At the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, held on February 15-16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, significant leadership transitions were announced. His Excellency João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, assumed the role of Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2025, succeeding His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

The Bureau of the Assembly for 2025 is structured as follows:

– Chairperson: Republic of Angola (Southern Region)

– 1st Vice Chairperson: Republic of Burundi (Central Region)

– 2nd Vice Chairperson: Republic of Ghana (Western Region)

– 3rd Vice Chairperson: United Republic of Tanzania (Eastern Region)

– Rapporteur: Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Northern Region)

In addition to these appointments, the Assembly elected Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the 2025-2028 term. He succeeds Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing chair and former Chadian prime minister, who has completed his two-term, eight-year tenure leading the 55-member continental bloc. 

These leadership changes occur at a pivotal time for the African Union, as the organization addresses pressing issues such as regional conflicts, human rights challenges, and the pursuit of reparative justice for historical injustices. The AU Summit 2025 is seen as a pivotal moment for the continental body to reaffirm its commitment to human rights, peace, and security across Africa. 

Under the guidance of President Lourenço and Chairperson Youssouf, the African Union is poised to advance its agenda of unity, development, and peace across the continent, striving toward the realization of “The Africa We Want.”