AU and UK agree to advance strategic cooperation, plan high-level talks in London

Addis Ababa, February 2, 2026 (FMC) — The African Union and the United Kingdom have agreed to advance strategic cooperation across peace, security, health, and development, while planning to convene a high-level bilateral meeting in London later this year.

The agreement followed talks held Monday at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa between African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper.

The discussions reaffirmed the Africa–UK partnership and a shared commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international system. The two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation between the United Kingdom and AU member states in priority areas including health, education, climate action, security, and trade.

The African Union highlighted the United Kingdom’s support to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in strengthening emergency preparedness and response, as well as its assistance to the AU Mission in Somalia, noting the role of such cooperation in supporting continental peace and stability efforts.

Regional security and humanitarian developments featured prominently in the talks, with particular focus on Sudan and the Sahel. Both sides expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan and called for a cessation of hostilities, an immediate ceasefire, and a humanitarian truce to enable the delivery of aid.

The meeting also reviewed cooperation on AU-led peace operations in Somalia and broader efforts to address instability and promote development across the region.

The talks concluded with an agreement to convene the AU–UK High-Level Strategic Meeting in London early this year to further strengthen political dialogue and cooperation on security and development priorities.