President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has been elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2026, assuming the continental body’s rotating leadership from João Lourenço of Angola during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit, held at the AU headquarters, convenes under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The focus underscores Africa’s growing urgency around water security, sanitation systems, and climate resilience as foundational pillars for long-term development.
Following a ceremonial handover, President Ndayishimiye officially commenced his one-year tenure, during which he will represent the AU globally and steer its political, diplomatic, and development agenda across the continent.
Burundi’s assumption of the AU chairmanship comes at a time of complex continental dynamics — ranging from peace and security challenges in several regions to accelerating efforts toward economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Leaders are also aligning their strategies with Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth, unity, and sustainable transformation.
On the margins of the summit, the Chairperson of the AU Commission met President Ndayishimiye to commend Burundi’s contributions to peace and stability initiatives and to encourage sustained leadership in advancing continental cooperation and integration.
Ndayishimiye’s chairmanship now positions Burundi at the forefront of Africa’s diplomatic and policy coordination for the year ahead.
