AU Elects New Assembly Bureau, Sets Water Security as 2026 Priority

By Iyojo Ameh

The African Union (AU) has elected a new Bureau of its Assembly of Heads of State and Government, with leaders pledging to prioritise water security and sanitation across the continent in 2026.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Sunday during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The summit, which ran from February 14 to 15, was convened under the theme: “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”

Under the new leadership structure, Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was elected AU Chairperson for 2026, succeeding João Lourenço of Angola.

Other bureau members include Ghana as First Vice Chair, Tanzania as Second Vice Chair, an as-yet unconfirmed North African state as Third Vice Chair, and Angola as Rapporteur.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf said the meeting came at a time of mounting geopolitical tension marked by persistent conflicts, fragile institutions and renewed unconstitutional changes of government in parts of Africa.

He urged member states to accelerate political and economic integration and strengthen financial independence as external funding declines.

Youssouf called for improved domestic resource mobilisation and faster implementation of flagship continental programmes in industrialisation, agriculture, energy and infrastructure, describing them as essential to sustainable growth.

He also expressed solidarity with populations affected by conflicts in Sudan, eastern DR Congo and Somalia, as well as insecurity across the Sahel.

Opening the summit, outgoing AU Chair Lourenço emphasised that access to water is a political, moral and strategic priority critical to development, health, food security and stability.

He highlighted progress made during his tenure, including promoting continental trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area and reforms aimed at improving AU efficiency.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged African leaders to move from reacting to global developments to shaping them, stressing the importance of unity, technological advancement and narrative control as the AU approaches its 25th anniversary.

Meanwhile, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for stronger UN-AU cooperation to advance peace, security and sustainable development. He also reiterated support for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure stronger African representation.

Deliberations at the summit are expected to continue, with leaders focusing on water security initiatives alongside pressing peace and security challenges across the continent.