Boniface Cheembe

Today, on #KennethKaundaDay, we celebrate #Zambia’s founding father and #PanAfrican icon! To keep his vision alive, ECOSOCC launched the Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme (KKGIP), a flagship initiative created in his honor to empower young Zambians 🇿🇲 with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities to lead #Africa into the future. As such, the #KKGIP is more than a fellowship as it is a living tribute to #KennethKaunda’s legacy of unity, service, and leadership. Meet the first cohort of the KKGIP, a testament to ECOSOCC’S commitment to honoring remarkable leaders while inspiring and creating tomorrow’s leaders. #YouthEmpowerment #Youth #Agenda2063

The statement from our Virtual CSOs' Town Hall on the Humanitarian Situation in #Sudan is now out. Civil society organizations, partners, and #humanrights defenders from across the continent are raising urgent concern over the scale of the crisis. Over 11 million people displaced. More than 750,000 facing famine. Violence, disease, and collapsing systems continue to worsen conditions. It's not only a humanitarian crisis. It's a political and social breakdown with regional consequences. CSOs are calling for immediate action, including a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and an inclusive, civilian-led political process. #Peace #Security #Agenda2063 #AllEyesOnSudan 🇸🇩

Mr. @Cheembe, Chair of ECOSOCC’s Peace and Security Cluster, emphasized that the Town Hall provided an important platform for #civilsociety and stakeholders to share experiences and better understand the realities facing Sudanese families and host communities. He stressed that the crisis extends beyond #Sudan’s borders and requires a coordinated and inclusive response, including stronger support for host countries under pressure. Looking ahead, he called for translating discussions into action, including advocating for the protection of civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, restoring supply routes, increasing support to affected populations and host communities, and strengthening coordination among key actors. He concluded by reaffirming the need for a unified civil society voice to inform responses at all levels and urged continued commitment to advancing peace, dignity, and humanitarian support for the people of Sudan. #Peace #Security #Agenda2063 #AllEyesOnSudan 🇸🇩

Today marks the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Under the theme “Remember–Unite–Renew,” #Kwibuka32 is a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the impact that continues to be felt in #Rwanda and across the continent. It is also a reminder of why this history must remain visible. Remembering supports awareness. Unity strengthens collective responsibility to reject genocide ideology, hate speech, and crimes against humanity. Renewal calls for continued commitment to protect life and uphold fundamental #humanrights. For us, this work includes keeping #civilsociety engaged, informed, and active in prevention efforts.

If your organization is trying to respond to what is happening in Sudan, you're likely working with gaps. Gaps in information. Gaps in access. Gaps in coordination across borders. Our upcoming Town Hall on 9 April 2026 aims to close some of those gaps: bit.ly/THSudan #Sudan’s crisis is not only inside Sudan. Displacement is moving across borders. The closure of the #Chad 🇹🇩–Sudan 🇸🇩 border is already affecting how people move and how aid reaches communities. Host countries are under pressure. Local responses are carrying more weight. For CSOs, this changes how work gets done. The Town Hall will ensure that: ⦿CSOs are working from a more complete and current picture of the crisis ⦿Experiences from affected communities and host countries are brought into one space ⦿#CivilSociety concerns are clearly articulated to national, regional, and international actors ⦿Advocacy and response efforts are better aligned, informed, and coordinated We need to ground action in shared insight and collective direction for more effective engagement. If your work is connected to humanitarian response, policy, or community support, this conversation will help strengthen how you engage. Join the discussion: bit.ly/THSudan #Peace #Security #Agenda2063 #AllEyesOnSudan

African heads of state approved our new statutes! That means the rules governing how #civilsociety formally engages the African Union have been updated at the highest level. It happened quietly inside a 40-decision document from the 39th AU Assembly (February 2026). But the same document also: -Launched a full decade (2026–2035) dedicated to #reparations for Africans and people of African descent. -Formally declared slavery and colonization crimes against humanity. -Raised the alarm on collapsing health aid and demanded African governments fund their own #health systems. -Approved an #AI roadmap with a specific mandate for citizen safeguards. -Called on the @_AfricanUnion to talk to its citizens — #journalists, #youth, #diaspora — not just governments. Civil society didn't get a seat in that room but the decisions made there will affect the work you do for years. Read the decisions and know what was agreed on! 🔗 au.int/en/decisions/d… #AUSummit39 #Agenda2063

History has been made at the @UN! The UN General Assembly has adopted #Ghana’s resolution declaring slavery as the gravest crime committed against humanity. This places history in legal language and opens the door to something that has long been avoided: a structured global process on #reparations. It creates a pathway, through dialogue, negotiation, and potential legal mechanisms, for how reparations can be addressed at a global level. This did not happen in isolation. It reflects years of work across the @_AfricanUnion, @CARICOMorg, and a broader coalition of states from the Global South pushing the same question forward: If a harm was global, structured, and lasted centuries, can repair also be global and structured? With this resolution, that question is no longer rhetorical. The infographic breaks down the resolution step by step and explains why it is a historic moment for reparatory justice. @JDMahama @GhanaMFA @AfricanUnionUN #Justice #HumanRights #ReparationsNow #DecadeOfReparations

COMESA_GPS, the @AUC_PAPS and @APRMorg have convened a consultative meeting on the implementation of the mitigation strategy roadmap of the Zambia CSVRA process from 23 - 26 March 2026 in Livingstone, Zambia.

The meeting essentially seeks to develop a comprehensive, prioritized, and costed implementation matrix to support Zambia in addressing outlined vulnerabilities in the CSVRA report and to implement mitigation strategies outlined in the CSVMS.

Reparations is often reduced to one question. The 2025 edition of AU Echo Magazine shows it is many! This edition moves across history, law, economics, culture, diplomacy, and public policy. It brings together state perspectives, expert analysis, and institutional positions under the @_AfricanUnion’s Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. Inside, you will find historical context, legal arguments, reflections on cultural restitution, discussions on economic redress, and examinations of how the #reparations agenda is being framed at continental level by the AU: au.int/en/documents/2… #ReparationsNow #DecadeOfReparations #AUTOTY2025

The 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ edition of the AU ECHO Magazine is out! The 2025 edition focuses on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations, examining the historical basis for #reparations, current policy discussions, and continental efforts led under the @_AfricanUnion framework. This publication is a must-read for advocates, scholars, civil society, and anyone passionate about #justice, reparations, and #Africa’s #development. Read the full publication here: au.int/en/documents/2… #AUTOTY2025 #YearOfReparations #ReparationsNow

Migration in Africa is often talked about, but not always understood. The "Migration in Africa: Myths and Realities" manual is here to change that! It is made for media practitioners and communication officers at CSOs and NGOs, giving them the facts and tools to report accurately on #migration. The manual walks you through six important areas: 1️⃣ Migration in Africa – Facts and Figures: What the numbers really tell us. 2️⃣ International Migration Law: Understanding the rules that guide movement across borders. 3️⃣ Navigating the Migration Ecosystem: Who is involved, and how migration works in practice. 4️⃣ Is Migration Beneficial for #Africa?: Looking at both challenges and opportunities. 5️⃣ Legacy Media Reporting: How traditional #media covers migration. 6️⃣ Social Media and #AI: How new tools are changing the way migration is reported. The content draws on @_AfricanUnion migration frameworks, international conventions, and research. The goal is to help communicators share clear, accurate, and fair stories about migration. If you report on migration or communicate about it, this manual is a practical guide to understanding the real story behind the headlines. Download, read it, practice it, and share it: au.int/en/documents/2… #MigrationInAfrica #MediaTraining #AccurateReporting #Agenda2063 #CivilSociety @ICMPD

On 12 February 2026, ECOSOCC, in partnership with INCLUDE Knowledge Platform convened a closed roundtable during AU Summit week in Addis Ababa, #Ethiopia 🇪🇹! The discussion brought together civil society representatives, AU stakeholders, and partners to examine current shifts in global development financing and changing partnership models. Participants noted that the current moment reflects more than a gradual move away from traditional #aid, but a significant change in how #development cooperation is structured and funded. A Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed between ECOSOCC and @INCLUDEplatform. The areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include: • Joint research and knowledge exchange to inform @_AfricanUnion #policy processes. • Communication efforts to ensure #civilsociety and research inputs reach relevant AU policy spaces. • Institutional capacity support aligned with long-term sustainability. • Development of digital knowledge platforms to improve coordination and civic participation. • Promotion of inclusive and participatory approaches in #governance programming. #Agenda2063 #AUSummit

Today, we celebrate the Fugu (Bakatari) of Ghana, a fabric of strength and identity. For Ghanaians, the Fugu, also known as Batakari, is more than a traditional Ghanaian smock attire. It carries centuries of tradition in its handwoven threads and bold stripes. It is worn by traditional leaders in northern Ghana, as well as ordinary citizens, and is a symbol of royalty and authority but also shared identity rather than status alone. When Ghana became the first country, south of the Sahara to break free from colonial rule in 1957, its founding father, the pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah and five others wore Fugus at the celebrations that marked the country's independence. Recently popularized on the continental stage by H.E. President, John Dramani Mahama, the Fugu has become a visible emblem of national pride, cultural resilience, leadership, authority, and belonging. Why it matters today: Fugu is a national symbol of heritage, especially in Northern Ghana, where weaving is a communal craft passed down through generations. It embodies resilience and leadership, often worn during ceremonies, festivals, and moments of cultural pride. Each smock tells a story of craftsmanship, identity, and continuity; linking past and present. Cultural Expression: From leadership to everyday wear, the Fugu reflects Ghana’s spirit of unity and endurance, representing respect, tradition, and cultural pride. 💬 Join the conversation: What fabric holds cultural meaning for you like Fugu does in Ghana? Whether it’s Chitenge, Kente, Shweshwe, or Barkcloth, share your stories and styles. Let’s celebrate the textiles that carry our heritage. #AfricanHeritageMondays #Fugu #UnityInDiversity

Our new Statutes were adopted at the 39th @_AfricanUnion Summit! The adoption formalizes our updated legal and institutional framework. The revised Statutes clarify our mandate, structure, membership provisions, and working methods. They provide a clearer basis for engagement between #civilsociety and AU policy organs, in line with our advisory role within the AU system. Further information on the key updates and implementation steps will be shared in due course. #TheVoiceOfTheAfricanCitizenry #AUSummit

Earlier today, the Head of the @AU_ECOSOCC Secretariat, Amb. @WilCarew, addressed the media during a press briefing at the 39th @_AfricanUnion Summit, on two major milestones. The briefing highlighted: -The constitution of the 5th Permanent General Assembly of ECOSOCC, later this year, marking another chapter in strengthening citizen participation across the continent. -The election of Diaspora Representatives following the adoption of the AU Diaspora Legal Framework, a significant step in formally integrating the African Diaspora into AU processes and decision-making. These developments reinforce ECOSOCC’s commitment to inclusivity, representation, and deepening civil society engagement within the African Union. #39thAUSummit #Diaspora #CitizenParticipation

[Press Release] The African Union Elects New Chair of the Union for the year 2026 and Prioritises Water Security at 39th Summit in Addis Ababa. The Thirty-Nineth (39th) Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) kicked off today at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, with a strong call for African solidarity, financial independence, and a collective push to shape the global agenda. The two-day summit, held under the theme "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063," saw the election of new Chair of the Union for the year 2026 and strong messages on the urgent appeal for peace and institutional reform. Addressing the Assembly Meeting, Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, framed the summit around the 2026 theme of water and sanitation, describing access to water as a collective good that must promote both development and peace. He stressed that the meeting comes at a time of mounting geopolitical turbulence, with persistent conflicts, institutional fragility and a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government across parts of the continent. Against a backdrop of weakening multilateralism and rising global polarization, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged Member State to accelerate political and economic integration under the guiding vision of Agenda 2063. Chairperson Youssouf further emphasized  that institutional reform and financial self-reliance are now imperative as external funding declines. He called for stronger domestic resource mobilization and faster implementation of continental flagship programmes, particularly industrialization, agricultural transformation, energy development and infrastructure expansion, which he described as essential conditions for sustainable growth. "Institutional reform and financial self-reliance are now imperative as external funding declines," he stated. H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also acknowledged rising expectations from Africa’s youth, women and civil society, emphasizing that this decade of Agenda 2063 must deliver tangible performance and measurable results. AUC Chairperson concluded by expressing solidarity with populations affected by conflict, citing crises in Sudan, the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia, as well as the suffering of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed that respect for international law and humanitarian law remains fundamental to global peace and called for determined, collective action to secure a stronger, more autonomous and prosperous Africa. H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and outgoing Chairperson of The AU officially opened the 39th  African Union (AU) Summit by calling for accelerated action to ensure sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems, the 2026 AU theme, describing access to water as a political, moral and strategic priority essential for Africa’s development, public health, food security and stability. Reflecting on Angola’s year as AU Chair, Lourenço highlighted progress in advancing Agenda 2063, mobilizing investment for infrastructure, strengthening continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting reforms to improve AU efficiency and reduce bureaucracy. On peace and security, President Lourenço stressed that Africa’s development depends on “silencing the guns” and addressing ongoing conflicts, particularly in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as combating terrorism in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. He reaffirmed the AU’s rejection of unconstitutional changes of government and warned against legitimizing coups through subsequent elections. H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço concluded by urging African leaders to adopt measurable commitments that deliver tangible results for citizens and reinforce a resilient, integrated and prosperous Africa aligned with #Agenda2063. Speaking at the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that Africa should shift from reacting to global events to actively shaping the global agenda, especially as the African Union nears its 25th anniversary. He called for unity, confidence, and greater continental influence in world affairs. He highlighted that true sovereignty includes owning Africa’s narrative and technological future,  noting Ethiopia’s establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) institute and plans for an AI university, and concluded with a forward-looking vision aligned with Agenda 2063. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, underscoring multilateral cooperation as essential for peace, security, and sustainable development. He highlighted Africa’s growing influence in global affairs, reaffirmed the need for UN Security Council reform (including stronger African representation), and emphasized support for Africa’s development goals, industrialization, and equitable access to financing. The remarks aligned with continental priorities and reinforced the commitment of both organizations to work together on peace, resilience, and prosperity for Africa and the world H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye of #Burundi has been formally elected as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for the year 2026, taking over the rotating leadership from #Angola’s João Lourenço at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The composition of the new Bureau of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union for 2026 is as follows: 1. Chair of the African Union – The Republic of Burundi, (Central) 2. First Vice – Ghana, (West); 3. Second Vice – Tanzania, (East); 4. Third Vice – To be confirmed, (North Africa Region); and 5. Rapporteur – Angola, (South) . The summit continues with deliberations focused on the critical theme of water security, as well as pressing peace and security issues across the continent. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas… 39th #AUSummit

One third of 4️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ million young Africans are unemployed, underemployed, or discouraged. 7️⃣ million join the jobless ranks each year. Rural communities remain neglected while we debate in capital cities. And as conflict and repression grow, we normalize the abnormal. If we're serious about rights and justice, we must leave the conference rooms and stand where dignity is being fought for daily. -@TamukaKagoro77 📍The @africa_amani, @AU_ECOSOCC, @LawyersofAfrica & @OpenSociety Citizens’ Dialogue on #HumanRights, #Justice, #Governance and #Peace in Africa | Addis Ababa, #Ethiopia 🇪🇹

Why is this important? Because Africa remains the only continent without permanent representation on the Security Council, despite the fact that the majority of issues on the Council’s agenda concern Africa. Through the C10, Africa is collectively advocating for two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats on the Security Council, ensuring that African voices are not only heard but have real influence in global decision making. The C10 operates at both the political and technical levels within the African Union system; from the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, to the Ministerial level, and down to the technical level within Ministries of Foreign Affairs. This multi-layered engagement strengthens coordination and ensures consistency in advancing Africa’s position. -@WilCarew 📍Diplomatic Briefing on the United Nations Security Council Reform (UNSC) Reform through the UN Charter Review (Article 109).

It is important to understand that the C10 is a Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government. It is a high-level group established in 2015 to address a critical continental priority: the reform of the United Nations Security Council. The primary role of the C10 is advocacy and policy guidance. Its mandate is to mobilize political commitment across the continent and to report directly to the AU Assembly on progress made. At its core, the C10 exists to advance Africa’s Common Position on UN Security Council reform. -@WilCarew 📍Diplomatic Briefing on the United Nations Security Council Reform (UNSC) Reform through UN Charter Review (Article 109).