AU, US Move Beyond Partnership Rhetoric, Targeting Concrete Gains in Investment and Peace

Addis Ababa, September 3, 2026 (FMC) — The African Union (AU) and the United States are seeking to translate their longstanding partnership into concrete gains in trade, investment, infrastructure and peace, as the two sides reviewed Africa’s economic and security priorities in Addis Ababa.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia at AU headquarters, where they discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the AU, its member states and the United States.

Garcia reaffirmed that Africa remains a priority for the United States and expressed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the AU on shared interests. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment, infrastructure development and diplomatic cooperation, including through the AU Commission-US Strategic Investment Working Group.

The two sides stressed the need to turn existing commitments into concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes, giving greater substance to the strategic relationship.

Peace and security formed another major pillar of the discussions. Youssouf welcomed US support for African-led efforts addressing conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan, while Garcia commended the engagement and leadership of African actors in efforts to resolve the crises.

On Sudan, the two sides called for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access and an inclusive, civilian-led political process aimed at restoring constitutional order and putting the country on a credible path to peace.

Youssouf also welcomed US engagement in eastern DRC through the Washington and Doha processes, stressing the need for coherence and complementarity among the various peace initiatives. The discussions further covered the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, maritime insecurity and piracy.

On Libya, they reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable political solution.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to broaden and deepen AU-US cooperation, linking stronger economic engagement with coordinated efforts to advance peace and stability across Africa.