The African Union convened in Ghana on Sunday to tackle issues related to African integration and establish a unified stance ahead of engagements with the G20 and UN.
Mohamed Cheikh Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and current African Union Chair, called for accelerating the continent’s integration process. He emphasized the need for swift economic integration to bolster Africa’s support systems and meet the aspirations of its citizens.
Key discussions at the meeting focused on financing mechanisms for African Union projects, particularly the organization’s funding structure heavily reliant on contributions from non-African partners.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the imperative for member countries to present a cohesive front during upcoming engagements with international partners. He underscored the importance of unified advocacy at major global forums, including the G20, where the African Union now holds membership.
The meeting also addressed ongoing regional instability in West Africa, where countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso face potential expulsion from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to recent military coups displacing democratically elected leaders. These nations have long contended with threats from terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The conference aimed to consolidate strategies for fostering continental unity and resilience in the face of multifaceted challenges across Africa.
