Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Angolan President João Lourenço has laid out an ambitious agenda for his tenure as Chairperson of the African Union (AU), calling for United Nations Security Council reform, greater AU financial independence, and renewed efforts for peace and stability across the continent.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
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During his inauguration at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, Lourenço reaffirmed Africa’s demand for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, reiterating the bloc’s commitment to the Ezulwini Consensus, which advocates for at least two permanent seats for African nations with full voting rights.
“Africa cannot remain a spectator in global affairs. We must be active participants in shaping the future of international governance,” Lourenço declared.
Alongside institutional reforms, the Angolan leader emphasized the need for greater financial autonomy for the AU, urging member states to increase their contributions to reduce reliance on foreign funding.
“Our continent cannot continue to rely on external aid to finance its own development. We must take ownership of our future and ensure that Africa speaks with one voice in global financial negotiations,” he stated.
Beyond institutional and financial independence, peace and security remain at the heart of Lourenço’s presidency. He pledged to prioritize conflict resolution and reinforce AU-led mediation efforts, particularly in countries affected by prolonged instability.
Lourenço underscored the importance of the AU’s ‘Silencing the Guns by 2030’ initiative, which aims to eradicate armed conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government across Africa.
“Peace must not be just an aspiration—it must be a reality for the millions of Africans still living under the terror of war and extremism,” he emphasized, referencing ongoing crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and the Sahel region.
Angola, which has previously played a key role in mediating regional conflicts, intends to expand its diplomatic influence by tackling terrorism, unconstitutional government transitions, and transnational threats.
“Our continent will never achieve sustainable development if insecurity remains a permanent threat. We must act decisively to end conflicts and ensure that Africa’s future is one of prosperity, not war,” Lourenço stressed.
Political analysts suggest that Angola’s leadership in the AU could mark a turning point, strengthening the bloc’s influence in global governance while reinforcing its credibility as a peace-building institution.
With Africa’s growing strategic importance in global affairs, Lourenço’s presidency is expected to shape critical negotiations on international financial policies, security cooperation, and regional stability over the next year.
