Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has been elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for the year 2026, taking over the continent’s rotating leadership at the closing of the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.
Ndayishimiye assumed the role from Angola’s President João Lourenço, who served as AU Chairperson in 2025, during ceremonies held at the AU headquarters. The leadership transition marks Burundi’s stewardship of the 55-member bloc for the coming year, with Ndayishimiye set to guide the AU’s political, diplomatic, and development agenda through 2026.
In his acceptance remarks, Ndayishimiye pledged to prioritise unity, cooperation and stronger global outreach as the continent navigates ongoing challenges, including security pressures, economic tensions, climate change impacts, and efforts to deepen regional integration.
Africa’s leaders convened under the summit’s theme of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” emphasising foundational development goals tied to long-term continental aspirations.
Several African heads of state, global dignitaries and international partners attended the summit. Kenyan President William Ruto extended congratulations to Ndayishimiye, expressing confidence in Burundi’s leadership and the unanimous support of member states.
As AU Chairperson, Ndayishimiye will represent Africa on key international platforms and help coordinate collective responses to peace and security issues, economic transformation efforts, and Agenda 2063 implementation — the AU’s blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development.
His leadership tenure comes at a time when the African Union aims to accelerate economic integration, tackle security threats and strengthen institutional efficiency to improve the continent’s influence on the global stage.