The 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee has begun ahead of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 39th Summit of the African Union, scheduled to take place on 14 -15 February 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking while opening the Permanent Representatives’ Committee session, the Chairperson of the African Union, AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming Summit, which will convene African Heads of State and Government at a critical moment for the continent.
‘The theme of the 2026 Summit, centered on water as a vital resource for life, development, and sustainability’, was underscored as both timely and forward-looking.
It builds on the outcomes of the African Climate Summit held in September 2025 and ahead of major global climate engagements, including COP30 in Brazil.
The AU Commission Chairperson also welcomed ‘the decision for Africa to host COP32 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2027, commending Ethiopia for its leadership and reaffirming the joint efforts of Ethiopia, the United Nations, and the African Union in preparing for this landmark event’.
Against a challenging continental context, the AU Commission Chairperson acknowledged ongoing peace and security concerns, notably in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Libya and the Sahel, as well as recent unconstitutional developments on the continent.
“The African Union, through its Peace and Security Council, Special Envoys, Panels of the Wise, and Commissioners, continues to act with urgency to address these crises and advance reforms, particularly within the African Peace and Security Architecture,” said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
On the economic and development front, the AU Commission Chairperson reported significant engagement with Member States, contributing to the successful organization of several major international and continental events in 2025, including: “TICAD 9, the 7th EU–AU Summit, the Africa Infrastructure Summit, the African Climate Summit, the Afro-American Business Forum, the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa.”
On Administrative and financial matters, the AU Commission Chairperson highlighted notable progress following the adoption of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment, resulting in the regularization of some of staff members and improved financial discipline through cost-containment measures.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf further noted ‘the increasingly complex global environment, marked by shrinking financial resources, rising protectionism, tariff barriers, and visa restrictions affecting African citizens’. In this context, Member States were urged to strengthen solidarity, unity, and self-reliance to safeguard Africa’s collective interests.
The AU Commission Chairperson reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Member States to ensure a successful Summit that advances peace, development, and Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Ambassador of Angola to Ethiopia and Chair of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee, Ambassador Miguel Bembe, underscored the Committee’s role as a pillar of the AU and a guardian of political and technical consistency.
“Our responsibility is to ensure transparent processes, effective methods, and outcomes that reflect the spirit of Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want.’ Our collective action must be guided by visionary pragmatism,” Ambassador Bembe added.
The official opening ceremony of the 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee was attended by Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, the AU Commissioners, and Representatives from AU Organs and AU officials.
The Ambassadors will deliberate on different reports, including: the activities of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee Sub-Committees; Reports of the AU Commission, and other reports from AU Organs, institutions, and the AU Specialized Agencies, before adopting their report as well as the draft decisions of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which will be held on 11 February 2026.