On Saturday, 17th February at African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Kagame joined Heads of State and Government from across the African continent for the opening ceremony of the 37th African Union Summit.
President Kagame witnessed the handover of the Chairmanship from President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros to President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.
Speakers at the opening ceremony of the 37th included the AU Commission Chairperson, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, UN Secretary General, President of the State of Palestine, President of Brazil, and the Chairperson of the AU.
The African Union Summit also launched the theme of the Year for 2024.”Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.”
In his opening remarks to the heads of state and government of African nations, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said the continent has faced several challenges both externally and internally.
He highlighted political instability, climate change, poverty, marginalization of women and youth, conflict, violence, and injustice as key concerns for the AU.
Mahamat strongly condemned terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and instability in Africa. He noted that the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes region, and Sahel region have been particularly impacted by conflicts disrupting peace.
Despite the challenges, Mahamat pointed to several AU achievements, including institutional reforms, progress on trade integration, the growth of the AU’s peace fund, peacekeeping missions, and the AU’s permanent membership in the G20.