The African Union’s 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) opened on Monday in Addis Ababa, with member states focusing on peace, governance reforms, and progress towards Agenda 2063 ahead of the continent’s flagship Summit next month.
The session precedes the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council and the 39th Summit of the African Union, scheduled for February 14–15 in the Ethiopian capital. The 2026 Summit, set under the theme “Water: A Vital Resource for Life, Development, and Sustainability,” is positioned as a strategic moment to advance continental priorities and strengthen Africa’s voice on global challenges.
Opening the session, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the critical timing of the Summit. “This gathering brings together African Heads of State and Government at a pivotal moment for the continent,” he said. He emphasized the Summit’s continuity with the African Climate Summit held in September 2025 and its relevance ahead of major global climate engagements, including COP30 in Brazil.
Chairperson Youssouf also welcomed Ethiopia’s selection to host COP32 in 2027, praising the country’s leadership and the collaborative preparations involving the African Union and United Nations.
Peace and security remain a pressing concern across the continent, he noted, citing ongoing crises in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya, and the Sahel, as well as recent unconstitutional developments in some member states. “The African Union, through its Peace and Security Council, Special Envoys, Panels of the Wise, and Commissioners, continues to act urgently to address these crises and advance reforms, particularly within the African Peace and Security Architecture,” Youssouf said.
On economic and development matters, the Commission Chairperson highlighted the AU’s active engagement with member states in 2025, which supported the organization of major international and continental events including TICAD 9, the 7th EU–AU Summit, the Africa Infrastructure Summit, the African Climate Summit, the Afro-American Business Forum, and the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa.
Administrative and financial reforms were also emphasized. Youssouf reported progress following the adoption of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA), resulting in regularized staff appointments and strengthened financial discipline. Partnerships with China have mobilized USD 30 million for AU facility rehabilitation, while Afreximbank committed financing for renovations of Africa House. Additional discussions are ongoing with the African Development Bank to enhance the value of AU financial and real estate assets.
Chairperson Youssouf underscored challenges posed by the global environment, including shrinking financial resources, rising protectionism, tariff barriers, and visa restrictions affecting African citizens. In response, he called for greater solidarity, unity, and self-reliance among member states.
Angolan Ambassador to Ethiopia and PRC Chair Miguel Bembe reaffirmed the Committee’s role as a pillar of the AU and a guarantor of political and technical consistency. “Our responsibility is to ensure transparent processes, effective methods, and outcomes that reflect the spirit of Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want.’ Our collective action must be guided by visionary pragmatism,” he said.
The opening ceremony was attended by AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi, Commissioners, representatives of AU organs, and senior officials. Ambassadors at the session are set to review reports from PRC sub-committees, the AU Commission, other AU organs and institutions, and specialized agencies before adopting recommendations and draft decisions for the 48th Executive Council session scheduled for February 11.
The 51st PRC session is seen as a crucial preparatory forum for shaping the agenda of the 2026 Summit, ensuring that peace, development, and Africa’s global influence remain at the forefront of continental priorities.
