News|African UnionAU calls for end to ‘extermination’ of Palestinians, decries African warsAfrican heads of state gather in Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa for the 39th African Union Summit.
The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed the ongoing situation in the Middle East during the regional body's 39th summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He emphasized the necessity to cease the conflict affecting the…
The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed the ongoing situation in the Middle East during the regional body's 39th summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He emphasized the necessity to cease the conflict affecting the Palestinian people.
The summit, attended by heads of state from the 55 member countries of the African Union, concentrated on regional security issues, governance challenges, threats to democracy, and climate change. Topics included water sanitation and its associated climate impacts.
International Law and Humanitarian Concerns
Youssouf called for adherence to international law and humanitarian principles, advocating for the lifting of the Israeli blockade affecting humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Youssouf also highlighted conflicts within Africa, urging a cessation of violence in areas such as Sudan, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, emphasizing the heavy toll on local populations.
The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressed the ongoing situation in the Middle East during the regional body's 39th summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the African Union's role in multilateralism and advocated for a permanent African seat in the UN Security Council, stating that the current exclusion is indefensible.
This year's summit theme focused on water sanitation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the importance of water management in development and stability, citing regional disputes such as those involving the Nile and conflicts over arable land in Nigeria.
Africa, comprising about a fifth of the global population with a significant youth demographic, faces challenges with long-serving leaders and political instability, contributing to recent military takeovers in several West African countries.
The summit provides a platform to align continental priorities with international partners amid discussions of shifting global alliances.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
