ADDIS-ABEBA:Chairperson of the African Union Commission Receives the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE

Press Release No: 005/2026                                                Date: 22 January 2026
Venue: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Receives the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon received H.E. Johann David Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Chairperson and Minister Wadephul reaffirmed the strategic depth and enduring importance of the African Union–Germany partnership, underscoring their shared commitment to multilateralism, peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed the African Union’s deep appreciation for Germany’s longstanding and principled support to Africa’s development efforts. He welcomed Germany’s continued backing of key AU priorities, including peacebuilding, good governance, migration management, health security, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as its support for flagship initiatives such as the AU Border Programme and AFRIPOL.

The Chairperson further welcomed Germany’s announced commitment of EUR 88 million for the 2026–2027 period and acknowledged Germany’s leadership role as a key partner in advancing the AfCFTA agenda.

The Chairperson and the Minister exchanged views on regional and international peace and security issues. On the situation in the Great Lakes Region, they emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, coherent and African-led mediation efforts, and inclusive regional dialogue. Regarding Sudan, both sides agreed on the importance of complementary international and regional efforts centered on dialogue, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and the protection of civilians.

H.E. Minister Wadephul underscored the imperative of strengthening African ownership of development processes and mediation initiatives, in line with the principles of partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. He reaffirmed Germany’s support for African-led peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy, noting that Germany would work with the European Union to support the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

He also reaffirmed Germany’s support for Africa’s advocacy for reform of the United Nations system, including Africa’s permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.

The Minister welcomed Africa’s integration into the G20, noting that it brings renewed impetus to global cooperation.

The Chairperson thanked Germany for its support in this process and welcomed the partnership pact announced by Germany in Johannesburg during the G20 meeting.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both sides’ commitment to further strengthening AU–Germany cooperation in support of Africa’s peace, stability, and continental integration agenda.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org I Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube