The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received the Group of Francophone Ambassadors accredited to the African Union for a formal meeting at the Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The delegation was chaired by Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of Morocco to Ethiopia and Djibouti. The meeting was also attended by Nefertiti Tshibanda, Permanent Representative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie.

During the engagement, the Chairperson presented the Commission’s strategic priorities for 2026 and outlined the main decisions and outcomes of the 39th AU Summit.

He emphasized the continuation of institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commission, strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture, consolidating the Union’s voice and influence on the international stage, and ensuring the effective implementation of sectoral priorities adopted by African Heads of State and Government.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of promoting multilingualism within the AU as a central pillar for managing Africa’s diversity.

The Chairperson underscored that linguistic plurality remains a strategic asset for the continent, fostering institutional cohesion, strengthening dialogue among Member States, and enabling broader and more inclusive participation in decision-making processes.

Participants further stressed the close link between multilingualism and multilateralism, noting that in a global context marked by evolving geopolitical dynamics and rising tensions, the ability to engage constructively while respecting linguistic and cultural identities is essential for sustaining cooperation and collective action.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepen the strategic partnership between the AU and La Francophonie around common priorities, including peace and security, implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, youth empowerment, and digital transformation.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue and consultations to strengthen synergies between the AU and Francophone partners in support of diversity, inclusive governance, and a renewed multilateralism across Africa.