Naija247news reports that Angola’s President João Lourenço has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union (AU), marking a significant milestone for the Southern African nation. The announcement, made during the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has drawn widespread acclaim, including congratulatory messages from the European Union (EU).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that President Lourenço’s election to the prestigious position comes at a critical time for the continent, as Africa grapples with challenges ranging from political instability to economic recovery post-COVID-19. The EU, in a statement released on Monday, described Lourenço’s leadership as a “beacon of hope” for the continent, emphasizing his commitment to democratic governance and regional integration.
According to Naija247news, the EU’s congratulatory message highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Angola and the European bloc, particularly in areas of trade, security, and sustainable development. The statement further expressed the EU’s readiness to collaborate with the AU under Lourenço’s leadership to address pressing continental issues, including climate change, peacekeeping, and youth empowerment.
Naija247news understands that President Lourenço’s tenure as AU Chairperson is expected to focus on advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Sources close to the Angolan presidency revealed that Lourenço plans to prioritize conflict resolution in hotspots such as the Sahel region and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as fostering intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
In his acceptance speech, President Lourenço emphasized the need for unity and collective action among African nations. “Africa’s strength lies in its ability to come together as one. We must harness our collective potential to overcome the challenges that hinder our progress,” he stated. Naija247news reports that his speech resonated deeply with AU member states, many of whom have expressed optimism about his leadership.
Naija247news also gathered that President Lourenço’s election has been hailed as a testament to Angola’s growing influence on the global stage. Since assuming office in 2017, Lourenço has been credited with implementing sweeping anti-corruption reforms and diversifying Angola’s oil-dependent economy.
As the continent watches closely, Naija247news understands that the coming months will be pivotal for President Lourenço as he navigates the complexities of leading the AU. With the EU’s support and the backing of AU member states, his chairmanship is poised to usher in a new era of collaboration and progress for Africa.
