Luanda: Luanda will host an extraordinary session of the African Union's Conference of Heads of State and Government this year. The session will analyze ways to respond to threats to peace, security and development on the continent.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the information was released in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the Angolan president and outgoing AU chairperson, Joo Louren§o, in his speech reviewing his 12 months at the head of the continental organization. Louren§o stated his belief that this initiative could significantly contribute to strengthening the mechanisms for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts in Africa. He also expressed concern about the emergence of new phenomena that should not be legitimized by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.
"When we talk about the need to restore constitutional order after a power grab by unconstitutional means, we are not saying that it is restored as soon as the coup perpetrators hold and win elections," he stated. Louren§o emphasized the importance of not legitimizing illegitimate acts, which he sees as a growing threat to peace and security on the continent.
He highlighted Angola's contribution to stability, peace, and harmony in Africa, particularly through the Pan-African Forum for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence, known as the Luanda Biennial. The fourth edition of this event, co-hosted with the African Union and UNESCO, will focus on "Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation, and Resolution." Louren§o invited African leaders to engage actively in this event, advocating for responsible and inclusive governance to inspire confidence among the youth.
Joo Louren§o also stressed the need for Africa to adopt robust and unified positions on critical issues, highlighting multilateralism as a key tool for restoring world order. The current global geopolitical reconfiguration, he noted, requires Africa to defend its interests and work towards a stable and integrated continent where conflicts are resolved through consistent African mechanisms.
Further, President Louren§o announced the Global Summit for Investment in Africa, set to take place at the end of the year in Luanda. This initiative aims to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, a cornerstone of the African Union's Agenda 2063, which seeks to drive economic and social transformation across the continent. He expressed his commitment to fostering transnational infrastructure projects, such as the Lobito Corridor, to facilitate connectivity among African peoples and markets.
Highlighting Africa's central role in global transformation, Joo Louren§o represented the continent at significant international summits and conferences, advocating for reforms to the International Finance Architecture to better address Africa's needs and challenges.