Luanda: Angolan Head of State, Joo Louren§o, departed for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, early Thursday morning to attend the 38th Summit of AU Heads of State and Government. This significant event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 16, will see Louren§o assume the rotating presidency of the African Union, marking a historic moment for Angola as it takes on this role for the first time in nearly 50 years of independence.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Louren§o was accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Dias Louren§o, and was seen off at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport by Vice-President Esperan§a da Costa and other government members. This transition in leadership will see Angola replace Mauritania as the head of the continental organization.
Angola celebrates 49 years since joining the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the AU. At the summit, Louren§o will receive the symbolic gavel from his predecessor, President Mohamed Ghazouani of Mauritania, officially beginning his leadership of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, T©te Ant³nio, emphasized that Angola’s leadership will focus on conflict resolution and sustainable development across Africa. The presidency aims to promote initiatives in education, health, and poverty reduction to enhance the quality of life for Africans. Ant³nio noted that Angola’s leadership during the 50th anniversary of its independence is a moment of pride and reflection, showcasing the country’s commitment to Africa’s future.
Angola plans to leverage its historical experience in mediation and conflict resolution, addressing ongoing conflicts in regions like the Great Lakes, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa. The country supports multilateral cooperation, working with international partners to develop comprehensive strategies for peace and development in Angola and beyond.
The presidency of the African Union under Angola is expected to focus on collaborative governance, peace-building, and economic empowerment, aiming to be a path of hope and progress for the continent during Louren§o’s mandate.