Historic Gathering Sets Stage for Crucial Continental Decisions
A pivotal session of the African Union's Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC) commenced today in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, marking its 50th ordinary meeting. This landmark gathering serves as the critical preparatory phase for the upcoming high-level Executive Council session and Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for July 10–13, 2025. Diplomats and senior officials from across the continent assembled to shape the agenda for decisions impacting Africa's trajectory.
Leaders Demand Concrete Outcomes
Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, Her Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, delivering remarks on behalf of Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, underscored the new leadership's dedication to driving progress. "Concrete outcomes in the realms of funding mechanisms, continental unity, and equitable justice are imperative. Our continent's destiny hinges on decisive action now," Haddadi asserted, setting a tone of urgency for the proceedings. She framed the PRC's work as foundational to achieving the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063, Africa's strategic framework for inclusive growth.
Financial Sustainability Concerns Loom Large
A significant portion of Haddadi's address centered on the AU's persistent financial challenges. She expressed deep concern over the slow implementation of the Kigali Decision, which mandates a 0.2% levy on eligible imports to boost the Union's self-financing. "With only 17 member states currently operationalizing this critical mechanism, our collective follow-through is paramount to reach the Johannesburg benchmarks and reduce reliance on external funding sources," Haddadi emphasized, calling for unified commitment.
Justice and Reparations Take Center Stage
The Commission reaffirmed the 2025 AU theme, "Justice and Reparations for Africans and People of African Descent," as a cornerstone of the session's discussions. This focus aims to galvanize international advocacy, promote legal reforms, and foster inclusive policies designed to address historical grievances. The Deputy Chairperson positioned this initiative as fundamental to achieving true equity and healing for the continent and its diaspora.
Operationalizing Continental Vision
Ambassador Professor Miguel Bembe, PRC Chairperson and Angola's representative to the AU, highlighted the committee's essential bridging role. "We facilitate the translation of high-level political directives into actionable realities," Bembe stated. He stressed the need for "visionary pragmatism" and committed the PRC to ensuring processes remain transparent, methods effective, and outcomes genuinely reflective of the 'Africa We Want' envisioned in Agenda 2063.
Agenda for the Session
Over the coming days, the PRC delegates will engage in intensive deliberations on several key items. These include reviewing the proposed AU budget for 2026, formulating partnership strategies with international bodies, and conducting a mid-term assessment of progress on the 2025 Justice and Reparations theme. Furthermore, the committee will scrutinize reports submitted by AU sub-committees, the Commission itself, and specialized agencies. The outputs of these reviews will be consolidated into draft decisions for formal consideration by the Executive Council during its July session.
The opening ceremony witnessed participation from AU Commissioners, numerous diplomats accredited to the Union, and senior officials representing various AU organs, signaling the high importance attached to this preparatory meeting. As the PRC undertakes its work, the pressure to deliver actionable frameworks on financing, integration, and justice, vital for Africa's autonomous advancement, is palpable.
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