Addis Ababa, January 12, 2026 (FMC) – The 51st Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) began on Monday, ahead of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 39th AU Summit, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Opening the session, the Chairperson of the AU Commission highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming Summit, which will bring together African Heads of State and Government at a pivotal moment for the continent.
The 2026 Summit will focus on water as a vital resource for life, development, and sustainability, a theme seen as timely and forward-looking. It builds on the outcomes of the African Climate Summit held in September 2025 and precedes major global climate engagements, including COP30 in Brazil.
The AU Commission Chairperson also welcomed Africa’s decision to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, commending Ethiopia for its leadership and reaffirming joint efforts with the United Nations and the African Union in preparing for the landmark event.
Addressing ongoing challenges, the Chairperson noted persistent peace and security concerns in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya, and the Sahel, as well as recent unconstitutional developments across the continent. The AU continues to act urgently to address these crises and advance reforms, particularly within the African Peace and Security Architecture, through its Peace and Security Council, Special Envoys, Panels of the Wise, and Commissioners.
On the economic and development front, the AU Commission Chairperson highlighted significant engagement with Member States, which contributed to the successful organization of major international and continental events in 2025, including TICAD 9, the 7th EU–AU Summit, the Africa Infrastructure Summit, the African Climate Summit, the Afro-American Business Forum, and the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa.
Administrative and financial progress was also emphasized. Following the adoption of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA), some staff members have been regularized, and financial discipline has improved through cost-containment measures. Partnerships with China have mobilized USD 30 million for AU facility rehabilitation, while Afreximbank committed to financing the renovation of Africa House. Discussions are ongoing with the African Development Bank on initiatives to enhance the value of AU financial and real estate assets.
The Chairperson further noted the increasingly complex global environment, marked by shrinking financial resources, rising protectionism, tariff barriers, and visa restrictions affecting African citizens. Member States were urged to strengthen solidarity, unity, and self-reliance to safeguard Africa’s collective interests.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Member States to ensure a successful Summit that advances peace, development, and Africa’s voice on the global stage.
The Chair of the PRC, Ambassador of Angola to Ethiopia, underscored the Committee’s role as a pillar of the AU and a guardian of political and technical consistency. He emphasized the need for transparent processes and outcomes aligned with the vision of Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want,” stressing that collective action must be guided by visionary pragmatism.
The official opening of the 51st PRC session was attended by the AU Commission Deputy Chairperson, Commissioners, representatives from AU organs, and AU officials. Ambassadors will deliberate on reports from PRC Sub-Committees, the AU Commission, AU organs, institutions, and specialized agencies, before adopting their report and the draft decisions of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, set for February 11, 2026.