AUC Chairperson Stresses Unity, Solidarity among African Nations Key to Overcoming Vulnerabilities 

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2025 (ENA) -- The Unity and solidarity among African nations are essential to safeguard the continent against potential vulnerabilities in an evolving global landscape, African Union Commission Chairperson, Mohammed Ali Youssouf emphasized.

The 11th Session of Tana Forum in its session in Addis Ababa has drawn prominent figures, including AU Chairperson Youssouf, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, senior officials, special envoys, diplomats, and invited guests.

In his opening remarks, Youssouf emphasized the necessity of translating reflections into tangible actions.

“Reflections that are not grounded in action remain volatile,” he noted, stressing the biggest challenge facing Africa is the transition from theoretical discussions to consistent actions that positively affect citizens' lives.

He underscored the significance of Agenda 2063, which outlines the vision for the Africa we aspire.

Despite the frequency of the forums, the “mirror of reality” reflects a concerning image of the progress, Youssouf said.

Citing the inability achieving the goal of silencing guns by 2020, a promise made during the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity in 2013, he stated that a new target for peace is set for 2030.

Yet, Youssouf expressed skepticism about the ability to resolve conflicts and crises by the set timeframe.  

 

While acknowledging positive developments such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Africa CDC, he lamented that further achievements could have been realized if conflicts were addressed more effectively.

“This message is directed at my team, the new commission, special envoys, member countries, and all peace-loving individuals. We must focus on developing modalities to transform theoretical reflections into actionable steps,” Youssouf urged.

He asserted that effective joint action must be rooted in strong unity and commitment among African nations.

He reiterated that unity is the most vital asset for Africa to withstand potential weakening in a changing world, emphasizing that solidarity must translate into robust action, he reiterated.

On his part, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos emphasized the importance of the Tana Forum to discuss on the pressing issues that are challenging Africa.

 “The Tana Forum is a critical platform for us to come together and reflect on pressing issues, both on the continent and globally,” Gedion stated.

The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the significance of subsequent discussions in the remaining two day.