Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty addressed the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union's Executive Council on Wednesday, 12th February, calling for joint African action to address the continent's pressing challenges. Speaking at the meeting, Abdelatty underscored the importance of African nations working together to tackle issues such as peace and security, climate change, water scarcity, migration, and the implications of artificial intelligence. He noted that these challenges were occurring amidst a volatile international environment and increasing global polarisation. Abdelatty emphasised the critical need to bolster African solidarity and collaboration to effectively tackle these issues and contribute to strengthening the architecture for peace, security, and development across the continent. He also advocated for a review of the existing sanctions regime and the suspension of membership for AU member states, stressing the importance of a more nuanced and inclusive approach. This approach, he argued, should carefully consider the unique circumstances of each nation to prevent prolonged exclusion of suspended member states from the African Union. Dr Abdelatty said that such exclusion creates a vacuum and poses a threat to regional stability. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's role in supporting post-conflict reconstruction and development initiatives. He drew attention to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's leadership on this issue, including his chairmanship of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee. This, he said, underscored the interconnectedness of peace, security, and development. He stressed the necessity of securing adequate funding to support peace operations and reconstruction mechanisms across the continent to ensure sustainable stability and development in African nations. The Minister also emphasised the importance of advancing institutional reforms within the African Union to enhance the effectiveness of its bodies and empower them to fulfil their mandate in realising the aspirations of the African people. Turning to regional developments, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the need for a continued, unified African stance in support of the Palestinian cause. He addressed the situation in Sudan, highlighting the humanitarian suffering caused by the ongoing conflict and reiterating Egypt's support for all initiatives aimed at achieving stability. Abdelatty also drew attention to the tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, as well as the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasising the importance of prioritising dialogue and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. He commended the role of the Sub-Committee on Budget, Financial and Administrative Affairs, chaired by Egypt, in supporting peace efforts across the continent.
