African Union Summit: Addressing Security Challenges and New Leadership Roles

The 39th African Union (AU) summit, taking place on February 14-15, 2026, in Addis Ababa, is set to focus on pressing security issues across the continent, particularly the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit will also address the AU's internal challenges and the need for reform in its peace and security initiatives, as highlighted by a recent study indicating that 90% of decisions made by the AU's Peace and Security Council (PSC) since its establishment in 2004 have not been implemented.

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The humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has seen over 12 million people displaced and significant loss of life since the conflict erupted in April 2023, will be a key topic. The AU has struggled to propose a viable peace plan, with external actors such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates stepping in to lead peace initiatives. Similarly, the DRC faces ongoing violence from the M23 rebel group, with international concerns about Rwanda's involvement complicating the situation. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has expressed deep concern over the lack of de-escalation in the DRC and the urgent need for civilian safety.

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Experts like Moussa Soumahoro from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) attribute the AU's inaction to structural issues, particularly its principle of subsidiarity, which delegates conflict resolution to Regional Economic Communities (RECs). This has resulted in a leadership vacuum, with external nations increasingly filling the gap left by African institutions. Tim Murithi, a senior advisor at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, emphasizes the need for the AU to reform and enhance its collective action to reduce reliance on external interventions.

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In a significant diplomatic achievement, Somalia has been elected to the AU Peace and Security Council for the 2026-2028 term, marking its first participation in this key body. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed this as a historic milestone, reflecting Somalia's renewed leadership role in Africa. The council's responsibilities include conflict prevention, crisis management, and peacebuilding, and Somalia aims to leverage its experience in state-building and counterterrorism to contribute effectively.

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South Africa has also secured a two-year term on the PSC, alongside Lesotho, reinforcing its commitment to peace and stability in Africa. Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the continent's security challenges, including ongoing conflicts in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa.

South Africa elected to the African Union’s Peace and Security Council

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for unity and strong African leadership in resolving crises, reiterating the AU's commitment to territorial integrity and African-led solutions. The AU Peace and Security Council has condemned external interference in Sudan and emphasized the need for a Sudanese-led dialogue process to address the root causes of the conflict.

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Despite the AU's efforts, critics argue that the organization has lost relevance in addressing contemporary security challenges. Willy Nyamitwe, Burundi's permanent representative to the AU, noted the emergence of new conflicts and the increasing interference from external actors as significant concerns that undermine the AU's authority.

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The summit will serve as a platform for discussing the AU's reform agenda and the implementation of the Africa Water Vision 2026, which aims to address water security as a critical issue for the continent. The outcomes of the summit may redefine the AU's approach to security and governance, with implications for its role in conflict resolution and regional stability.

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• “This is an attempt to revive the African Union, which has obviously faltered and faced significant challenges both internally but also in terms of bringing together African states to work collectively in the sprit of pan-Africanism,” — Tim Murithi, Senior Advisor at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

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• “The challenge … is for us as a continent to revive our African Union; revive the institutions, and promote collective action as a continent, which is the only way really we can decrease external intervention on the African continent” — Tim Murithi, Senior Advisor at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

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• “The trust and support Somalia has received from African Union member states is evidence of the positive changes underway in the country and the strengthening of cooperative relations,” — Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia

President Mohamud applauds Somalia’s election to AU Peace and Security Council

• “To achieve the goals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, we have to exert more efforts on peace making and peacebuilding in our continent” — Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa

South Africa elected to AU Peace and Security Council