African heads of state and government are scheduled to convene in Addis Ababa for the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU scheduled to take place from 18-19 February 2023.
This meeting has been preceded by the 42nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and that of the Permanent Representatives Committee.
AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat told delegates at 45th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) that the resilience of the members of PRC and the Commission in the new working method imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic that is to work virtually.
The AUC Chairperson expressed appreciation for the good collaboration, which exists between the PRC and the AU Commission and the constant commitment to work to advance the continental agenda, with a view to achieving the noble aspirations contained in Agenda 2063.
He noted that the Commission and the PRC held, in early December 2022, in Dakar, a retreat to improve working methods and to look at the implementation of decisions adopted by AU policy organs.
“The conclusions that we drew, among other things, call for a strong rationalisation in adopting decisions and their ownership. For any new proposal for decisions, attention must be paid to the contribution of the Commission to its legal, financial and structural implications. The Commission is working to develop the necessary guidelines as requested,” said Mahamat..
Speaking on the issue of partnership, the Chairperson underscored the need for a clear orientation on the subject in order to allow the Commission and the Member States to speak with one voice.
“Beyond the material organisation of these meetings, the problem of assessing their content, the determination of our strategic vision and participation, must be revisited in terms of international dynamics but especially the place and the role that our Union must play,” emphasized Mahamat.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, concluded his statement by reminding the meeting that the Commission is midway of its term and must, therefore, redouble its efforts to attain the objectives it has set itself in order to bequeath the future Commission an organisation refocused on the Union’s priorities for the well-being of the African peoples.
He said this will only be possible with the full support of the PRC.
