Kenyan and South Sudanese Presidents Arrive in Addis Ababa for 39th AU Summit

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (ENA)—Heads of state and government from across East Africa are arriving in the Ethiopian capital for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).

President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya and President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan touched down in Addis Ababa this afternoon to take part in the high-level assembly.

Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, President Ruto received a warm welcome from Minister of Mines Habtamu Tegegn and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

Similarly, President Salva Kiir was received by the same delegation, signaling the Ethiopian government’s coordinated effort to host the regional leaders.

The 39th AU Summit convenes under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” providing a platform for leaders to deliberate on continental peace and security, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and climate resilience initiatives.

In a historic milestone, the Italy-Africa Summit is also taking place in Addis Ababa today, the first time this high-level forum has been hosted on African soil.

The meeting underscores Italy’s commitment to a partnership of equals under the Mattei Plan, focusing on strategic cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and food security.

The dual hosting of these summits reinforces Addis Ababa’s role as Africa’s diplomatic capital and a central hub for shaping the continent’s sustainable development and global engagements.