Vice President Kashim Shettima was among dozens of African and international leaders gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday as President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi assumed the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) for 2026.
President Ndayishimiye took over from President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at the opening ceremony of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU. The high-level meeting attracted 49 African leaders, alongside global partners such as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Shettima used the summit as an opportunity to engage fellow leaders on advancing Africa’s shared priorities and deepening continental cooperation.
The summit, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” began with a call for solidarity from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
“Ethiopia is making giant strides through investments in smart agriculture, climate-friendly energy projects and is on track in providing a sustainable future for its rapidly growing population, currently put at over 130 million people,” he said.
In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Guterres commended the AU for its collaboration with the United Nations, noting the strength of the partnership over the years.
“Your solidarity has not only strengthened our efforts; it has moved me deeply, and I will never forget it.
“From day one of my mandate, we forged a UN partnership with the African Union rooted in respect, constant dialogue, and unwavering solidarity. Over the last decade, our cooperation has reached new heights.”
He called on African governments to reaffirm their commitment to the UN’s core values, pledging continued support for Africa’s ambitions in peacebuilding, security, and sustainable development.
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing AU Chairperson Lourenço highlighted strides made across the continent in promoting inclusive economic growth, boosting infrastructure, expanding human capital, and mobilising resources in alignment with Agenda 2063.
He further emphasised the need for stronger continental security architecture, stating that “the AU must strengthen its mechanisms for security and conflict resolution in Africa to effectively tackle emerging challenges that threaten peace and the livelihoods of our people.”
The ceremony culminated in the formal transfer of authority to President Ndayishimiye, after which leaders posed for a group photograph. Proceedings then continued behind closed doors, where discussions centred on strategic priorities such as water access, sanitation, climate action, and security challenges facing the continent.
