The African Union (AU) is at a "critical crossroads," facing global economic volatility and debt challenges, said Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, in her opening remarks at the 50th session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) today, June 9, 2025. Delivering a statement on behalf of AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ambassador Haddadi underscored the urgent need for accelerated efforts in regional integration, industrialization, and innovation-led growth.
Ambassador Haddadi highlighted the new Commission leadership's intense engagement with Member States over the past three months, focusing on consolidating trust and reinforcing collaboration. Key strategic priorities include
- Peace and Security: Strengthening initiatives to foster stability across the continent.
- Accountability and Transparency: Ensuring responsible governance within the Union.
- Sustainable Financing: Addressing the critical issue of financial independence for the AU.
- Policy Implementation: Ensuring effective execution of decisions made by policy organs.
- Strengthening Regional Ties: Enhancing relations with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and regional mechanisms.
- Human Resources and SACA Process: Tackling challenges related to staffing and the finalization of the Staff Assessment and Classification Audit (SACA) process.
Optimizing Resources and Global Engagements
The deputy chairperson noted that the commission has also worked internally to enhance synergies and optimize the use of limited resources, particularly by rationalizing travel and missions. This is to ensure alignment with the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063, the AU's blueprint for a prosperous and peaceful Africa.
The AU Commission has also been actively engaged with international partners to strengthen multilateralism and mobilize resources. Recent and upcoming engagements include:
- Active participation in the AU-EU Ministerial Meeting.
- Preparations for the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
- Upcoming TICAD and AU-EU Summits in the second half of the year.
- Strengthening relations with the United Nations, including engagement at the 4th Forum on Financing for Development.
- Enhancing internal capacity as a member of the G20 to fully assume its role.
Addressing Challenges and Improving Efficiency
Ambassador Haddadi acknowledged critical areas of concern to both member states and internally, emphasizing that "change will necessitate our joint and collaborative efforts and enhanced dialogue and communication." A proposed PRC-AUC retreat later this year is expected to provide an opportunity for deeper engagement on these issues.
The deputy chairperson stressed the importance of better coordination between the PRC and its subcommittees for efficient meeting planning, timely document circulation, and effective implementation of policy decisions. She specifically commended Ambassador Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, Permanent Representative of Angola and Chairperson of the PRC, for leading the drafting of a document on the revitalization of the working methods of the AU's Policy Organs. The goal, she stated, is to "rationalize our work and improve our efficiency."
Deepening Economic Integration and Regional Synergy
A key priority for the new leadership is strengthening relations between the Commission and RECs/RMs to accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stimulate industrialization, and drive innovation. Ambassador Haddadi highlighted the recent Coordination Committee Meeting of the African Union Commission with RECs/RMs on May 14, 2025, which aimed to ensure strategic alignment and synergy in preparation for the upcoming 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. The discussions focused on refining Agenda 2063 implementation, clarifying roles, and harmonizing priorities to strengthen coordination and avoid duplication.
The Imperative of Financial Self-Reliance
Ambassador Haddadi made a strong appeal for member states to prioritize the financial sustainability of the Union. She recalled the 2015 decision by AU Heads of State and Government to establish ambitious targets for self-reliance: covering 100% of the operational budget, 75% of the program budget, and 25% of peace support operations. The 2016 decision to institute a 0.2% levy on eligible imported goods was a key mechanism for this.
However, she noted that while progress has been made on the operational budget, the targets for program and peace support operations remain unmet, with only 17 member states having implemented the Kigali Decision on the Levy. This has led to
- A 6% negative growth rate in the AU's approved budget over the past five years.
- Consistently falling short of assessed contributions, capped at US$250 million since 2019.
- Constrained capacity to implement Policy Organ decisions and recruit essential staff.
- Delayed critical renovations for AU properties and assets, posing risks.
- Adverse effects on statutory meetings and staff morale due to austerity measures and the SACA process.
- Heavy reliance on partners' funds, impacting financial independence.
Ambassador Haddadi sought guidance from member states on addressing this critical issue and suggested that each draft decision be accompanied by its financial implications to inform commitments.
Advancing Justice and Reparations
Concluding her remarks, Ambassador Haddadi emphasized the critical and long-overdue issue of reparations for historical injustices for the African continent and its diaspora. She affirmed that the AU's adoption of this year's theme on Justice and Reparations signifies an urgent need for recognition, compensation, and the restoration of dignity. Efforts to advance this agenda include amplifying African voices in global discourse through initiatives like the Africa Dialogue Series and engagements at summits. These actions align with Agenda 2063's vision of an Africa where justice and human rights are upheld.
"The African Union’s success depends fundamentally on our unity and collective will," Ambassador Haddadi stated, assuring the PRC of the Commission's full support in their deliberations.