Recently, leaders and representatives from across Africa gathered in Addis Ababa for the 38th African Union (AU) General Assembly and the 46th AU Executive Council Summit. The high level meetings, held at the AU headquarters, focused on addressing pressing continental issues and resulted in the adoption of key decisions to advance Africa’s development and unity.
The summit brought together a diverse group of participants, including heads of state, foreign ministers, diplomats, and leaders of various AU institutions and organizations. Their collective goal was to deliberate on critical agendas that impact the continent’s future. Key topics included institutional reforms of the AU, efforts to secure permanent representation for Africa in the United Nations Security Council, and strategies to enhance continental peace and security.
This year’s annual continental meeting is a crucial platform for addressing the region’s most pressing issues. The African Union has a long-standing tradition of addressing African problems through collective dialogue.
The union has settled into a significant body advocating for peace, security, and development across Africa. This year, the summit took place under the theme of “Justice for Africans and African descent,” reflecting the AU’s commitment to addressing historical injustices while promoting equitable growth.
Many African nations’ leaders emphasized that the AU must evolve to better represent the interests of its member states and address the challenges posed by contemporary global dynamics. It aims to bolster the AU’s effectiveness and ensure that it can respond swiftly to crises and developmental needs.
Among the outcomes of the assembly were resolutions to strengthen regional cooperation that were actionable to the theme of the meeting compensatory justice also featured prominently in through discussions.
Representatives highlighted the importance of acknowledging the deep scars left by colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism. These historical injustices have not only disrupted social and economic structures but have also instilled generational trauma in individuals and communities.
The summit further discussed that the leaders should remedy these historical injustices in nations. Also, by advocating for compensatory justice, the AU seeks to foster a sense of healing and empowerment among African nations, enabling them to reclaim their narratives and futures.
The 38th AU General Assembly reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to unity and self-reliance, with leaders calling for increased collaboration to ensure Africa’s voice is heard on the global stage. The AU is trying to achieve an ongoing quest for Africa’s permanent representation in the UN Security Council.
For years, Africa has been underrepresented in global decision-making forums, and leaders at the summit reiterated the necessity of amplifying the continent’s voice in international affairs. Achieving permanent representation would not only enhance Africa’s influence but also ensure that its unique challenges and perspectives are adequately addressed on the global stage.
The summit also focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming to facilitate trade and economic integration among member states. Participants discussed the importance of implementing free trade to boost intra-African trade, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. By reducing trade barriers and fostering collaboration, the AU envisions a more interconnected and prosperous continent.
In addition to trade, the summit addressed critical issues such as agriculture and climate change. Representatives acknowledged that agriculture remains a cornerstone of many African economies, yet it faces significant challenges from climate change and environmental degradation.
Africa stands as the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, according to a recent report by the International Rescue Committee. Of the ten countries identified as being at the highest risk of climate-related disasters, seven are in Africa. This stark reality is compounded by the fact that while Africa is home to approximately 17 percent of the global population, it contributes a mere four percent of the world’s carbon emissions, totaling around 1.45 billion tonnes.
In response to these challenges, many developing nations across Africa are implementing various initiatives aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. One prominent example is Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, a nature-based program designed to combat environmental degradation and promote reforestation. Such efforts reflect the continent’s proactive approach to climate resilience despite limited resources.
Conversely, developed nations continue to rely heavily on industries that significantly contribute to global carbon emissions, such as fossil fuel-dependent factories. This disparity highlights a troubling imbalance: while Africa faces the effect of climate change, developed countries often evade the consequences of their high-emission practices.
The African Union is taking a strong stance on this issue, calling for developed nations to rethink their economic policies that prioritize carbon-intensive industries. The AU argues that a collective global effort is essential to address the disproportionate burden Africa faces in the fight against climate change to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability.
This includes investing in climate-resilient practices with advanced technologies that minimize the adverse effects of climate change. The continent’s leaders also urged wealthier nations to take responsibility for their contributions to environmental degradation.
The summit also mentioned that African leaders must focus on the goals of Agenda 2063 to build a more peaceful and prosperous continent following the Agenda 2063 development framework, which promotes infrastructure growth, economic development, social inclusion, and gender equality. Also, the Leaders should unify and sustainably advance Africa by aligning actions with Agenda 2063, positively changing citizens’ lives, and enhancing progress.
Furthermore, human rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment were also key themes during the discussions. The AU has recognized that the future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth, who represent a significant portion of the population. Representatives emphasized the need to create opportunities for young people, ensuring they have access to education, employment, and leadership positions. Gender equality was similarly underscored, with leaders advocating for policies that promote the rights and participation of women in all sectors of society.
The AU meeting stands to address the root cause of ongoing civil conflicts on the continents to ensure peace development across the continents. However, some researchers indicated that many regions across the African continent have experienced frequent conflicts, leading to significant loss of life and hardships for survivors. The ongoing instability is making it increasingly difficult for individuals to find peace, employment, and other necessities.
Some critics may fear that these annual discussions at the Continental Conference will change into tangible outcomes. They describe these meetings are mostly used as paper tigers, suggesting that the conversations often fail to translate into real solutions for the continent’s pressing issues.
The summit concluded with performance reports from various AU institutions, organizations, and committees. These reports highlighted progress made in addressing the agendas discussed in previous meetings, as well as identifying areas needing further attention.
The emphasis on accountability and transparency reflects the AU’s commitment to ensuring that its initiatives translate into tangible outcomes for the people of Africa. As Africa continues to navigate complex global challenges, the collaborative efforts of its leaders and institutions will be crucial in shaping a brighter future for all Africans.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY
