President Cyril Ramaphosa has touched down in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead the South African delegation to the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government. This important gathering of continental leadership is scheduled for this weekend, on the 15th and 16th of February 2025.
The Assembly will convene under the AU theme for 2025, which is focused on achieving “Justice for African and People of African Descent Through Reparations”. The Summit is expected to critically review and evaluate the progress made in Africa’s quest for long overdue justice and reparations for the historical injustices stemming from colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
A key agenda item for the upcoming Assembly will be the election and appointment of the AU Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. This decision holds significant weight in shaping the direction and priorities of the African Union in the coming years.
Against a backdrop of numerous challenges, including threats to democratic governance, peace, and security, the Assembly will also address issues such as unconstitutional changes of government, post-election violence, inter and intra-state conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, poverty, food and energy insecurity, climate change, inadequate infrastructure, low productivity, trade barriers, and reliance on external aid and markets.
Furthermore, the Assembly will undertake the task of electing new Members of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to replace the outgoing members whose terms are ending. South Africa has been actively involved in peacekeeping and mediation efforts across the Continent, notably through its participation in the AU Ad-hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan, the AU Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee on Libya, and the deployment of troops as part of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC).
President Ramaphosa will be joined by a delegation comprising key government officials, including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Mr Dion George; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi.
This summit holds significant importance in shaping the future of Africa and addressing the pressing challenges facing the Continent. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes and decisions taken at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
