African Union Leaders Issue Joint Africa Day Call for Unity, Reform, and a Renewed Commitment to Agenda 2063
On the occasion of Africa Day 2026, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and the Chairperson of the African Union, have issued a united call for accelerated integration, global governance reform, and concrete action to uplift every African citizen.
Marking 63 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) – the precursor to the African Union (AU) – this year’s celebrations are held under the theme: “Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let’s Celebrate Together.”
In his statement, AUC Chairperson Youssouf underscored Africa’s growing prominence in international affairs, highlighted by the continent’s permanent membership in the G20. He reiterated the AU’s demand for a “fairer and more representative multilateral system,” including comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to correct “long-standing historical injustice against our continent.”
AUC Chairperson Youssouf also welcomed global momentum on reparatory justice, commending Ghana’s leadership at the United Nations General Assembly in advancing the conversation on reparations and the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism.
President Ndayishimiye, in his address, struck a sobering note, reminding the continent that celebration must coexist with collective awareness. He spoke directly to the millions of Africans enduring armed conflict, terrorism, climate disasters, and displacement.
“An African child deprived of education today is a part of Africa’s future that we are abandoning tomorrow,” President Ndayishimiye said. He called for education to be prioritized alongside humanitarian aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) settings, and urged stronger continental unity against terrorism, stating: “No country should be left alone to face this peril.”
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vehicle for economic sovereignty, youth employment, and industrialization. President Ndayishimiye called on all African leaders to “speak with one voice” and place continental interests above narrow national concerns.
AUC Chairperson Youssouf highlighted the 2026 AU Theme of the Year: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” noting that water security, climate resilience, and public health are foundational to Africa’s future.
In a moment of celebration, AUC Chairperson Youssouf noted that nine African national teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup – the continent’s highest representation in history – reflecting the talent and ambition of Africa’s youth.
Both leaders expressed gratitude to AU staff, diplomats, partners, and friends of Africa for their solidarity. President Ndayishimiye concluded: “Long live a united Africa! Long live the African Union and happy Africa Day to all.”
AUC Chairperson Youssouf invoked the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – urging all Africans to renew their faith in Pan-Africanism and the limitless potential of the continent’s people.
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