The chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for an end to the “extermination” of the Palestinian people, saying their suffering must stop as Africa faces conflicts across the world.
Youssouf spoke on Saturday at the opening of the AU’s 39th ordinary summit.
“In the Middle East, Palestine and the suffering of its people also challenge our consciences. The extermination of this people must stop,” Youssouf said while launching the two-day gathering of leaders from all 55 AU member states.
The summit, which runs over two days, is being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and this year’s theme is “water sanitation,” focusing on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems across the continent.
Youssouf also highlighted ongoing conflicts in Africa, saying, “From Sudan to the Sahel, to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in Somalia and elsewhere, our people continue to pay the heavy price of instability.”
Nigeria is actively participating in the summit.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima travelled from Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s interests.
Shettima is expected to attend high-level meetings, side events and hold bilateral talks with other leaders on water, sanitation and regional cooperation.
The summit will also discuss key continental priorities under the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to improve health, sanitation, water access and climate resilience for African countries.
Speaking on the conflicts, Youssouf stressed Africa’s role in advocating peace and justice, saying the continent must push for a lasting, just solution that protects civilians and upholds human rights in conflict zones.
Heads of state and government from across Africa will continue discussions through Sunday, before closing the summit with declarations on water sanitation, peace and continental unity.
