Burundi has officially taken the helm of the African Union (AU) for 2026 during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye took over the chairmanship from his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço.
In his acceptance speech, Ndayishimiye said Angola passes the torch to Burundi amid unrelenting security challenges, rise of unilateral approaches, growing economic tensions and impact of climate change across the continent.
“I want to assure you that Burundi will exercise its presidency in a spirit of listening, impartiality and cooperation with all, and for the good of all member states. We intend to work with all AU members to reach common consensus,” he said.
According to Ndayishimiye, Burundi will take the opportunity to strengthen Africa’s voice on the international arena and actively contribute to the building of a fairer, more balanced and inclusive world.
Noting that lack of drinking water and sanitation have exacerbated preventable diseases, losses of productivity and school dropout in Africa, Ndayishimiye called on member states to commit to improving access to drinking water and sanitation services.
The outgoing chair of the AU João Lourenço wished the new chair success in advancing unity, solidarity, peace, stability and inclusive development across the continent.
“It is with great honour and a deep sense of brotherhood that I extend, on behalf of the Angolan people and on my own behalf, the warmest congratulations to His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye on his election as chairperson pro tempore of the African Union,” Lourenço said.
He described the unanimous election of Ndayishimiye as a reflection of collective confidence in his leadership for the next twelve months. “This constitutes a firm assurance that you will safeguard our shared interests and objectives, drawing upon your wisdom and the nobility that characterizes you in their implementation,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, he noted that the African Union had set a key priority under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”.
He described access to safe drinking water and sanitation as both a moral and political imperative requiring firm commitment from governments, companies, civic associations and communities.
MG/as/APA