On 20th February 2025, from 10:30 to 12:30 (GMT+3), a seminar titled “What’s Next for the New AU Leadership?” was held at the Skylight Hotel in Bole, Addis Ababa. Moderated by Dr. Andrew Atta-Asamoah of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the session featured distinguished panellists:
- Prof. Thomas Tieku, King’s University College, University of Western Ontario
- Dr. Ahmed Bugri, African Union Commission
- Moussa Soumahoro, ISS
The discussion centered on the outcomes of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit and the challenges ahead for the new leadership, particularly as Angola assumes the role of AU Chairperson.
Key Highlights:
- Leadership Transition: Moussa Soumahoro emphasized the complexities of balancing regional and linguistic representation in the AU’s leadership. He noted that Djibouti’s candidate emerged victorious due to strategic mobilization across different African groups. He also highlighted ongoing security concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, stressing the need for the Peace and Security Council to move beyond discussions and into decisive action.
- Diversity and Effectiveness: Prof. Thomas Tieku underscored the importance of ensuring the AU’s leadership reflects the continent’s diversity, with special attention to youthful, energetic, and technocratic leadership. He cautioned that the new commissioners’ effectiveness will depend on how well they operate within the AU’s complex institutional environment. His key takeaway for member states was to give the new leadership space to implement their vision and to shift from short-term fire fighting to long-term, anticipatory strategies.
- Reparations Focus: Dr. Ahmed Bugri provided insights into the AU’s focus on reparations, explaining how the concept was first introduced in the 1960s and has gained traction through efforts by figures like Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and civil society groups. He framed ongoing efforts to define reparations—moving beyond financial compensation to address the broader impacts of colonialism and slavery—as crucial steps towards healing and reconciliation for Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora.
- Regional Dynamics and Global Landscape: The panel addressed tensions between the AU and regional economic communities (RECs), and how the AU leadership can navigate the changing global landscape, particularly with the exit of certain international actors like USAID and shifting global powers such as BRICS. Discussions on gender equality, the AU’s approach to human rights, and the complexities of sanctions further emphasized the need for the new leadership to work proactively on these diverse issues.
Closing Remarks:
The panellists expressed cautious optimism for the future of the AU, urging both the leadership and member states to prioritize collaboration, respect for institutional processes, and a more inclusive, people-centred approach. They emphasized that the AU’s effectiveness will largely depend on whether it can move past bureaucratic constraints and deliver on its promises to the African people, particularly the youth, who must be engaged in the Union’s progress. The session concluded with a call for concrete action and a reminder that while the AU faces significant challenges, its leadership must remain committed to tackling Africa’s most pressing issues with unity and foresight.