Congratulations to all African teams who made it through to the round of 32 of the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup Egypt 🇪🇬 Ghana 🇬🇭 South Africa 🇿🇦 Morocco 🇲🇦 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 Cape Verde 🇨🇻 Senegal 🇸🇳
Africa enjoys strong and unprecedented presence in the Wold Cup & is well represented 👏💪
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this morning participated in the closing session of the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives' Committee (#PRC).
In his keynote address, the Chairperson @ymahmoudali expressed his deep appreciation to the Permanent Representatives for the diligence, dedication & constructive spirit that characterised their deliberations, which resulted in significant progress on key matters before the Committee.
He also commended the Chair of the PRC, Amb. @willynyamitwe, for his able leadership & stewardship in guiding the Committee's work.
The Chairperson briefed the PRC on his recent consultations with the heads of the Regional Economic Communities (#RECs) & Regional Mechanisms (#RMs), underscoring the importance of strengthened coordination & enhanced complementarity in advancing Africa's integration, peace, security & development agenda.
On peace & security, Chairperson Youssouf acknowledged that the continent continues to face complex & evolving challenges. He nevertheless expressed confidence in the AU's collective capacity to address these challenges, noting the sustained commitment & political will demonstrated by Member States in support of African-led solutions to African challenges.
The Chairperson also updated the Committee on the recent virtual High-Level Summit on the Ebola outbreak, chaired by H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye of the Republic of #Burundi in his capacity as AU Champion. He noted that the Summit successfully mobilised political support & resources to strengthen the continental response.
He expressed gratitude to AU Member States for their solidarity & generous contributions to the affected countries, while commending the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its continued commitment & mobilisation of national resources to contain the outbreak.
Addressing global developments, the Chairperson observed that the disruption of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has had significant economic repercussions for African economies, particularly through its impact on global energy markets and supply chains. He expressed hope that the recently announced ceasefire agreement between the United States & Iran would contribute to easing regional tensions and restoring stability.
In his concluding, the Chairperson thanked the Permanent Representatives for the seriousness & commitment with which they continue to discharge their responsibilities. He encouraged them to sustain their efforts in advancing the Union's institutional reform agenda, including measures aimed at strengthening the AU's financial sustainability & enhancing the effectiveness of the Commission in delivering on its mandate.
#AUMYCM @DCP_Haddadi
Joint Statement issued by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Regarding the Illegal Practices of the Israeli Occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Cairo, Addis Ababa, Jeddah: 24 June 2026
Read @ https://t.co/uEJAMTd9AK
@ymahmoudali@OIC_OCI
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf this morning received H.E. Ali Akbar Rezaei, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of #Iran to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union.
During their discussions, the Chairperson @ymahmoudali underscored the longstanding & constructive relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Africa, & the AU, noting Iran’s rich historical & cultural heritage & its engagement with the continent.
Ambassador Rezaei conveyed a message from H.E. Dr. @araghchi , Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, & reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the AU & its Member States across areas of mutual interest.
The Chairperson & the Ambassador discussed cooperation between Iran & the AU, particularly in the fields of science, technology, innovation, & capacity building. They emphasised the importance of deepening collaboration in these areas to advance shared development objectives.
Ambassador Rezaei also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to continuing its scholarship programme for African students, including through cooperation with the AU, as part of broader efforts to strengthen educational exchange.
The Chairperson welcomed recent diplomatic progress between the United States & Iran and expressed support for the ongoing negotiations in Geneva. He encouraged all parties to engage constructively & in good faith, emphasising that dialogue & diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving disputes & promoting regional & international stability.
In this regard, the Chairperson noted that tensions in Strait of #Hormuz & Gulf region, & disruptions affecting maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have had significant repercussions for African economies.
He highlighted the impact on energy supplies, fertilizer imports, & food security across the continent, & underscored the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation & ensuring the uninterrupted flow of international commerce in accordance with international law.
Amb. Rezaei welcomed the AU's consistent position in support of dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes, & respect for a rules-based international order, noting that the AU has remained a strong advocate for diplomatic solutions to international challenges.
Read @ https://t.co/GBLeaS7lVl
Congratulations to #Egypt on a magnificent #WorldCup performance this morning. The Pharaohs have once again demonstrated their quality & competitive spirit on the global stage.
Wishing Egypt, & all African teams competing in the tournament, every success in their remaining matches.
Message of the AU Commission Chairperson on the Occasion of the Hijri New Year 1448 AH.
As Muslims across Africa and around the world mark the beginning of the Hijri New Year 1448 AH, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission extends his greetings and best wishes for peace, good health, and prosperity.
The Hijra stands as a timeless reminder of faith, compassion, and the pursuit of justice; values that continue to inspire our collective efforts towards peace, unity, and human dignity, said the Chairperson.
May this new year bring renewed hope, harmony, and progress to our communities, our continent, and the world.
@ymahmoudali
Read @ https://t.co/wSyVkR3Tkk
Warmest congratulations to my dear Boss, mentor and elder Brother H.E. Minister @souefmo_elamine on his well deserved appointment as the @UN#SRSG and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa #UNOCA & wish him all the very best! You will be truly missed, Chief!
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, this morning received H.E. Prof. @AmbMiguelBembe , Ambassador of the Republic of #Angola to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU.
The Chairperson @ymahmoudali commended Angola’s longstanding commitment & valuable contributions to the promotion of peace, security, & stability across the African continent.
Amb. Bembe conveyed a letter of invitation from H.E. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, inviting the Chairperson to participate in the International Summit of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, to be held in Luanda under the theme: “A Call for Peace, an End to Wars, and Respect for International Law.”
They also exchanged views on strengthening the AU's role in advancing effective multilateralism, enhancing conflict prevention mechanisms, & promoting sustainable peace & security in Africa, in the lead-up to the Extraordinary AU Summit on “Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa,” scheduled to take place in Luanda in August 2026.
Amb. Bembe further commended the Chairperson’s leadership of the AU Commission & his commitment to advancing peace, security, & stability across the continent.
Read @ https://t.co/kdtSlZ5rrv
Grateful to my dear Boss and mentor @souefmo_elamine for everything & wishing all him all the best in his new assignment & Congratulations to my dear Brother Yann on a very well deserved appointment 👏👏
AU Commission Chairperson appoints new Chief of Staff.
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has appointed Dr. Yann Bedzigui as his new Chief of Staff.
Dr Bedzigui brings to the position a wealth of experience and distinguished service, and will support the Chairperson in advancing the vision, priorities, and institutional objectives of the Commission.
A holder of a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from Université Panthéon-Assas, Dr Bedzigui Bebena has authored numerous publications on the African Union's peace and security policy, conflict prevention and regional dynamics in Africa.
The Chairperson @ymahmoudali expresses profound appreciation and gratitude to the outgoing Chief of Staff, Ambassador Souef Mohamed El-Amine, for his dedicated service, steadfast commitment, and valuable contributions to the work of the Commission during his tenure.
The Chairperson commends Ambassador Souef Mohamed for his professionalism and leadership, and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.
Read @ https://t.co/DAGrT1lRVC
With my dear Boss @souefmo_elamine & my colleagues @NuursViews & Yann after a very successful mission to Libreville. Fruitful & action oriented discussions at the 17th Retreat of the Chairperson & Special Envoys & SRCCs aimed to advancing sustainable peace and security in Africa
Le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine (UA), S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a été reçu aujourd’hui à Libreville par S.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Président de la République gabonaise, en marge de l’ouverture de la 17ᵉ Retraite annuelle du Président de la Commission de l’UA avec les Envoyés spéciaux et Hauts représentants de l’Union africaine.
Le Président de la Commission, S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a exprimé sa gratitude au Président Oligui Nguema ainsi qu’au peuple gabonais pour l’accueil chaleureux réservé à la délégation de l’Union africaine et aux participants à la Retraite. Il a salué l’engagement du Gabon en faveur de la paix, du dialogue, de la stabilité régionale ainsi que du soutien aux processus de transition démocratique sur le continent.
Le Président de la République et le Président de la Commission ont échangé sur l’évolution des défis liés à la paix, à la sécurité et aux questions humanitaires en Afrique, tout en soulignant l’importance de renforcer les mécanismes africains de prévention, de médiation et de règlement des conflits conduits par les Africains eux-mêmes.
La 17ᵉ Retraite intervient à un moment critique pour le continent et constitue une plateforme stratégique destinée à faire progresser la diplomatie préventive ainsi que les réponses collectives africaines face aux défis de gouvernance, de paix et de stabilité sur le continent.
Lire @ https://t.co/VqqWKBwZQC
Honored to be part of this important audience between H.E. the Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion & H.E. @oliguinguema President of the Gabonese Republic on the sidelines of the 17th Retreat of the Chairperson of the Commission with the AU Special Envoys and High Representatives.
Honoured to accompany the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission during his courtesy call on H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of #Gabon, at the President's Office in Libreville, on the margins of the 17th AU Chairperson’s High-Level Retreat on Peace, Security and Stability in Africa.
The Chairperson expressed profound appreciation to President Nguema & the people of Gabon for the hospitality extended to the AU delegation, & commended Gabon’s commitment to peace, dialogue, regional stability, & support for democratic transition processes across the continent.
Today in Libreville, I had the pleasure of joining the Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission & the Chief of Staff @souefmo_elamine in the Annual meeting of the Chairperson and SRCCs/HRCCs & the 4th AU-UN Meeting (gathering Special Envoys & Representatives from both sides)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this morning officially opened closed-door consultation bringing together the Special Representatives, High Representatives and Permanent Representatives of the Chairperson.
The closed door meeting precedes the 17th High-Level Retreat of the Chairperson on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa in #Libreville.
In his opening remarks, the Chairperson @ymahmoudali underscored that Africa must never remain an object of international relations, but rather a strategic actor shaping solutions to both continental and global crises.
He noted that, in a world increasingly characterised by geopolitical fragmentation, strategic competition and a weakening of multilateralism, the African Union’s political presence in the field and within multilateral fora has become a strategic imperative.
The Chairperson further called for stronger regional strategic frameworks, enhanced preventive diplomacy, closer engagement with the AU Peace and Security Council, and greater coordination of African diplomacy in key capitals and multilateral centres where the AU maintains representation, including Brussels, Geneva, New York, Beijing and Cairo.
He reaffirmed that, despite prevailing financial constraints, the African Union remains firmly committed to advancing peace, stability and the Silencing the Guns initiative, while ensuring that Africa speaks with one strong and united voice on the global stage.
The three-day Retreat will also feature the participation of the AU Panel of the Wise, as well as a dedicated session with the representatives of the Secretary-General of the United Nations working on Africa.
Read @ https://t.co/F7JgPQ7DQW
Pleased to have joined the @_AfricanUnion Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation #ESTI, who represented the AUC Chairperson, in the inauguration of the new campus of Senghor University in Alexandria, Egypt 🇪🇬.