Burundi’s president takes over as AU chair during Addis Ababa summit
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 14, 2026The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government opened on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The two-day summit focused on African solidarity, financial independence, and shaping the global agenda, under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
At the summit, Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi, was elected Chairperson of the African Union for 2026, taking over from Angola’s João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
Water and institutional reform
Addressing the Assembly, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf framed the meeting around water and sanitation, calling access to water a collective good that supports both development and peace.
“Institutional reform and financial self-reliance are now imperative as external funding declines,” he said.
He also noted the challenges Africa faces, including ongoing conflicts, fragile institutions, and unconstitutional changes of government. He urged Member States to accelerate political and economic integration under Agenda 2063.
Chairperson Youssouf stressed the need for stronger domestic resource mobilisation and faster implementation of continental programmes, particularly in industrialisation, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. He added that the expectations of Africa’s youth, women, and civil society must be met with tangible results during this decade of Agenda 2063.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with populations affected by conflict, including in Sudan, the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Palestine.
“Respect for international law and humanitarian law remains fundamental to global peace,” he said, calling for collective action to build a stronger, autonomous Africa.
Outgoing chair reviews Angola’s leadership
João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço officially opened the summit and reflected on Angola’s year as AU Chair. He called for urgent action on sustainable water and sanitation, describing access to water as a political, moral, and strategic priority essential for development, public health, food security, and stability.
Lourenço highlighted Angola’s achievements, including progress on Agenda 2063, infrastructure investment, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) integration, and AU reforms to reduce bureaucracy.
On peace and security, he said, “Africa’s development depends on silencing the guns.” He pointed to conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and ongoing terrorism in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. Lourenço reaffirmed the AU’s opposition to unconstitutional changes of government and cautioned against legitimising coups through elections.
He concluded by urging African leaders to adopt measurable commitments that deliver real results for citizens and support a resilient, integrated Africa in line with Agenda 2063.
Call for Africa to shape global agenda
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Africa should move from reacting to global events to shaping them.
“True sovereignty includes owning Africa’s narrative and technological future,” he said, highlighting Ethiopia’s AI institute and plans for an AI university.
He called for unity, confidence, and greater continental influence in world affairs.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the need to strengthen the UN-AU partnership. He said multilateral cooperation is key for peace, security, and sustainable development. “Africa’s growing influence in global affairs requires stronger representation in the UN Security Council,” he noted, stressing support for Africa’s development, industrialisation, and access to financing.
2026 AU Bureau
President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has been officially elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2026, succeeding Angola’s João Lourenço at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new AU Bureau for 2026 was confirmed as follows:
- Chair of the AU: Burundi (Central)
- First Vice: Ghana (West)
- Second Vice: Tanzania (East)
- Third Vice: To be confirmed (North Africa)
- Rapporteur: Angola (South)
Leaders extend congratulations
William Samoei Ruto, PhD, sent his best wishes to the new AU Chairperson, saying:
“Our best wishes to President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi as he takes over as Chairperson of the African Union. We look forward to working with him to drive meaningful reforms of the African Union.”
He also thanked the outgoing Chairperson, adding:
“We also extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairperson President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola for his dedicated leadership and service to the African Union.”