Highlights: The 37th summit of heads of state and government of the African Union (AU) opened this Saturday, February 24, in Addis Ababa. Among the big issues to be addressed is that of tensions linked to unconstitutional changes, military putsches and conflicts which are increasing across the continent. The situation in the Middle East and more particularly the war in Gaza, was at the heart of the speeches. And then, from now on, Africa wants to influence world affairs, especially since it has now been a member of the G20 since last September.

The 37th summit of heads of state and government of the African Union (AU) opened this Saturday, February 24, in Addis Ababa. Among the major issues to be addressed is that of tensions linked to changes…

The 37th AU summit opens against a backdrop of multiple crises in Africa and internationally

The 37th summit of heads of state and government of the African Union (AU) opened this Saturday, February 24, in Addis Ababa. Among the big issues to be addressed is that of tensions linked to unconstitutional changes, military putsches and conflicts which are increasing across the continent.

Heads of state and government of member countries of the African Union during the opening ceremony of the 37th summit of the institution. AFP - MICHELE SPATARI

By: RFI Follow

With our special correspondent in Addis Ababa

Sidy Yansané

Several heads of state and government have already spoken on African issues, but also on international issues.

Ethiopian Prime Minister and summit host Abiy Ahmed was the first leader to speak. In his speech, he insisted on Africa's progress since the end of the colonial era and the challenges that the continent must now meet. First, the education of all its children, the theme of this 37th summit, climate change and the need to reform the global financial architecture, currently to the disadvantage of the countries of the South and their development. A position joined by the Comorian Azali Assoumani who put forward the concept of “blue economy” which the Comoros archipelago considers as an important development lever.

And then, from now on, Africa also wants to influence world affairs, especially since it has now been a member of the G20 since last September.

On international subjects, the situation in the Middle East and more particularly the war in Gaza, was at the heart of the speeches. The secretary general of the Arab League denounced a “

barbaric

” war and “

ethnic cleansing

” carried out by Israel. The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, was finally represented by his Prime Minister who made a particularly offensive statement against the Jewish state and thanked the African Union for carrying the voice of Palestine.

And then the guest of honor at this summit, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, was particularly applauded, pointing out the fact that half of the 200 million Brazilians declare themselves to be of Afro-descendant. He defended the need for a new world order in which Africa must play a leading role.

And finally, Mauritania was confirmed as the rotating presidency of the African Union for the next twelve months and Angola will hold the vice-presidency.

Read also African Union: a 2024 summit between continental and international crises

The 37th AU summit opens against a backdrop of multiple crises in Africa and internationally

The 37th AU summit opens against a backdrop of multiple crises in Africa and internationally

You may like

Trends 24h

Latest