The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government was held on the 15th and 16th of February 2025 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The two-day summit, attended by African leaders, international and regional organizations, placed a strong focus on reparations, the election of senior AU Commission leadership, and pressing continental challenges, including regional peace, economic development, and Africa’s role on the global stage.
Addressing Historical Injustices
The theme of the AU Summit for 2025 was, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,”. The leaders addressed the idea that saying sorry is not enough for the crimes done against the African people. The importance of addressing historical injustices linked to colonialism, trans-Atlantic enslavement, apartheid, and systemic discrimination cannot be overemphasized. The summit provided a platform for discussions on how Africa can seek reparatory justice and greater recognition for past exploitation.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was present at the summit and expressed profound concern about the impact of colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade on Africa’s development. He argued that political independence alone did not free African nations from structural exploitation, economic deprivation, and institutional underdevelopment.
“It is high time for reparatory justice frameworks to be put in place,” Guterres asserted, urging international action to correct historical imbalances.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed echoed this sentiment, urging African leaders to leverage technology and innovation for economic advancement. He called for a united and dynamic Africa, emphasizing resilience and collective progress amid global uncertainties.
The Election of AU Leadership
A key highlight of the summit was the election of new AU Commission leadership. Djiboutian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, was elected as the new AU Commission Chairperson, while Selma Haddadi, Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, was elected as the Deputy Chairperson. Their leadership comes at a crucial time when the AU faces multiple security and economic challenges that demand effective governance and diplomatic engagement.
Outgoing AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, delivered his final address, reflecting on his eight-year tenure. He noted the growing presence of Africa on the international stage, highlighting the AU’s full-year membership in the G20 since September 2023 as a significant step toward greater representation for the continent in global decision-making forums.
“The membership of the African Union in the G20 and the BRICS, in which several African countries are members, have crowned (Africa’s) visibility,” he said.
Conflicts and Peacekeeping Challenges
The summit also focused on the increasing number of conflicts within the continent. Discussions were dominated by the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the war in Sudan, and the implications of humanitarian aid cuts from the United States. The African Union’s Peace and Security Council, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasized the need for robust conflict resolution mechanisms and greater involvement from African leaders in mediating regional disputes.
Murithi Mutiga, the International Crisis Group’s Africa Program Director, warned that “with conflicts proliferating and traditional peacekeeping mechanisms faltering, there is both need and opportunity for the African Union to up its game.” He called on AU member states to take greater responsibility in preventing and resolving conflicts, cautioning that if they fail to do so, “it is quite possible no one else will.”
A report titled Eight Priorities for the African Union in 2025, published by the International Crisis Group, highlighted the urgency of addressing the crisis in eastern DRC, which saw the fall of Goma just days before the summit. The AU’s role in mediating the Sudan conflict was also scrutinized, with analysts noting that external actors such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE have played more dominant roles in mediation efforts. However, the AU has continued to support the Sudanese civil society-led peace process.
On the sidelines of the summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame attended a special meeting focused on the conflict in the DRC and allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels.
The summit adopted recommendations for enhanced dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda to end the violence that has displaced thousands of people.
Africa’s Economic Agenda: Trade and Financial Reforms
Another major topic at the summit was economic integration and financial reforms. Leaders decried the slow implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has only been fully integrated by four countries. AU officials urged member states to expedite ratification and implementation of the trade agreement, citing its potential to create jobs and boost intra-African trade.
Former AU Chairperson and Senegalese President Macky Sall reiterated Africa’s ambition to secure greater representation in the G20. While South Africa remains the only African country with full G20 membership, AU leaders continue to push for stronger collective influence in global financial governance.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reinforced the need for financial support to address Africa’s economic struggles, calling for a “radical transformation of the international financial system.” He criticized the current financial architecture for routinely denying African nations debt relief and charging exorbitant interest rates, which restrict investments in vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
To combat economic inequality, Guterres called for the restructuring of global financial institutions to prioritize the needs of developing nations. He also announced an emergency allocation of $250 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address famine and humanitarian crises, with 12 of the 18 beneficiary countries located in Africa.
Climate Change and the Just Energy Transition
The AU Summit also addressed the climate crisis, calling for serious attention to the need for a just transition to clean energy. Africa, despite being rich in natural resources, faces significant energy access challenges, with millions lacking electricity. Guterres noted that African nations require greater access to battery storage technologies, raw materials, and renewable energy infrastructure to decarbonize effectively.
Developed countries were urged to provide a “tidal wave of support” for Africa’s green initiatives. Guterres praised Kenya’s green economy strategy, South Africa’s Just Transition Energy Partnership, and the AU’s ambitious Green Stimulus Programme as examples of the continent’s leadership in climate action. He also called for developed nations to deliver on their commitment to climate finance, including funds for loss and damage, adaptation finance, and early warning systems for climate-related disasters.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent.
