Angola President João Lourenço is New AU Chairperson

President João Lourenço of Angola has assumed the role of Chairperson of the African Union (AU), succeeding President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania.

This leadership transition occurred during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Upon taking office, President Lourenço emphasised his commitment to prioritising the resolution of conflicts across the continent, with a particular focus on the situation in Sudan.

He stated that the Sudanese crisis would be “at the top of my agenda” during his tenure, highlighting the need for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.

In addition to addressing the Sudanese conflict, President Lourenço has been actively involved in mediating disputes in the Great Lakes region, notably between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

These efforts aim to stabilise a region rich in resources but plagued by longstanding tensions.

Bureau of the Assembly 2025

The newly appointed Bureau of the Assembly for 2025 reflects a diverse representation from across the continent:

AU Chair: Republic of Angola (Southern Region)

1st Vice Chair: Republic of Burundi (Central Region)

2nd Vice Chair: Republic of Ghana (Western Region)

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

Rapporteur: Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Northern Region)

This leadership team is poised to address various challenges facing the continent, including political instability, terrorism, and unconstitutional changes of government.

The AU’s agenda under Angola’s chairmanship is expected to focus on conflict resolution, economic development, and strengthening unity among member states to advance the continent’s collective interests.