Senegalese President Macky Sall has taken over as African Union (AU) Chairperson.
He has succeeded his counterpart Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.
Sall has told his counterparts that the re-emergence of coups in Africa constitutes a major attack on democracy and institutional stability in the continent.
AU Summit update with Coletta Wanjohi:
African leaders are attending the AU summit in Ethiopia.
They have also stressed the need for the work of the AU Peace and Security Council to be strengthened.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has nailed his colours to the mast, saying he is committed to end the conflict in the Tigray region.
AU Summit l UN SG António Guterres addresses the 35th Ordinary Session:
Ahmed has also called for the United Nations Security Council to be reformed and allow the continent to have at least two permanent seats.
While the AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat has denounced the recent coups in West Africa.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is attending the gathering virtually and he is represented by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor in Addis Ababa.
President Ramaphosa participates in the 35th Heads of State Opening Ceremony:
Meanwhile, the AU’s decision to grant Israeli diplomats observer status will come under the spotlight.
South Africa and Algeria presented the motion questioning the AU’s decision to grant Israel an observer status within the AU ranks. The move has divided the continental body as most African nations support the Palestinian cause.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s expected to brief the summit on Africa’s plan to fight climate change.
