News Guide Africa

Tag: African Union

  • Sudan gov’t condemns RSF ethic cleansing acts in Al-Fashir  …AU to collaborate with UN, ICGLR for immediate action

    Sudan gov’t condemns RSF ethic cleansing acts in Al-Fashir  …AU to collaborate with UN, ICGLR for immediate action

    The Sudanese government has strongly condemned what it described as an act of ethnic cleansing killings, cumulating into acts of terrorism and genocide, being committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the city of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State.

     

    The atrocities, which followed a long siege of the city, have drawn widespread regional and continental condemnation, prompting urgent calls for intervention, accountability, and renewed peace efforts across Sudan.

     

    In a statement released on October 27, 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Sudanese Government denounced the RSF for carrying out ethnically motivated killings and acts of systematic terror against unarmed civilians including women, children, and the elderly.

     

    The government described the massacre in Al-Fashir as the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year siege imposed by the RSF on the city’s residents, designed to starve and isolate the population before unleashing an all-out assault. The statement further accused the militia, referred to as the Dagalo terrorist group, of deliberately filming and broadcasting their crimes “in shocking scenes proudly and shamelessly documented by the perpetrators themselves,” as proof of their “criminal nature that thrives on bloodshed and terrorism.”

     

    The Foreign Ministry asserted that the RSF’s actions represent a grave precedent in the history of global genocides, calling the militia a “symbol of ethnic cleansing and mass extermination of innocent civilians.”

     

    “Wherever this militia sets foot, killing, destruction, and terror follow,” the statement read.

     

    The Sudanese government criticized what it termed the international community’s silence and lack of political will, despite repeated warnings from Khartoum. The Ministry recalled its appeals for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2736 (2024), which called for accountability, humanitarian access, and cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

     

    The statement accused some foreign governments of politicizing the Sudanese crisis and pursuing selfish political and economic interests, thereby emboldening the RSF to continue its campaign of terror.

    “The innocent residents of Al-Fashir have become victims of the failure of international will and of the double standards that deny Sudanese citizens justice and human rights,” the statement lamented.

     

    The government vowed that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and other regular forces, backed by the Sudanese people, would continue to fulfil their constitutional duty to defend the nation, protect civilians, and restore peace and stability throughout the country.

     

    In a separate statement issued on October 29, 2025, the Secretariat of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), headquartered in Bujumbura, Burundi, expressed “deep concern and condemnation” of the large-scale violence and atrocities in El-Fashir.

     

    The ICGLR denounced the ethnically based killings, the use of mercenaries, and the deliberate targeting of civilians and aid workers by the RSF, describing such acts as “abhorrent and unacceptable.” The organization warned that the violence poses a significant threat to regional peace and security.

     

    Reaffirming the principles adopted during the 10th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in June 2023, the ICGLR stressed that the Sudanese crisis cannot be solved through military means but requires an inclusive political dialogue involving all national stakeholders.

     

    “We urgently call for cessation of hostilities, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and a return to credible, inclusive dialogue without delay,” the statement urged.

     

    The ICGLR further called on the international community to provide humanitarian and diplomatic support to Sudan and reiterated its readiness to work alongside the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and other partners toward a negotiated and peaceful settlement.

     

    Meanwhile, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union convened an emergency session on October 28, 2025, in Addis Ababa, to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, particularly the atrocities committed in El-Fashir.

     

    In its official communiqué (PSC/PR/COMM.2.1308 (2025)), the AU Council expressed alarm over the escalating violence and grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by the RSF. It called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and accountability for perpetrators of the atrocities.

     

    The PSC reaffirmed the AU’s respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while expressing solidarity with the people of El-Fashir who have suffered under siege since May 2024. It also condemned all forms of external interference that fuel the conflict, warning that states or entities supporting the warring parties would be held accountable.

     

    Furthermore, the AU Council directed the Chairperson of the AU Commission to coordinate with the UN, IGAD, and other partners to ensure a unified response and to develop a civilian protection plan within three weeks. It also tasked the AU Sanctions Subcommittee, in collaboration with CISSA and AFRIPOL, to identify external actors backing the RSF and recommend appropriate measures.

     

    The PSC underscored that there is no military solution to Sudan’s conflict and urged all sides to commit to a peaceful, inclusive political process that restores a democratically elected civilian-led government.

    “The AU remains fully committed to accompanying the people of Sudan in their quest for sustainable peace, stability, and democratic governance,” the communiqué concluded.

     

    The statements from Khartoum, Bujumbura, and Addis Ababa reflect a growing consensus across Africa that the RSF’s campaign of violence constitutes a threat to peace, stability, and humanity itself.

     

    While the Sudanese Government prepares to confront the militia militarily, both the ICGLR and the AU emphasize the urgent need for dialogue, humanitarian access, and accountability mechanisms.

     

    The tragedy in Al-Fashir stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of war — and the pressing need for the international community to move beyond rhetoric toward concrete, coordinated action to end Sudan’s suffering.

  • The Accra Reset: Mahama to launch a global framework beyond conventional aid UNGA 80

    The Accra Reset: Mahama to launch a global framework beyond conventional aid UNGA 80

    President John Dramani Mahama is set to launch a major international initiative, “The Accra Reset: Reimagining Global Governance for Health and Development, ”on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

    As the African Union’s Champion for African Financial Institutions, President Mahama will host a high-level event to introduce the initiative, which aims to overhaul global governance structures and provide more effective responses to health and development challenges in a rapidly changing world.

    The Accra Reset is a bold framework designed to replace outdated global development models. It calls for a fundamental transformation of how nations collaborate in the post-SDG era, moving beyond conventional aid structures toward more resilient, equitable, and responsive systems.

    Global Presidential Council to Be Unveiled

    During the launch, President Mahama will announce the creation of a Global Presidential Council, comprising Heads of State and Government from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions. This council will lead efforts to implement the Reset’s goals and champion reform in global health and development governance.

    Additionally, a High-Level Advisory Panel will be established, bringing together experts from finance, health, business, and innovation sectors to guide the initiative’s direction and ensure practical outcomes.

    The launch of The Accra Reset follows growing concerns about the effectiveness of global development frameworks. A 2023 UN review found that fewer than half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track, with areas like global health, inequality, and fiscal stability facing serious setbacks.

    “The era of development-as-usual is over,” the initiative asserts, calling for a complete rethinking of global cooperation.

    The Reset will first focus on the health sector, which has been particularly exposed to global shocks and systemic weaknesses. The framework builds on outcomes from the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, held in Accra in August 2025, and promotes agile, coalition-based approaches capable of delivering real-world impact.

    The launch is expected to draw global leaders, heads of multilateral institutions, business innovators, philanthropic foundations, and civil society representatives from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

    In a statement, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, emphasized the importance of the initiative, describing it as “a timely and transformative step towards reengineering global cooperation for a more resilient future.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • A look at likely AU leadership under Mahama

    A look at likely AU leadership under Mahama

    The African Union (AU) officially announced in the Sirte Declaration in Libya on September 9,1999, has witnessed leadership of several Presidents and Head of States.

    The current Chairperson is H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of Angola, serving from February 2025 to February 2026. This position is a rotating role, held for a one-year term by a Head of State from one of the AU’s five regions namely: North, South, East, West, and Central Africa.

    The Chairperson of the African Union is the ceremonial head of the African Union (AU) elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term. He or she is selected by consensus or a majority vote of the Heads of State at the AU Summit.

    In the likely event that, information being gathered materialise, President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s recording setting President will be aspiring to serve the continental bloc as Chairperson.

    Ghana’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking to the unofficial information expressed optimism that President Mahama could be elected as Chairman of the African Union (AU) in 2027.

    He noted that President Mahama’s experience and leadership credentials place him in a strong position to spearhead the continent’s vision of unity and development.

    President Mahama has already indicated he will not seek a third term in Ghana, but with three years remaining in his mandate, many African leaders are looking to him to chart a path of prosperity and stability.

    Africa, with its population of over 1.4 billion people and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat headquartered in Accra, Ghana, is strategically positioned to shape global trade.

    Ablakwa believes Mahama’s leadership at the AU would strengthen Africa’s voice in global economic and political affairs, particularly in building stronger partnerships with Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

    President Mahama is no stranger to continental leadership. During his first term in office, he served as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from March 2014 to May 2015.

    Under his chairmanship, he coordinated West Africa’s collective response to the Ebola epidemic in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. He also mediated political crises in Burkina Faso and Mali, earning respect as a consensus-builder and statesman.

    In addition, Mahama has worked with the African Union on peace and security initiatives and supported AU and UN peacekeeping missions with Ghanaian troops.

    His advocacy for regional integration and infrastructural development has often aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and politically united Africa.

    Given Mahama’s stature as a former ECOWAS Chairman and his renewed mandate in Ghana, many analysts believe he will be strongly considered when West Africa’s turn to lead the AU arises.

    Ablakwa stressed that Mahama’s leadership would bring renewed transformation and deepen Africa’s engagement with global partners. He said the prospect of Mahama at the helm of the AU inspires confidence across the continent.

    Many Africans who have commented on circulating information sees President Mahama’s chances of becoming AU chair as promising, considering his recent involvement in high-level African Union (AU) meetings.

    While it’s difficult to predict the outcome of the AU chair election, Mahama’s experience, advocacy, and commitment to African development make him a potential contender.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • UNESCO and African Union call on leaders to prioritize equal opportunity in education

    UNESCO and African Union call on leaders to prioritize equal opportunity in education

    UNESCO and the African Union urge governments in Africa to place equity at the heart of education policy, to ensure that all children and youth on the continent have access to quality education.

     

    A new report entitled ‘Education in Africa – Placing equity at the heart of policy’, published jointly by UNESCO and the African Union, reveals that although many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are taking significant steps to provide quality education for all, the region has the world’s largest out-of-school population.

     

    One in five children of primary school age and well over half of upper secondary school-age adolescents do not attend school. In about half of African countries, the out-of-school rate among primary school-age children stands at just under 10%, and at over 50% for upper secondary school age students. This rate is increasing in several countries.

     

    “The massive disparities in African education systems require urgent action. We need to provide all African children and youth with a safe, stimulating, and healthy environment in which they can attain their full potential. Transforming education must at the heart of countries’ efforts to build meaningful and sustainable development and economic growth,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

     

    African children lose out because of multiple factors

     

    The report, which examines education in Africa from early childhood to upper secondary level, sets out the interconnected factors which prevent children from accessing a quality education, among them geographical location, poverty, gender, disability, crises, conflict, and displacement. It shows that in most countries there are wide gulfs in opportunities between children from the wealthiest and poorest households, between children in urban and rural areas, and between boys and girls. About 80% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are still not taught in a language they speak at home, an approach which significantly impedes learning outcomes.

     

    “The concept of equity must become the guideline for African education policies. We need to ensure that every child in rural and disadvantaged urban centres, and in other fragile countries and contexts, is able to receive the education and training they require,” said H.E Professor Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of the African Union Commission.

     

    Fragile education systems aggravated by COVID-19

     

    African education systems were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects on educational attainment, learning outcomes, and disparities in education are still unfolding. Even before the pandemic, only a handful of countries in Africa were on track to meet the UN sustainable development goals on education.

     

    The report calls on governments to strengthen education systems’ resilience to future crises, by developing flexible forms of teaching, by scaling up the use of digital technology, and by improving data collection to better inform policy planning.

     

    It proposes a series of recommendations to addressing the barriers to inclusion, such as making secondary education compulsory, building more schools, developing adapted curricula, improving the quality of teachers, and providing financial and academic assistance to children.

     

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    This first joint publication builds on a study conducted by UNESCO’s International Institute for Educational Planning to review the advances made by African countries to reach the goals set out in the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025 and SDG4. The launch of the report was held at the African Union’s Heads of States Summit, during a high-level discussion co-hosted by the African Union and UNESCO on Saturday 18 February 2023. The event was honoured by the participation of the of Presidents of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Republic of Sierra Leone, as well as the Ministers of Education of Republic of Kenya and Sierra Leone (the latter as moderator).

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    Full  ‘Education in Africa – Placing equity at the heart of policy’

    Executive summaries

    Q&A: How are African countries improving the quality of their education?

  • The AfCFTA and what you need to know

    The AfCFTA and what you need to know

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

    About 55 African nations have signed unto the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

     

    When successful, the Trade Agreement will be the largest free trade area in the world which unites eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

     

    It has an overarching goal of establishing a single continental market with a combined GDP of around US$3.4 trillion and a population of over 1.3 billion.

     

    One of the centerpiece initiatives of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term development plan for making the continent a worldwide superpower, is the AfCFTA.

     

    The AfCFTA is to Africa while the European Union Free Trade is to Europe. Both groups, in a nutshell, were designed to foster economic cooperation within their respective continents to reduce their reliance on other markets too far from their respective regions.

     

    According to the official agreement document between member states, the primary objective of AfCFTA is to create a single market for goods, and services, facilitated by the movement of persons to deepen the economic integration of the African continent and by the Pan-African Vision of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa” enshrined in Agenda 2063.

     

    With that in mind, here are 5 important things to note about this pro-African business initiative.

     

    Promotion of free trade: One of the ways AfCFTA is planning on bolstering intercontinental trade with Africa is by making trade tariff-free. One of the group’s main objectives is to progressively eliminate tariffs and even non-tariff barriers to trade in goods within Africa to encourage more trade between African nations.

     

    Institutional Framework: AfCFTA administration would consist of a hierarchical system that goes from the Assembly to the Council of Ministers, to the Committee of Senior Trade Officials, and then finally, to the Secretariat.

     

    Hierarchy: The Assembly, is the highest decision-making organ of the African Union. The Council of Ministers is Ministers responsible for Trade or such other ministers, authorities, or officials duly designated by the State Parties. The Committee of Senior Trade Officials consists of Permanent or Principal Secretaries or other officials designated by each State Party. And, the Secretariat would be in charge of approving the structure and budget.

     

    General exceptions: The AfCFTA agreement has been designed such that nothing in it would jeopardize public morals, human, animal, or plant life or health, importations and exportations of gold or silver, and the criminalization of prison labor, among other elaborate restrictions listed on the official agreement.

     

    Security protocol: Nothing in the AfCFTA agreement permits the trafficking of fissionable materials, the traffic of arms, ammunition, and implements of war, and the traffic of other goods and materials used to supply a military establishment, whether directly or indirectly.

     

    The agreement, if given all needed attention and support from both the public and private players, will be a game changer for the continent.

     

    We at Economy Times is of the firm believe that this is the chance for Africa to  realise the unity and development buried for decades.