The outgoing African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has challenged African leaders to lend a listening ear to the demands of the continent’s youth population.

Speaking in his final address of the 38th African Union Summit on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Faki noted that concerns of the budding population could not be wished away as the biggest of the African population.

Faki hailed the pivotal role in maintaining governance through their use of technology, emphasizing that there could not exist any other route to the future of Africa other than listening to the aspirations of the youth.

Demanding youth

“This is what African youths are calling us to do. They are the majority in all our states and are becoming more demanding. Their voices are resonating louder and louder thanks to new forms of communication and technology. They’re constantly challenging us and putting us on trial for being out of step with their aspiration,” Faki said.

He further reminded the delegation in Addis Ababa that the youth’s agitations are a continuation of the fight for independence started by the continent’s founding fathers.

“An aspiration of Africa to open to itself, be united and sovereign in its policies and choices, standing and interdependence. This solidarity has been a lifeline in the fight against colonialism and apartheid and the completion of our independence,” he said.

Faki concluded his speech by calling on the people vested with leadership responsibility to make the African dreams a reality through good governance.

“Let us therefore continue to dream for Africa and for the youths, who we have not done a lot for, and continue to ask us questions and keep us accountable,” he added.

The leader also reflected on his leadership during his two-term tenure atop the AU.

Reflections

Faki moved to apologise for his shortcomings that could have hampered the better policies during his time.

“I know that I may have made mistakes. Certainly, I have made mistakes here and there and missed opportunities to do better. I would like to apologise and ask for forgiveness if my shortcomings have caused any individual or collective harm,” Faki said.

“I wanted to do it quickly and better during the two terms that you entrusted to me. I know that I have not done everything; perhaps I underestimated the burden of the task,” Faki observed.