President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has arrived in the Ethiopian capital to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
The summit, which runs from February 15 to 16, is being held under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, President Mahama was warmly received by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and other Ghanaian diplomats.
The President’s presence underscores Ghana’s active role in continental affairs and its commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting Africa and its diaspora.
Reparations and Justice: A Central Theme
This year’s summit strongly emphasizes reparations for historical injustices faced by Africans and people of African descent. The AU Commission has described the reparations conversation as a “critical and transformative dialogue” extending beyond past wrongs to address systemic inequities globally.
In a statement, the AU emphasized that the pursuit of reparations is integral to achieving justice and equity. “The scope of this conversation goes beyond historical injustices and into the current fabric of societies around the world,” the statement read. The discussions are expected to explore actionable steps to address the legacy of colonialism, slavery, and ongoing discrimination.
Election of AU Commission Chairperson
One of the key highlights of the summit will be the election of a new Chairperson for the African Union Commission. The current Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is set to step down on February 15, paving the way for a new leader to steer the continental body.
Several high-profile candidates are vying for the position, including:
– Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, has been nominated by his country.
– Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and the AU’s former High Representative for Infrastructure Development, has garnered significant support from countries such as Algeria, Angola, and Botswana.
– Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister, who remains in the race despite limited backing.
Other candidates, including Anil Gayan (Mauritius), Fawzia Yusuf Adam (Somalia), and Vincent Meriton (Seychelles), have withdrawn from the contest. The election is expected to be highly competitive, reflecting the diverse interests and priorities of AU member states.
Agenda: From Health to Food Security
Beyond reparations and leadership elections, the summit will address a wide range of issues critical to Africa’s development and integration. Key agenda items include:
– Adoption of the agenda and organization of work.
– Consideration of reports from the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), the Africa Centers for Disease Control (AFCDC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers for Trade.
– Elections for six AU Commissioners, five members of the Peace and Security Council, and one member of the African Space Agency.
-Discussion of draft legal instruments, including the Draft African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and the Draft Statute of the Africa Food Safety Agency.
The summit will conclude with the adoption of decisions and a closing ceremony, marking the end of two days of intensive deliberations.
A Continent at a Crossroads
As African leaders gather in Addis Ababa, the summit represents a pivotal moment for the continent. The discussions on reparations, leadership transitions, and continental integration come at a time when Africa is grappling with challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and political instability. The outcomes of this summit could shape the continent’s trajectory for years to come.
President Mahama’s participation underscores Ghana’s commitment to playing a leading role in these critical conversations, as Africa seeks to assert its place on the global stage and address the lingering legacies of its past.
The world will be watching as African leaders chart a path toward justice, unity, and sustainable development.
