President John Mahama has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU). The high-level summit, taking place from February 15 to 16, brings together African leaders to deliberate on key issues affecting the continent, with a focus on the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
On his arrival at the Boli International Airport, President Mahama was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Ghanaian diplomats.
Summit Overview
The 38th AU Heads of States Summit is being held in Addis Ababa from February 15 to 16 under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
It will focus on advancing reparatory justice and fostering racial healing across the continent.
The theme was decided on by the Heads of State and Government at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union held in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to the AU Commission, in the continuing pursuit of justice and equity, the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent.
“The scope of this conversation goes beyond historical injustices and into the current fabric of societies around the world,” a statement from the AU stated.
Election of AU Commission Chairperson
A major highlight of the summit will be the election of the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as the incumbent, Moussa Faki Mahamat, steps down on February 15.
Among the contenders for the position are:
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti) – Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, nominated by his country.
Raila Odinga (Kenya) – Former Prime Minister of Kenya and AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018–2023), backed by several nations, including Algeria, Angola, and Botswana.
Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) – Former Foreign Minister, though he has received limited support so far.
Several candidates, including Anil Gayan (Mauritius), Fawzia Yusuf Adam (Somalia), and Vincent Meriton (Seychelles), have either withdrawn or been withdrawn by their respective countries.
Key Agenda Items
The agenda for the meeting also includes the adoption of the agenda and organization of work, consideration of the report of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), and elections for various positions.
These positions include six Commissioners of the African Union Commission, five members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and one member of the African Space Agency, among others.
The council will also consider the annual report on the activities of the Union, its organs, and champions, as well as reports from the Africa Centers for Diseases Control (AFCDC) and the 15th AFCFTA Council of Ministers for Trade.
Additionally, the council will discuss draft legal instruments, including the Draft African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and the Draft Statute of the Africa Food Safety Agency.
The meeting will conclude with the adoption of decisions and a closing ceremony.
