African Union Mission to the UN

Eid ul-Fitr Message of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. @ymahmoudali On the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to all Muslims across Africa and around the world. This sacred moment, marking the end of Ramadan, is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal. It reminds us of the enduring values of compassion, solidarity, and generosity—principles that resonate deeply in a world facing profound challenges. From conflict and displacement to economic uncertainty and climate pressures, our shared humanity is being tested in unprecedented ways. Yet, Eid also calls us to hope. It invites us to strengthen our bonds across nations and communities, to uplift the most vulnerable, and to recommit ourselves to peace, justice, and dignity for all. As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, let us not forget those who mark this day in hardship. May this Eid inspire collective action toward a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world. Eid Mubarak. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

AU Commission Chairperson commends the agreed decision to pursue peaceful and diplomatic settlement of border disputes among Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, welcomes the High-level Tripartite Summit convened on 16 March 2026 in Conakry, by the Heads of State of the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of Liberia, and the Republic of Sierra Leone, on strengthening border cooperation and the promotion of stability within the framework of the Mano River Union (MRU). The Chairperson @ymahmoudali highly commends the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone for the collective decision to choose the path of dialogue and pursue a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to ongoing border tensions among their countries, in line with the African Union normative frameworks, including the Constitutive Act of the African Union (2000) and the AU Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact (2009). The Chairperson lauds the spirit of cooperation, good neighbourliness, and respect for shared regional stability demonstrated by the three African Union Member States, which led to this significant achievement. This milestone underscores the enduring value of African-led solutions to African challenges and reaffirms the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes among Member States. The Chairperson further recognizes the constructive role played by @ecowas_cedeao and international partners whose efforts contributed to this outcome. This peaceful settlement serves as a model for conflict prevention and resolution across the continent and strengthens the foundations for sustainable peace, security, and development ecosystems in the Mano River region. The Chairperson applauds this collective decision to convene a Summit of the Mano River Union within a month, to revitalize the Mano River Union and enhance regular dialogue on peace, security, and development; and reiterates the AU continued support to the Governments and peoples of the three (3) West African countries, in consolidating this progress and advancing regional peace and security. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

Africa’s development is being driven by its greatest asset, its people. Across the continent, innovation, resilience, and collaboration are advancing the aspirations of #Agenda2063 and shaping a more integrated, prosperous, and self-reliant Africa. Telling this story matters because perception shapes policy, and narrative shapes progress.

Statement of the Chairperson on the passing of Nicholas Haysom. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expresses profound sadness at the passing of Mr. Nicholas Haysom, United Nations @UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan. “Mr. Haysom was not only a distinguished diplomat, but a trusted partner and a dear friend,” the Chairperson said. “From his service alongside President Nelson Mandela in the founding years of democratic South Africa, to his tireless efforts for peace in our region and beyond, his career was defined by an unwavering commitment to justice, dialogue, and human dignity.” “Those of us who had the privilege to work with him will remember his humility, his patience, and his belief in dialogue, even in the most challenging moments,” the Chairperson added. H.E. Mr. Youssouf extends his heartfelt condolences to his family, the United Nations, the UN Secretary-General and all who were touched by his life and service. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

African Union Commission Chairperson strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack in Northeast #Nigeria. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf, strongly condemns the suicide bombings which occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, on 16 March 2026, resulting to several deaths, and others injured. The African Union stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this difficult time and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing speedy recovery to those injured. The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s unequivocal rejection and firm condemnation of all forms of violence perpetrated by terrorist elements, and violent extremist groups against civilian populations and security officials. Such acts constitute a grave violation of human rights and undermine peace, security, stability within communities. The Chairperson of the Commission commends the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as Borno State authorities, for their sustained and collective efforts in countering terrorism and improving security conditions in Maiduguri and its environs over recent years. This tragic incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and resilience. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali further calls on international community to scale up support to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region at large, including through enhanced humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, intelligence-sharing, and sustained investment in stabilization and development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism. The African Union reaffirms that only through a whole of society, collective security and action approach, strengthened cooperation, and sustained commitment, can the threat of terrorism be effectively defeated and lasting peace secured, in line with relevant African Union instruments and frameworks on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding. The Chairperson reaffirms full solidarity and unwavering support of the African Union to the Government and people of Nigeria in promoting sustainable peace and stability. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

The @_AfricanUnion Accountability Framework on the Elimination of Harmful Practices represents our collective commitment to closing the gap between our progressive policies & the lived reality of our most vulnerable citizens. - H.E Mohamed Edrees Permanent Rep. @AfricanUnionUN

Uganda has built an integrated legal framework to protect girls from exploitation & harmful practices. Cross-referenced laws allow one offense to be charged under multiple statutes, boosting accountability & protection. - Hon. Betty A. Akena Min. for Gender, Labour & Social Dev’t

The mtg featured panel discussions that explored t/perspectives & work of partners incl. @WorldVision, #Ipas & @OrchidProject on the Accountability Framework. The discussion highlighted both its implementation & impact in strengthening efforts to protect & save t/lives of girls.

Read more of the statement by Ms. Cécile Mazzacurati, Gender Advisor, @UNFPA ⤵️ au.int/en/speeches/20…

@amma_twumamoah @_AfricanUnion @DCP_Haddadi @AU_WGYD @UNGeneva @Mglsd_UG @MGECW_Namibia @mogca_S_L @myscbw @AfricanUnionUS @AfricanUnionUN Read more of the closing statement of H.E. Amb. @amma_twumamoah, Commissioner for @AU_HHS ⤵️ au.int/en/speeches/20…

Today, the @_AfricanUnion in partnership with the #AfDB and the African Women Leaders Network (#AWLN) convened leaders and partners at the Permanent Observer Mission of the #AU to the #UN, on the sidelines of the #CSW70, to present and discuss the upcoming AfDB Gender Action Plan for 2027-2030. The plan includes advocating for a renewed financing initiative for women entrepreneurs, linking gender equality, economic transformation and women’s leadership. By dismantling structural barriers in finance and infrastructure, the AU, AfDB and partners are positioning women’s leadership as the indispensable cornerstone of the continent’s future growth. #CSW #GenderEquality #AFAWA #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030

Joint Outcome Statement JOINT CONSULTATION WITH PARTNERS ON THE AfDB GENDER ACTION PLAN (2027-2031) & ACCELERATING FINANCIAL ACCESS FOR WOMEN IN AFRICA (AFAWA) 2.0 On the margins of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the African Development Bank Group, African Women Leaders Network, and African Union convened a high-level consultation to advance the Gender Action Plan (2027-2031) and AFAWA 2.0. The discussions reinforced a clear message: 🌍 Africa’s economic transformation depends on unlocking women’s full potential through systemic, coordinated, and scalable solutions. 🔑 Key outcomes include: • Transitioning from fragmented interventions to integrated, ecosystem-based approaches • Strengthening institutional alignment and continental synergy to maximize impact • Positioning AWLN as a strategic catalyst to mobilize capital, influence policy, and drive innovation 🚀 Looking ahead, partners committed to: • Building structured partnerships to accelerate implementation of AFAWA 2.0 • Aligning efforts with the AfDB Gender Action Plan to ensure measurable results • Driving concrete, scalable actions that translate momentum into impact for women across Africa This consultation marks a critical step toward advancing inclusive growth, gender-responsive financing, and women’s leadership as central pillars of Africa’s development.

📍 #HappeningToday | High-Level Consultation with Partners Today, @AWLNetwork, in partnership with @AfDB_Group, convenes a High-Level Consultation with Partners in New York, driving forward conversations on women’s leadership and economic empowerment across Africa. 🗓 Wednesday, 18 March 2026 ⏰ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM 📍 Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations, New York (Mandela Hall) Bringing together leaders, policymakers, and strategic partners, this consultation will help shape the Gender Action Plan (2027-2031) and the next phase of AFAWA 2.0, with a focus on unlocking financing, strengthening systems, and accelerating inclusive economic growth. At its core, this dialogue is about moving from commitment to real, transformative impact for women across Africa.

I was pleased to meet H.E. Amb. Mohamed Idris, AU Perm. Observer to UN in New York @AfricanUnionUN. We discussed key challenges facing the African group, and avenues for joint cooperation to advance the AU agenda. I also discussed Libya’s candidacy representing Africa for its seat in UNSC 2028–2029, and the upcoming steps to secure Africas support in accordance with the established practice & procedures ahead of the June 2027 elections. @_AfricanUnion

#CSW70 | #WPS | #Today at the @AfricanUnionUN: The @AU_PAPS, through @FemWiseAfrica and the Gender, Peace and Security Programme (@GPSP_AU), in collaboration with the Office of the AU Special Envoy on #WPS, is convening a High-Level Panel on “From Inclusion to Transformation: Empowering Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Peace in #Somalia 🇸🇴, the #DRC 🇨🇩, the #Sahel, and #Libya 🇱🇾.” The dialogue highlighted that: ➡️ the @_AfricanUnion has mandated a 30% quota for women in AU-led mediations and endorsed the #UNSG's common pledge. ➡️ Women's participation in peace efforts has increased, with 35 countries adopting National Action Plans and six regional action plans. ➡️ Despite progress, women still represent only 7% of negotiators and 14% of mediators globally. The discussion emphasized the need to move from inclusion to transformation, focusing on women's leadership in peace processes. Key strategies include designing for influence, guaranteeing co-leadership, and embedding gendered risk analysis. The importance of addressing root causes, tackling emerging threats like online violence, and investing in young women leaders was also highlighted. #WPS #WomenLead #SilencingTheGuns

16 March 2026 – New York @_AfricanUnion, in partnership with @UN_Women convened a high-level side event on the margins of #CSW70 :‘’Amplifying #Sudanese Women's Voices for Peace and Justice: Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda through Multilateral Action." Hosted at the African Union Permanent Mission to the #UN, the dialogue placed Sudanese women at the center of efforts to end the war and build sustainable peace. Their message was clear: no military solution—only an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.. They called for: 👉Full inclusion at the peace table; 👉 Unified voices in negotiating #Sudan's future; 👉 Justice and accountability for atrocities; 👉 Solutions rooted in local realities & historical grievances. The dialogue keeps #Sudan in the spotlight, reaffirming that its crisis, and the women leading within it, cannot and will not be ignored. The #AfricanUnion stands in solidarity with the people of #Sudan, especially women, youth, and children. Their aspirations for peace with justice must shape the future.

The @AfricanUnionUN today hosted a #CSW70 side event organized by @AUC_PAPS , on the Intergenerational Power for Peacebuilding: Unlocking the Complementary Strengths of Women and Youth, in the presence of H. E Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner (AUC-PAPS) , Justice (Rtd) Effie Owuor - member of the African Union Panel of the Wise and Co-Chair of Femwise, and H. E Amb. Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the AU to the UN. Commissioner @Bankole_Adeoye stressed the importance of upholding and enhancing the power to build and sustain peace, anchored on learning, with the view to make positive changes in the continent. Speakers mainly Women and Youth from several African countries, underscored the need to unlock the full potential of #African women and youth by empowering them in peacebuilding efforts, highlighting their vital roles in fostering sustainable peace through collaboration and shared strengths, to secure a brighter future for the next generation. #PeaceBuilding #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030 #YouthEmpowerment #RuralWomen #IntergenerationalPower

Today at the High-level Side Event on the Popularization and Ratification of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, (AU-#CEVAWG), participants reaffirmed their commitment to the Convention and pledged to advocate for its ratification and popularization to ensure a safer, empowered future for all women across Africa. Organized by the #AUC #WGYD, the event hosted by the @AfricanUnionUN on the margins of the #CSW70, was highly attended. Keynote speakers included H. E Amb. Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the #AU to the #UN, Ms. Nonkululeko Prudence Ngwenya, Director, AUC-WGYD, and H. E Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on #WPS. #EndVAW #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030

Today, H.E. Amb. Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (@AU_HHS) , stressed the need to create a future where every African girl is free to thrive. She was addressing participants at the #CSW70 High-level Side Event on Strengthening legal and community justice systems to protect girls against cross-border trafficking, violations and exploitation. Hosted by the @AfricanUnionUN, H.E. Amb. Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the #AU to the @UN, in his welcome address, emphasized the need to strengthen legal and community justice systems to protect girls from cross-border trafficking and exploitation. The other keynote speakers included Ms. Cecile Mazzacurati, Gender Programme Liaison Branch-#UNFPA HQ, H.E. Amb. Liberata Mulamula, AU Special Envoy on #WPS, and H.E. Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development of Uganda 🇺🇬. They all affirmed that together, we can create safer environments and empower communities to safeguard the future of African youth. #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030 #EndTrafficking #ProtectGirls

#CSW70 | #WPS | A timely side event on “Amplifying Sudanese Women’s Voices for Peace and Justice.” #AU and #UN officials, the AU Panel of the Wise, the Co-Chair of FemWise-Africa, representatives from @SwedenUN, and Sudanese women #CSOs 🇸🇩 have gathered to highlight the importance of advancing the #WPS agenda, strengthening women’s meaningful participation in #peace processes, and enhancing #cooperation to support #justice, #protection, and inclusive #peacebuilding in Sudan 🇸🇩.