H.E Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi

Honoured to welcome H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi (@DCP_Haddadi), Deputy Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission, on her first official visit to @AfricaCDC. Our discussions focused on strengthening Africa’s health security and advancing a more resilient public health architecture across the continent. At a time of increasing global health challenges, continued collaboration across the African Union is essential to strengthening Africa’s health security. I thank H.E. Amb. Haddadi for her visit and continued support for Africa CDC’s mission. ------- Honoré d’accueillir S.E. l’Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Vice-Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, à l’occasion de sa première visite officielle au siège d’Africa CDC. Nos échanges ont porté sur le renforcement de la sécurité sanitaire en Afrique et sur la construction d’une architecture de santé publique plus résiliente à l’échelle du continent. Dans un contexte de défis sanitaires croissants à l’échelle mondiale, une collaboration renforcée au sein de l’Union africaine est essentielle pour consolider la sécurité sanitaire en Afrique. Je remercie S.E. l’Amb. Haddadi pour sa visite et son soutien continu à la mission d’Africa CDC.

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…

I was pleased to visit the @AfricaCDC headquarters and to have a fruitful meeting with its Director General, H.E. @Dr_JeanKaseya . During this visit, I attended an insightful presentation and had a tour of the Digital Museum as well as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). As the world faces growing health challenges, Africa CDC's role is more essential than ever. I encourage the CDC leadership and staff to continue their noble mission. Thank you for the warm welcome and fruitful exchanges. #AUC #AfricaCDC

J'ai eu le plaisir de recevoir aujourd'hui S.E. l'Amb. Eyoumbe-Monono Churchill, Représentant Permanent du Cameroun 🇨🇲 auprès de l'Union africaine. Nous avons passé en revue les efforts constants du Cameroun pour contribuer à la stabilité et à la prospérité du continent, en phase avec les objectifs de l'Agenda 2063. Ensemble, nous avons réaffirmé notre volonté commune de collaborer pour bâtir l'Afrique que nous voulons. #Cameroun #CUA #Afrique #Agenda2063

The future of Africa’s narrative is in African hands. Through powerful, informed storytelling, the media can connect citizens to the AU and turn the aspirations of #Agenda2063 into a shared continental journey,” said the AU Deputy Chairperson, H.E. @DCP_Haddadi, at the closing ceremony of the #AUMediaFellowship study tour at the AUHQ in Addis Ababa. She underscored the importance of the Fellowship as a strategic platform for strengthening engagement between the AU and Africa’s media ecosystem, while equipping journalists with the knowledge and access needed to report on continental priorities with depth, accuracy, and context. In her engagement with Cohort 3.0 comprising 22 Fellows from 18 African countries she emphasised the vital role of media in shaping Africa’s narrative and making the work of the Union more accessible and relevant to its citizens.

Statement of Condolences by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on #Ethiopia Gamo Zone Mudslide. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Ethiopia following the tragic landslides in the Gamo Zone that have claimed many lives and displaced thousands of families after days of heavy rainfall. The Chairperson extends deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and wishes a swift recovery to those injured, while expressing solidarity with all communities affected by the disaster. H.E. Mr. Youssouf also pays tribute to the emergency responders, humanitarian workers, and local volunteers who are working tirelessly to rescue survivors and provide assistance to those in need. The African Union Commission stands with Ethiopia during this period of national mourning and reaffirms its support for the ongoing relief and recovery efforts. The Chairperson also expresses concern over the wider impact of severe flooding across the region and underscores the importance of investing in disaster risk management, early warning systems, and climate resilience to better protect communities from the increasing threat of extreme weather Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

I had a productive meeting with Dr. Yahya Coşkun, Vice President of the Turkish 🇹🇷Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), to further strengthen our partnership. @tika_eng . We discussed the African Union Headquarters compound Daycare and Playground Project, in collaboration with the African Medical and Health Services Directorate an initiative enhancing wellbeing for our staff. We also explored opportunities to expand and deepen this collaboration in the future. Grateful to TİKA for their unwavering commitment to people-centered programs that advance #Agenda2063. #AU #TIKA #Cooperation

Pleased to receive Hon. Kwani Edem Denanu, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC). @AUABC_ . Our exchange focused on strengthening this important @_AfricanUnion body and advancing the good governance agenda. We agreed to maintain close coordination and communication going forward. #AfricanUnion #AUABC #Anticorruption

Today, I was pleased to receive Amb. TAKAHASHI Misako, 🇯🇵 Director-General and Assistant Minister for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan @MofaJapan_en. We held substantive discussions and reaffirmed our shared commitment to a stronger AU–Japan partnership, through the platform of #TICAD and building on its outcomes, advancing #Agenda 2063 priorities, and deepening cooperation in innovation, integration, peace & sustainable development across our continent. #Japan #Africa #AU #TICAD

Last week, it was a great pleasure to visit the premises of the African Union Commission @_AfricanUnion and the renovated building to assess how our assets are used and maintained. I also took the opportunity to visit the in-house state of the art Printing Unit. Now, the Commission is able to print, in-house, official documents and materials used for AU meetings and daily operations allowing the AU to introduce important cost savings. #AU #AUC #PrintingUnit #Assets

Today I received the Deputy Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission, H.E. Amb. @SelmaHaddadi at our new @APRMorg premises in Centurion, South Africa. During our engagement, we briefed her on the APRM’s latest achievements, including recently completed peer review reports, key initiatives currently underway, and preparations for upcoming flagship deliverables such as the #AGR and the operationalisation of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (#AfCRA). We also exchanged views on administrative matters and on further strengthening the effectiveness of the APRM mandate to ensure the delivery of tangible governance results across the continent. I extend my sincere appreciation to my sister for her reinforced commitment to our work and unwavering support to the APRM.

During her visit to South Africa, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission, paid a courtesy visit to AUDA-NEPAD headquarters, where she was welcomed warmly by staff. The visit included a bilateral meeting with our CEO, H.E. @nardosbthomas , providing an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views and strengthen collaboration in advancing #Africa’s development agenda.

I had the pleasure of receiving H.E. Dr. Donald Kaberuka @DonaldKaberuka , AU High Representative for Financing the Union @_AfricanUnion . Our productive discussions focused on strengthening Africa's future through Sustainable and Predictable Financing, and the forthcoming meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Finance Ministers. Grateful for his insights and commitment to #Agenda2063 together, we will build a more prosperous and peaceful Africa. #AUReforms #FinancingPeace #AfricaUnited

I was glad to receive H.E. Ambassador Abdullahi Warfa, Somalia's 🇸🇴 Permanent Representative to the African Union. We had fruitful discussions on peace and security, UNSC as I reaffirmed the AU's steadfast support to Somalia. #Somalia #AUC #UNSC #AU

The strength of @_AfricanUnion lies in the dedication of those who serve the institution every day #IWD26. When every voice is heard and every contribution recognized, we are better equipped to build #TheAfricaWeWant @DCP_Haddadi @ymahmoudali

We celebrate the "invisible" hands whose dedication sustains the @_AfricanUnion. ​A heartfelt thank you to our leadership, @DCP_Haddadi @ymahmoudali, for their commitment to an institutional culture where every woman is seen and treated with dignity #IWD2026 #TheAfricaWeWant

International Women’s Day: African Union Celebrates Women of the Union with Pledge to Strengthen Inclusion and Dignity for All. The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (@AU_WGYD), commemorated the International Women’s Day 2026, under the theme “Honouring Women of the African Union: Voices, Work and Community,” recognising the diverse contributions of women across all levels of the institution. The celebration, held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, highlighted the vital roles women play in sustaining the Union’s work, from leadership and policy development to administration, security, cleaning and other essential services. Speaking as "a son raised by a strong African woman," the AUC Chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali, acknowledged women across all roles, from Commissioners and Policy Officers to Drivers, Cleaners, and Interns, emphasizing that their contributions, whether visible or behind the scenes, shape the African Union's mission. "Every woman within this Institution, regardless of her grade or role, must feel valued, supported, and protected. Your commitment, talent, and leadership are indispensable to our collective mission. Your well-being, professional growth, and aspirations matter greatly to this Institution," emphasized the AUC Chairperson. During the interactive dialogue segment to reflect on the AU’s theme for Women’s Day, participants discussed key institutional priorities, including the review of maternity and parental leave policies, the forthcoming opening of an African Union daycare center to better support working families, and ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to health services for all staff regardless of contract status. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission also reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and discrimination on women, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for all employees. The AUC Chairperson concluded by calling for renewed commitment to building a Commission where every woman can thrive and where the next generation of African women leaders can serve with confidence and pride. Addressing the staff, the AUC Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Ambassador Selma Haddadi, @DCP_Haddadi, paid tribute to the founding mothers of the African Union, including Fatia Bettahar, Phoebe Asiyo, Fathia Nkrumah, Albertina Sisulu, and others, on whose shoulders women still stand today. She underlined that the AU was the first among its peers to institutionalize equal representation for women, with women currently representing 37% of the workforce, including 38% of senior leadership positions. Ambassador Haddadi emphasized the importance of recognizing women at every level of the institution, from young professionals to gardeners, translators, security officers, and cleaners, describing their work as “essential and indispensable” to the Union’s functioning. Drawing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, Deputy Chairperson Selma Haddadi called for intergenerational and cross-rank solidarity among women and stressed the importance of male allyship in advancing gender equality. "The solidarity we want for women across this continent must begin inside the walls of our institution. We cannot credibly champion women's rights and justice across fifty-five member states if we do not first practice justice, dignity and care for one another within these walls. This endeavour is incomplete unless joined and genuinely supported by our brothers, at all levels," concluded the AUC Deputy Chairperson. The event served as both a celebration and a renewed call to action, affirming the African Union’s commitment to building a Commission where every woman can thrive, and where the next generation of African women leaders can serve with confidence and pride. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon received Donald Kaberuka, AU Special Envoy on Sustainable Financing for the Union & Financing for Peace in Africa, for consultations on advancing the reform agenda of the AU. The discussions formed part of the Chairperson’s ongoing consultations, in line with the guidance of the AU Assembly at its 39th Ordinary Session, on strengthening institutional reforms & ensuring the effective implementation of the Union’s mandate. Dr. Kaberuka commended the Chairperson & the leadership of the Commission in advancing reform initiatives, including the operationalisation of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA). He, however, cautioned the evolving geopolitical environment & shifts in international development financing present growing challenges for multilateral institutions. In this regard, he underscored the importance of sustainable & predictable contributions from Member States to safeguard the Union’s financial sovereignty & enable it to deliver on the aspirations of the African people. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali reaffirmed that financial sovereignty remains a central priority of the new leadership of the Commission in advancing the objectives of Agenda 2063. He welcomed the decision of the Assembly to convene a joint session of Ministers of Foreign Affairs & Ministers of Finance to consult on & develop a sustainable financing model for the Union. The meeting also discussed the importance of greater coordination & harmonisation among the various specialised offices & institutions of the AU where necessary, in order to enhance coherence & ensure more effective delivery of the Union’s mandate. Dr. @DonaldKaberuka further briefed the Chairperson on ongoing efforts to secure sustainable financing for peace operations in Africa, noting the opportunities presented by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719. The Chairperson agreed that the resolution provides the most viable & sustainable framework for supporting African-led peace support operations. The Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Salma Malika Haddadi, @DCP_Haddadi provided an update on the current status of the institutional reforms undertaken thus far, while Dagmawit Moges, Director of the African Union Peace Fund, briefed the meeting on the implementation of the Fund. The meeting concluded with a commitment to accelerate the reform process, with the Chairperson affirming that the new leadership of the Commission will prioritise the implementation of the AU reform agenda. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…