Prof. Awet T. Weldemichael

#rscBRAVOsrc to #CollegeofNewScholars Member @Prof_Awet @queensu. He is a scholar of Northeast Africa and island Southeast Asia with a focus on contemporary history and political economy. He is a former refugee goatherd turned professor and award-winning author of several books.

The statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of #Rwanda (@onduhungirehe) is regrettable in both tone and substance, as it misrepresents established procedures of the @_AfricanUnion and unnecessarily personalizes what is, in essence, a routine institutional process. First, the use of the Silence Procedure is neither new nor irregular within the African Union. It is a well-established decision-making mechanism that has been applied on numerous occasions. The fact that some Member States chose to break the silence does not constitute a crisis; rather, it reflects normal institutional practice and demonstrates that consultation among Member States is both active and effective. Second, it is important to recall that H.E. President Evariste Ndayishimiye, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union, acted in line with his mandate and in respect of established procedures. His ruling was clear, in French: “Je voudrais vous remercier pour le soutien affiché en faveur de notre Frère Macky Sall et déclare que le Projet de Décision qui nous a été soumis est adopté. J’instruis la Commission de l’Union Africaine à l’envoyer à tous les États Membres, pour adoption par la procédure du silence, selon les règles et procédures de notre Union.” “I would like to thank you for the support expressed in favor of our brother Macky Sall and declare that the draft decision submitted to us is adopted. I instruct the African Union Commission to transmit it to all Member States for adoption through the silence procedure, in accordance with the rules and procedures of our Union.” This instruction explicitly entrusted the African Union Commission with implementing the process in accordance with the Union’s rules and procedures. Third, the 24-hour timeframe that has been criticized was not determined by the Chairperson of the Union. It resulted from internal handling at the level of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) chairmanship, despite reservations expressed by the Legal Counsel and the Secretariat. It is therefore inaccurate to attribute this aspect to the Chairperson. Fourth, attempts to portray this procedural matter as a “violation of all rules” or as an action that “tarnishes” the African Union are exaggerated and risk undermining the credibility of our continental institutions. Differences in procedural appreciation should be addressed through established diplomatic channels, in a spirit of collegiality and mutual respect. Furthermore, no decision was imposed on Member States. On the contrary, the fact that silence was broken demonstrates that Member States fully exercised their sovereign right to express their positions, fully in line with the procedures of the African Union. Finally, it is important to emphasize that matters of such institutional importance call for responsibility, restraint, and respect for diplomatic decorum. Public commentary, particularly when expressed in a tone that is dismissive or inflammatory, does not contribute to constructive engagement and may give the unfortunate impression of a lack of discipline and experience in handling sensitive continental issues. Our Union is built on mutual respect and quiet diplomacy; it is in this spirit that we should continue to engage, especially on matters of such significance to #Africa’s collective voice on the global stage.

The Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union #AU, representing Africa’s five regions and chaired by #Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, has approved the candidacy of former #Senegalese President Macky Sall for UN Secretary General, for "consideration and adoption by the Assembly through the silence procedure". Macky Sall will be the African Union’s consensus candidate if "no objections are received from more than one-third of Member States eligible to vote by Close of Business on 27 March 2026, in accordance with the applicable Rules of Procedure." The Bureau says Macky Sall has "recognized leadership experience" and that his "pragmatic and results-oriented approaches, his international network, and his track record, grounded in his commitment to seeking consensus among nations and global powers" fit the profile for the United Nations’ top position. Video: File footage.

📢BREAKING: Here is the official announcement from the AU that the motion for endorsing Macky Sall did not receive support in the @_AfricanUnion. In less than 24 hrs (almost unprecedented tight timeline for silence procedure), 20 states including #Senegal from almost all regions broke the silence procedure depositing their objection, thereby rejecting the draft decision.

I’m pleased to share that I have joined the Advisory Editorial Board for the Journal of African History 📚 I'll be working with Safia Aidid @safiyaaaay, Awet T. Weldemichael @Prof_Awet, and @Alden_Young on submissions concerning Northeast Africa.

#BREAKING: Southwest State President Lafta-Gareen resigns from @HassanSMohamud's JSP deputy chairmanship after a fall-out. "I, the President of Southwest State, H.E. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), hereby resign from my position as Deputy Chairman of the JSP, effective today, March 18, 2026. I cannot support actions that are unconstitutional and that undermine our unity. My commitment remains steadfast to Somalia’s unity, democracy, and the rule of law". #Somalia

Ethiopia, Eritrea and Tigray are at risk of descending into a new conflict only four years after the region’s last major conflagration ended. crisisgroup.org/brf/africa/eth…

Eritrea is a living example of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, where respect and love unite the people inside and outside the country. #Eritreans #Eritrea

🧵Will Sudan’s new centre endure as a periphery? A thread on what it means when a historically marginalised city becomes the seat of power – and why it may not be enough to fix Sudan’s centre–periphery divide. 📝 By Awet Weldemichael 🔗 tinyurl.com/5n7jz55v

🧵Will Sudan’s new centre endure as a periphery? A thread on what it means when a historically marginalised city becomes the seat of power – and why it may not be enough to fix Sudan’s centre–periphery divide. 📝 By Awet Weldemichael 🔗 tinyurl.com/5n7jz55v