ADDIS ABABA, Feb 14 – Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye has been elected Chairperson of the African Union for 2026, succeeding João Lourenço of Angola. The decision was taken at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
In his acceptance remarks, the Burundi leader underscored the urgency of strengthening continental unity and accelerating regional integration. He called for greater financial self reliance across Africa and urged faster implementation of flagship programmes focused on industrialisation, agricultural transformation, infrastructure development and expanded energy access.
Water security and sanitation were identified as central pillars of his chairmanship. Ndayishimiye described access to safe water as fundamental to public health, food systems, stability and inclusive economic progress.
He also reaffirmed the union’s stance against unconstitutional changes of government and reiterated support for populations affected by conflict in Sudan, the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.
The incoming chair pledged close collaboration with AU institutions, member states and continental partners to deliver measurable outcomes aligned with Agenda 2063, the bloc’s long term development blueprint. He emphasised the need to respond to the aspirations of Africa’s youth, women and civil society.
Outgoing chair Lourenço pointed to progress achieved during his tenure, including advancing continental trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area and promoting institutional reforms aimed at improving the AU’s efficiency. Ndayishimiye assumes leadership at a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, rising expectations for reform and the need for stronger institutional capacity.
António Guterres and Abiy Ahmed were among global leaders who congratulated the new chair and expressed support for Africa’s development agenda under his leadership.
The two day summit was held under the theme “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063,” with discussions also addressing peace, institutional strengthening and Africa’s collective voice in global affairs.
