New AUC Chair sets sights on peace in Eastern DRC, South Sudan in first official visit to Angola
Their meeting reaffirmed the AU's commitment to "advancing peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent," with both leaders placing renewed emphasis on the fragile Luanda peace process.
The newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has made his first official visit to Luanda, Angola, signalling his strategic priorities with a sharp focus on Africa's security challenges, particularly the protracted crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During his two-day visit from March 18 to 19, Mahmoud held talks with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who currently serves as the African Union Chairperson.
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Their meeting reaffirmed the AU's commitment to "advancing peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent," with both leaders emphasising the fragile Luanda peace process.
"The Chairperson commended President Lourenço for his statesmanship," the AU said in a statement, noting both leaders' shared commitment to "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" in the DRC — a region facing complex challenges amid recurring militia violence.
Beyond the DRC, Mahmoud also spotlighted conflict zones in South Sudan and Somalia, underlining the urgency of "sustained African Union engagement, alongside existing efforts on the ground, to support stabilisation efforts and inclusive political processes."
The visit also touched on broader AU priorities. The two leaders emphasised the need to strengthen Africa's peace architecture and bolster regional organisations to respond to emerging security threats.
"Advancing the 'Silencing the Guns' agenda was reaffirmed as a central priority for sustainable peace and stability in Africa," the communiqué noted.
On economic transformation, Mahmoud and Lourenço welcomed upcoming events such as the US-Africa Business Forum (June 2025) and the AU's Infrastructure Summit (October 2025) as crucial platforms to attract investment aligned with Agenda 2063.
Mahmoud, addressing the diplomatic community in Luanda, presented his "new vision and strategic priorities" for the Commission, pledging to "work closely with international partners" to realize Africa's goals.
"The African Union remains resolute in promoting peace, security, and development across the continent," he stated.
This visit, barely a month into his tenure, highlights Mahmoud's intent to recalibrate the AU's peace and security focus, with eastern Congo now firmly in his crosshairs.
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