August 2026

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On Tuesday 28th July 2026, the Executive Council of the African Union officially opened its 49th Ordinary Session, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together Foreign Affairs Ministers, Heads of AU Organs, Missions, UN Agencies, partners, and dignitaries from across the continent. The two-day session is deliberating on a wide range of strategic priorities under Agenda 2063, including this year’s AU Theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063.” Over the course of the session, the Council is also reviewing reports from key committees, including the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System, the F15 Committee of Finance Ministers, and the Committee on Ratification of OAU/AU Treaties, before adopting its final decisions on 29 July 2026. Delivering The Gambia’s statement on the AU Theme of the Year progress report, Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the alarming statistics on water and sanitation access represent more than numbers, they represent families and communities whose potential remains constrained by this fundamental deficit. The Gambia reaffirmed water and sanitation as a fundamental human right, welcomed the mainstreaming of the Africa Water Vision 2063 into national frameworks, and called for greater private sector investment in climate resilient water infrastructure. “The multifaceted challenges outlined in this report require a coordinated continental response that harness the collective strength of our institutions and partnerships for our common good. The Gambia therefore support the call for strengthened collaboration among governments, regional institutions, financial institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations and development partners to improve access to water. This is a fundamental requirement for our development and well-being of our people and communities”. On the Permanent Representatives Committee’s Report, The Gambia commended the AU for its unified continental position, strengthening Africa’s voice in G20 engagements and global strategic partnerships. “Africa must position itself as an active actor in shaping its future, guided by unity, solidarity, purpose and a shared vision” asserted Ambassador Yabou. In his opening remarks, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf noted that the Council is meeting amid heightened global uncertainty and complex geopolitical shifts affecting Africa’s economies. He raised concerns over terrorism and violent extremism on the continent, reaffirming the AU’s solidarity with Member States in the Sahel, and called for accelerated ratification of outstanding AU legal instruments to strengthen the Union’s institutions. For his part, H.E. Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Chairperson of the Executive Council, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi, underscored Africa’s growing role on the global stage, pointing to the continent’s G20 membership as a historic milestone, and called for unity in defending Africa’s common positions on issues like UN Security Council reform. Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Gedion Timothewos, welcomed delegates and emphasized the need for the AU to serve as a credible, authentic voice for Africa on the world stage. A clear demonstration of The Gambia’s active role in shaping Africa’s collective future, is joining fellow Member States in this important gathering shaping the continent’s collective priorities. The Gambia’s delegation comprises of Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary as Head of Delegation accompanied by Ambassador Lamin Faati, Director of African Affairs and Mr. Pa Sako Darboe, Counsellor at the Directorate of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Justice Veronic A. Wright, the Gambia’s Candidate for the position of a Judge at the International Criminal Court and the Staff of The Gambia Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.