Luanda: The newly elected members of the African Union Commission officially took office today at a ceremony held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event was presided over by Joo Lourenço, the chairman of the African Union and the President of Angola. The ceremony marked the commencement of duties for members elected in February during the 38th Summit of the organization’s Heads of State and Government.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Joo Lourenço arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday and was welcomed at Bole International Airport by Ethiopian counterpart Taye Atske-Selassie Amde. The ceremony, held at Nelson Mandela Hall, was attended by several dignitaries, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The new members of the commission began their tenure by receiving their portfolios from the outgoing president of the commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was the first to receive his portfolio, followed by Selma Malika Haddadi, the vice-chair of the commission.
Other key appointments included Moses Vilakati as Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Lerato D. Mataboge as Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Bankole Adeoye as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Amma A. Twum-Amoah as Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.
The positions of Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, and Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation remain unfilled. These roles are expected to be filled in April, with applications restricted to male and female candidates from Africa’s central region, as per the committee’s statute and conference rules.
In addition to presiding over the ceremony, President Joo Lourenço’s agenda includes a visit to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Friday. The Africa CDC, an initiative of the AU, focuses on strengthening health security on the continent and
enhancing public health capabilities.
President Lourenço is also scheduled to meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between Angola and Ethiopia. During his address at the 38th Summit, Lourenço emphasized his commitment to addressing Africa’s key challenges and promoting peace and security, as well as implementing economic and social policies to foster the continent’s development.