The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has formally taken note of the recent Presidential Memorandum issued by the Government of the United States, which directs the cessation of U.S. participation in and funding to specific United Nations entities and mandates the withdrawal from selected international organizations.
The Chairperson acknowledged in a statement released in this regard , what he called “the sovereign right” of the United States to review its international engagements in line with its national priorities and domestic processes.
“The United States has long been a pivotal partner of Africa and a central pillar of the multilateral system, whose leadership, resources, and values have contributed significantly to global peace, development, humanitarian action, and the advancement of human dignity”, he said .
The Chairperson voiced his support to the statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system , saying he aligns with it in a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats.
The African Union Commission notes that a number of the entities affected by the Memorandum; saying that the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, UN Women, UNFPA, the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund, as well as mechanisms dedicated to the protection of children in armed conflict are among them.
The statement emphasized that They play an important role in supporting Africa’s development, peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“These institutions have been instrumental in strengthening national and regional capacities, promoting inclusive economic growth, advancing gender equality, supporting post-conflict recovery, and safeguarding vulnerable populations across the continent” it affirmed .
the statement warned that Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
“ Africa’s partnership with the United States has consistently been anchored in shared interests—peace and security, economic opportunity, democratic governance, and global stability,Mr. Youssouf highlighted .
“ Multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which these shared objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community.” he added saying In this regard, that the African Union Commission expresses its hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the United Nations, and international partners .
He expected this sort of dialogue will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected.
“The African Union Commission remains committed to constructive engagement with all partners, including the United States, in strengthening a rules-based international order that responds to today’s global realities while preserving the spirit of solidarity and collective responsibility that has underpinned decades of international cooperation.” He said.
