Despite these internal challenges, the Burundian diplomat highlighted significant strides in Africa’s global standing, celebrating its recent integration into the G20 as a historic milestone. However, he insisted that global institutional reform remains incomplete without equitable, permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council. Bizimana emphasized that Africa is demanding its rightful place on the council rather than asking for favors, urging member states to remain steadfast behind the common continental positions laid out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. He asserted that the continent must evolve from merely consuming international rules to actively shaping global governance standards.
A central pillar of Bizimana’s address focused on securing financial independence for the African Union itself. Demonstrating Burundi’s commitment, he announced that his government has formally integrated the AU’s 0.2 percent import levy into its national budget law to help finance the continental body. He urged fellow member states to adopt similar measures, noting that investing in the African Union is an direct investment in the continent’s collective future.
Closing his opening address, Bizimana called on member states to maintain a spirit of consensus, describing compromise and open dialogue as hallmarks of political maturity rather than signs of weakness. He commended the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREP) for their extensive groundwork and expressed gratitude to host country Ethiopia. The 49th Ordinary Session will continue reviewing core recommendations to prepare for the upcoming 8th Midterm Coordination Meeting scheduled for October in El Alamein, Egypt.
TE/Sf/fss/abj/APA