The African Union has commenced a crucial series of preparatory meetings in Addis Ababa, marking the beginning of intensive diplomatic engagements leading to the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The Committee of Permanent Representatives, comprising ambassadors from all member states accredited to the AU, alongside senior officials from the Commission and various continental bodies, convened on January 30 to deliberate on an extensive agenda of pan-African significance.
Central to their discussions are comprehensive evaluations of the implementation progress regarding last year’s thematic focus on reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent. The assembly will also examine strategic roadmaps for achieving sustainable water security and safe sanitation infrastructure across the continent by 2026, addressing critical development challenges.
The diplomatic agenda further encompasses multifaceted issues including continental humanitarian response mechanisms, the advancement of free movement protocols for African citizens, and operational reviews of specialized technical committees. Particular attention will be given to the activities of the China Subcommittees, reflecting the AU’s strategic international partnerships, along with performance assessments of the AU Commission and its specialized agencies.
This preliminary meeting establishes the foundational framework for the subsequent Executive Council’s 48th Ordinary Session scheduled for February 11-12, where African foreign ministers and designated officials will convene to refine policy recommendations and oversee implementation mechanisms. These ministerial deliberations will directly inform the final agenda and decision-making processes for the heads of state summit on February 14-15, where continental policies receive ultimate ratification and strategic direction for the coming year.