Tuesday July 28, 2026
Addis Ababa (AX) — African foreign ministers gathered in Addis Ababa on Tuesday for the opening of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of African Union member states, focused on the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063.”
The opening ceremony featured addresses from African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopia’s foreign minister and Burundi’s foreign minister, the current chair of the Executive Council.
Youssouf welcomed the foreign ministers, members of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee, AU commissioners, leaders of regional economic communities and other delegates attending the session.
He congratulated Amb. Édouard Bizimana, Burundi’s minister of foreign affairs and development cooperation, on taking over the Executive Council chairmanship and pledged the commission’s full support throughout his tenure.
Youssouf said the meeting comes amid growing global uncertainty and increasingly complex geopolitical developments that carry far-reaching consequences for African economies.
Citing the Middle East conflict and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, he said the AU Commission was closely tracking the changing situation and assessing its effects.
He added that the commission continues to deliver regular analysis and guidance to the AU’s policy organs, helping them develop timely and appropriate collective responses.
Somalia’s delegation to the session is headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Ali.
Somalia is expected to showcase measures aimed at improving water security, among them the Barwaaqo Water for Rural Resilience Project and two newly established solar-powered boreholes designed to widen access to clean water.
“Somalia will also contribute to discussions on strengthening the African Union Commission and advancing the shared priorities and aspirations of the continent,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The Executive Council meeting convenes African foreign ministers to address continental priorities, institutional reforms and key policy matters before they move into the African Union’s wider decision-making process.
