President Taye Atske-Selassie of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia today presided over the official handover ceremony between the outgoing and incoming leadership of the African Union Commission, emphasizing the critical juncture at which the transition occurs.
Addressing a distinguished gathering including African Union heads of state, commissioners, and ambassadors, President Taye Atske-Selassie praised the outgoing Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, for his “outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment” over the past eight years. He highlighted key achievements, including the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and securing Africa's membership in the G-20.
“Your Excellency Moussa Faki, we are grateful that you managed to navigate the complex currents of our continent in an ever-evolving geopolitical dynamics. Indeed, your commitment brought forth tangible results,” President Taye Atske-Selassie stated. He also commended outgoing Deputy Chairperson, Monique Nsanza Baganwa, for her dedication to women's empowerment.
However, the President underscored the significant challenges facing the new leadership, led by incoming Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi. He pointed to the “unprecedented challenges” to the global order, including escalating conflicts, terrorism, and the climate crisis.
President Taye Atske-Selassie stressed the importance of leveraging Africa's G-20 membership to shape its economic destiny, criticizing the current G-20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment as "inadequate and inundated by inefficiency, delays, and a lack of clarity.” He further called for Africa's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, asserting that “we must push for Africa’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council so that we will sure be part of the decisions that will affect and determine the destiny of our continent.”
He outlined key priorities for the new AU Commission leadership, including:
- Pursuing peace by addressing the drivers of conflict.
- Championing food sovereignty through strategic agricultural investment.
- Forging an interconnected continent through the AfCFTA.
- Securing energy sufficiency through strong policy frameworks.
- Achieving financial sustainability by supporting African financial institutions like the African Credit Rating Agency.
“Our new Chairperson of the Commission, my brother Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, your seasoned experience in diplomacy is greatly needed now more than ever,” President Taye Atske-Selassie said, expressing confidence in the new leadership’s ability to lead with “vision, courage, and action.”
He reiterated Ethiopia's unwavering support for the AU Commission, emphasizing the country’s responsibility as the seat of the African Union. He also extended best wishes to the outgoing commissioners for their future endeavors.
“When we realize these key undertakings, the African Union will emerge as a formidable institution and also serve as a strong platform of African citizenry as well as an agent of our collective will,” he concluded.