahmoud articulated his strategic priorities for the commission and pledged to collaborate closely with international partners to fulfill Africa’s development goals. He stated that the African Union remains steadfast in its mission to promote peace, security, and development across the continent, explicitly indicating that enhancing the focus on eastern Congo is a priority for his leadership.
In summary, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s first official visit to Angola marks a significant step in reaffirming the African Union’s dedication to peace and security within Africa, especially in conflict-ridden regions like the eastern DRC and South Sudan. The visit underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving the African Union’s goals for sustainable development, and reflects a renewed focus on peace initiatives and economic transformations that align with the continent’s Agenda 2063. Overall, this visit signals a proactive approach in addressing both security and economic challenges facing Africa today.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
