The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed concern over the cessation of the United States participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations entities, as well as the withdrawal from selected non-United Nations international organisations.
In a statement issued on Monday, the chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he took note of the recent Presidential Memorandum issued by the government of the United States, announcing termination of financing UN agencies in Africa and beyond.
The chairperson acknowledges the sovereign right of the United States to review its international engagements in line with its national priorities and domestic processes.
“The United States has long been a pivotal partner of Africa and a central pillar of the multilateral system, whose leadership, resources, and values have contributed significantly to global peace, development, humanitarian action, and the advancement of human dignity,” Youssouf said.
The chairperson aligns with the statement of the Secretary-General of the UN underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system at a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats.
The AU Commission noted that a number of the entities affected by the Memorandum including UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, UN Women, UNFPA, the Peace building Commission and Peace Building Fund, as well as mechanisms dedicated to the protection of children in conflict areas.
It said the US’ intervention had been playing an important role in supporting Africa’s development, peace building, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the AU and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
These institutions have been instrumental in strengthening national and regional capacities, promoting inclusive economic growth, advancing gender equality, supporting post-conflict recovery, and safeguarding vulnerable populations across the continent. Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
The AU Commission expressed its hope that continued dialogue between the US, the United Nations, and international partners will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected.
The AU Commission said it remains committed to constructive engagement with all partners, including the United States, in strengthening a rules-based international order that responds to today’s global realities while preserving the spirit of solidarity and collective responsibility that has underpinned decades of international cooperation.
MG/as/APA