By RFIPalled on 11-02-2019Modified the 11-02-2019 at 00:39

In Ethiopia, the 32nd AU summit was marked by the relay between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Egypt's Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. This heavyweight in search of influence on the African continent, suspected of wanting to rein in the integrationist drive launched by Kagame, was reassuring about his intentions within the African Union. The summit was also an opportunity to nominate the next AU President in 2020. This will be South Africa.

Breaking the image of raïs turned to the Arab world rather than Africa. Abdel Fattah al-Sissi without giving concrete examples promised to continue the structural and financial reform of the African Union.

For his first speech, the Egyptian unveiled the three axes of his presidency: develop infrastructure, accelerate the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), create jobs also for the continent's youth.

This summit was also an opportunity to nominate the next AU President, in 2020. It will be South Africa (and therefore its president Cyril Ramaphosa, if he is confirmed at his post at general elections to be held this year).

The presence of two newly elected Presidents

Finally, this summit was marked by the first participation of two newly elected presidents. Andry Rajoelina for Madagascar and Felix Tshisekedi for the DRC. No more criticism of the disputed results of the elections in the Congo, the heads of state each warmly congratulated the Congolese president as if nothing had happened.

You are not without knowing that Madagascar has just passed a decisive course in its history ...

Andry Rajoelina

11-02-2019 - By Léa-Lisa Westerhoff

Felix Tsishekedi took advantage of the platform offered to him to praise this first peaceful transition in his country and present himself as a bulwark to chaos. Not a word again on the challenge of the results.

Only Martin Fayulu, the loser of this election, continues to demand a recount of votes. In a letter to Heads of State, he called for the AU to set up a special committee to verify the truth of the polls in the DRC. A letter that for the moment has not caused any reaction in the corridors of the AU.

    On the same subject

    AU summit: Felix Tshisekedi in search of a continental stature

    32nd AU summit: issues and questions of a transition summit

    Presidency of the African Union: after Paul Kagame, here is Abdel Fattah al-Sissi

    "Without the demographic transition, Africa has no chance"

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