The meeting between H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço centered on Africa’s peace and security issues, particularly in conflict areas such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. They emphasized the need for strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture and infrastructure development to foster economic transformation. Upcoming forums were welcomed as vital for attracting investment to support Africa’s developmental goals.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, completed an official visit to the Republic of Angola on March 18-19, 2025. During this visit, he engaged in talks with H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of Angola and current Chairperson of the African Union. The leaders addressed crucial issues surrounding Africa’s peace and security, placing particular emphasis on the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Both leaders acknowledged the intricate challenges faced in these regions and emphasized the necessity for ongoing African Union involvement to support stabilization measures and foster inclusive political dialogue. They reiterated their commitment to the Luanda process, recognizing the importance of strengthening national institutions to advance durable peace in these volatile areas.
In their discussions, enhanced collaboration within the African Peace and Security Architecture was underscored, promoting the roles of Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms. The African Union Peace and Security Council was termed vital in addressing emergent threats, with the leaders reaffirming the “Silencing the Guns” agenda as essential to achieving sustainable peace across Africa.
Additionally, they articulated a mutual vision for the African Union, recognizing infrastructure development as pivotal for economic transformation and regional integration. They expressed support for the upcoming US-Africa Business Forum and the Summit on Mobilizing Resources for Infrastructure Development, highlighting the necessity of attracting investments to fulfill Africa’s developmental goals.
During the Angola visit, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met with local diplomats alongside H.E. Mr. Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs. He outlined his strategic priorities for the Commission, reiterating the African Union’s dedication to enhancing peace, security, and sustainable development initiatives continent-wide. The Chairperson emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with international partners to advance the African Union’s strategic objectives.
In conclusion, the meeting between Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and President H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço underscored the African Union’s commitment to peace and security across the continent. Their discussions focused on strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture, promoting regional integration through infrastructure development, and addressing complex security challenges in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The upcoming US-Africa Business Forum and resource mobilization summit are anticipated to further these objectives.
Original Source: au.int
