AU Executive Council Chair Renews Call for Fair Representation of Africa in Int'l Governance Structures

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — The current Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council, Édouard Nduwimana, has renewed Africa's call for fair and permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, stressing that global governance structures must reflect the realities of the 21st century.

While opening the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa today, the Chairperson said Africa’s progress on the international stage should be accompanied by reforms that ensure the continent receives fair and permanent representation in global decision-making structures.

The Chairperson, who is also Burundi's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, highlighted Africa’s membership in the G20 as a historic milestone that demonstrates the continent’s important role in global economic governance, while emphasizing the need to continue advocating for reform of the United Nations Security Council.

He reaffirmed the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration as the foundations of Africa's common position on reform of the United Nations Security Council.

The Chairperson also called on African countries to continue speaking with one voice, defend common interests and strengthen solidarity at international forums.

The continent is experiencing a decisive period in its history, facing challenges including persistent conflicts, the effects of climate change, economic pressures, employment challenges, and the need to accelerate industrialization and strengthen self-reliance, Nduwimana noted.

Despite these challenges, Africa has reasons for hope as it continues to assert itself as an indispensable player in global affairs.

The Chairperson also emphasized the importance of translating African Union commitments, decisions, and policies into concrete outcomes that benefit African citizens.

He underscored the need for sustainable financing of the African Union, stating that the continent should rely on its own resources to implement its priorities and preserve its independence in decision-making.

“A strong Union should be funded first by Africans themselves,” the Chairperson said, stressing that member states contributions strengthen the credibility and predictability of the continental organization.

Moreover, he called for maintaining consensus-based decision-making within the African Union, describing consensus as an expression of political maturity and a means of promoting unity among member states.

Thanking the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting the session, Nduwimana described Addis Ababa as a symbol of Pan-Africanism and continental unity.

The two-day session has brought together ministers and representatives of AU member states under the African Union's 2026 theme, "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."