African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current AU Chairperson, led African heads of state and youth representatives gathered in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on May 26, in marking 63 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

This year’s celebrations were held under the theme: “Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let's Celebrate Together.”

In his address, Chairperson Youssouf highlighted Africa's rising prominence in international affairs, signaled by the continent’s permanent membership in the G20. However, he stressed that true global equity requires a fairer multilateral system.

Youssouf reiterated the AU’s firm demand for comprehensive structural updates to the United Nations Security Council to correct “long-standing historical injustice against our continent.”

He also welcomed the growing global momentum on reparatory justice, praising Ghana’s leadership at the UN General Assembly in advancing conversations regarding the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism.

Delivering his remarks, President Ndayishimiye reminded delegates that celebration must coexist with collective awareness.

He spoke directly to millions of Africans currently armed conflict, terrorism, climate disasters, and forced displacement.

“An African child deprived of education today is a part of Africa’s future that we are abandoning tomorrow,” President Ndayishimiye warned.

He demanded that education be prioritized alongside humanitarian aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) settings.

Turning to regional insecurity, Ndayishimiye urged stronger continental solidarity against extremist threats, stating: “No country should be left alone to face this peril.”

Economic Sovereignty and Future Goals

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the primary vehicle for driving economic sovereignty, boosting youth employment, and advancing industrialization.

President Ndayishimiye challenged African leaders to “speak with one voice” and place continental interests above narrow national concerns.

In a moment of celebration, Chairperson Youssouf highlighted the talent of Africa's youth, noting that a historic record of nine African national teams has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

Closing the event, Youssouf raised the foundational spirit of Ubuntu—” I am because we are”—to renew faith in Pan-Africanism and the limitless potential of the continent’s people.