The African Union has elected a new Bureau of its Assembly of Heads of State and Government, setting water security and sanitation as central priorities for 2026.
The announcement was made on Sunday on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit, held February 14–15 under the theme “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063,” focused on solidarity, financial independence and shaping global policy influence.
The newly elected Bureau comprises:
Chair — Burundi;
First Vice-Chair — Ghana;
Second Vice-Chair — Tanzania;
Third Vice-Chair — North Africa region (pending);
Rapporteur — Angola.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye was also elected AU Chairperson for 2026, succeeding João Lourenço.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the meeting came amid geopolitical turbulence marked by conflicts, institutional fragility and unconstitutional changes of government, urging faster integration and financial self-reliance under Agenda 2063.
Outgoing chair Lourenço highlighted progress in infrastructure mobilisation, continental trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, and institutional reforms, while stressing that development depends on resolving conflicts and combating terrorism across the Sahel and Horn of Africa.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for Africa to shape global narratives and strengthen technological sovereignty. At the same time, António Guterres urged deeper cooperation between the AU and the United Nations and backed stronger African representation in global decision-making structures.
Leaders continue deliberations on water security and broader peace and stability concerns across the continent.
