Future of the AU and strategies to strengthen stability and development in Africa. 

The 38th African Union (AU) summit, scheduled for February 15-16, 2025 in Addis Ababa, promises to be crucial for the continent’s future. Heads of state and government from the 55 member countries will meet to address critical issues, including the succession of Moussa Faki Mahamat as chair of the AU Commission. Three candidates are in the running: Raila Odinga, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Richard Randriamandrato. 

At the same time, the AU’s Peace and Security Council will address the dire situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marked by the activism of the M23. Human Rights Watch calls on the organization to take decisive action to address this crisis. 

The summit also comes at a time of geopolitical tensions, with a series of military coups and security crises affecting several regions of the continent.  Discussions will focus on the institutional future of the AU and strategies to strengthen stability and development in Africa. 

According to diplomat Moutari Ali Daura, diplomacy will have to play a central role at this summit to overcome current challenges and chart a path towards a prosperous future for Africa. He underlines the importance of concerted action and enhanced cooperation among African nations to address these challenges. 

In addition, the election of the new leaders of the AU Commission, including the next chairperson for the period 2025-2028, will be a defining moment of this summit. 

The stakes of this 38th summit are therefore multiple and crucial. The decisions that will be taken there will have a significant impact on the political, security and economic future of the African continent.