The African Union (AU) convened in Ghana on Sunday to deliberate on issues critical to African integration and to establish a unified stance in preparation for upcoming engagements with the G20 and the United Nations.
Mauritania’s President and current AU Chair, Mohamed Cheikh Ghazouani, spearheaded the discussions, emphasizing the urgency of accelerating the African integration process. He stressed that rapid economic integration is essential for the continent to support itself and meet the aspirations of its citizens. “We must expedite our efforts to unify our economies and harness our collective strengths,” Ghazouani stated. “The future of Africa depends on our ability to act as one.”
A significant portion of the meeting focused on identifying sustainable financing mechanisms for AU projects, particularly addressing the heavy reliance on contributions from non-African partners. AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the necessity of financial independence to ensure the organization’s effectiveness and credibility. “Our reliance on external funding undermines our sovereignty and ability to independently pursue our development agenda,” Mahamat noted.
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Mahamat also underscored the importance of presenting a united front in upcoming global engagements. With the AU recently gaining membership in the G20, there is an increased need for coherence and solidarity among member states. “We must speak with one voice at major global forums,” Mahamat emphasized. “Our unity is our strength, and it is crucial that we leverage this in our interactions with international partners.”
The meeting in Ghana is part of a broader strategy to enhance Africa’s role and influence on the global stage. By solidifying a unified stance, the AU aims to better advocate for the continent’s interests in international negotiations and forums. Discussions also touched on key strategic goals, including enhancing intra-African trade, improving infrastructure, and fostering political stability across member states.
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