AU Leaders Call for Stronger Unity, Economic Integration and Global Governance Reform

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2026 (FMC) – African leaders have called for stronger continental unity, faster economic integration, and urgent reforms to global governance systems as Africa marked the 2026 Africa Day.

The message was delivered by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, alongside the Chairperson of the African Union and President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, marking 63 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union.

This year’s commemoration is observed under a theme centered on unity, integration, and development across the continent.

Youssouf said Africa’s global standing continues to grow, pointing to its recent inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 as a significant milestone, while stressing that international governance structures remain outdated and require urgent reform, particularly the United Nations Security Council, which he said does not reflect current global realities or Africa’s position in the world. He also highlighted increasing international discussions on historical injustices linked to slavery and colonialism, commending African-led efforts, including Ghana’s role at the United Nations General Assembly, in advancing the global reparations agenda.

President Ndayishimiye, for his part, drew attention to ongoing challenges across the continent, including armed conflict, terrorism, climate-related disasters, and forced displacement, warning that such crises continue to undermine development progress and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. He emphasized the need to prioritize education, particularly for children in refugee and internally displaced settings, saying that failure to invest in education today would compromise Africa’s future, and called for stronger continental cooperation in addressing terrorism, stressing that no African country should be left alone in confronting such threats.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area, describing it as a key instrument for boosting intra-African trade, supporting industrialization, and creating jobs for the continent’s growing youth population, while urging African states to strengthen unity and align economic policies with shared continental interests rather than narrow national priorities.

They further underscored the importance of water security and sanitation as central to achieving the African Union’s 2026 theme and the broader Agenda 2063 development framework, noting that access to clean water, climate resilience, and public health remain critical challenges requiring coordinated continental action.

The leaders also highlighted Africa’s growing global presence, including a record nine African teams qualifying for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, describing it as a reflection of the continent’s youthful energy and expanding talent base.

They concluded by calling for continued solidarity among African states and partners, reaffirming commitment to a united and self-reliant continent, while the AU Commission Chairperson invoked the spirit of Ubuntu, urging Africans to embrace collective progress under the principle that “I am because we are.”