Africa Must Shape Global Solutions, Not Remain a Passive Actor — AU Commission Chair

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 (FMC) – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this morning officially opened a closed-door consultation bringing together Special Representatives, High Representatives, and Permanent Representatives of the Chairperson ahead of a key continental peace and security retreat.

The consultation precedes the 17th High-Level Retreat of the Chairperson on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa, scheduled to be held in Libreville, Gabon.

In his opening remarks, Youssouf stressed that Africa must not remain a passive actor in international relations, but should instead position itself as a strategic force shaping solutions to both continental and global crises.

He underscored that the current global environment—marked by geopolitical fragmentation, intensifying strategic competition, and weakening multilateralism—makes it imperative for the African Union to strengthen its political presence both on the ground and within multilateral platforms.

The Chairperson called for stronger regional strategic frameworks, enhanced preventive diplomacy, and deeper coordination with the African Union Peace and Security Council. He also urged better alignment of African diplomatic engagement across major global hubs, including Brussels, Geneva, New York, Beijing, and Cairo, where the AU maintains representation.

Despite financial constraints facing the Union, he reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to advancing peace, stability, and the “Silencing the Guns” initiative, while ensuring Africa speaks with a unified and stronger voice on the global stage.

The three-day retreat will also feature participation from the AU Panel of the Wise, alongside a dedicated session with representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General focusing on African peace and security cooperation.