Burundi’s Ndayishimiye emerges AU chair as 49 leaders chart a new path for Africa

AFRICA’S political leadership witnessed a major transition on Saturday as Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye assumed the chairmanship of the African Union for 2026, taking over from Angola’s leader, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Ethiopia’s capital.

The leadership change was formalised during the opening of the continental summit in Addis Ababa, where Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented the country among an array of African presidents, heads of government, and international partners.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, revealed that at least 49 heads of state and government attended the ceremony. The gathering also featured leaders of global institutions and development partners, including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, and Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

Setting the tone for the summit, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed challenged African leaders to close ranks around the continent’s development ambitions. He said progress under Agenda 2063 would only be achieved if governments spoke with one voice and pursued bold, collective action.

READ ALSO: ECOWAS sets 2027 for single currency launch -44 years after first proposal

He pointed to Ethiopia’s reforms as an example, citing large-scale investments in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy. Mr Ahmed said the initiatives were designed to secure a sustainable future for the country’s rapidly expanding population, now estimated at more than 130 million.

Addressing the forum, Guterres described Africa as a strategic partner to the United Nations, noting that the bond between both institutions is anchored in a common pursuit of justice and equality. He said the cooperation had grown stronger over the last decade through continuous engagement and mutual support.

The UN chief urged African leaders to recommit themselves to multilateral principles and pledged that the UN would continue to place Africa at the centre of its peace, security, and development agenda.

Earlier in the session, President Lourenço had delivered a valedictory address in which he reflected on his year as AU chair. He identified water access, sanitation, climate action, peace, and security as the dominant issues confronting the continent.

According to him, the AU recorded meaningful progress in infrastructure expansion, inclusive growth, and human capital development during his tenure, driven by cooperation among member states.

He further explained that the union had intensified efforts to mobilise domestic and international resources to fund critical development programmes aligned with Agenda 2063.

Mr Lourenço also noted that conflict prevention and security cooperation had remained a priority across Africa, adding that the AU would continue to take concrete steps to stabilise regions affected by violence.

He concluded by calling for stronger continental mechanisms to respond to emerging security threats.

After the official opening and a group photograph, the leaders withdrew into a closed-door session to deliberate on the next phase of the African Union’s agenda.