On Saturday 17 February 2024, the Head of the Togolese government, Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, took part in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She attended the proceedings on behalf of the President of the Republic, H.E.M. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
Discussions mainly focused on education, crises on the continent and the appointment of a new President for the Union.
Initially, the African Heads of State and Government held their ordinary session behind closed doors to adopt the institution’s reports, examine draft legal instruments, elect and appoint AU officers.
In his opening remarks, the AUC Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, painted a bleak picture of the continent hit by several conflicts, terrorism, military juntas’ change of government, the political situation in Senegal, and the withdrawal of some states from sub-regional blocs. However, in spite of the gloomy picture and its trail of difficulties, there have been some achievements.
Institutional reforms are introduced successfully despite the shortcomings we must be clear-headed enough to address. We are making progress on the integration front and the continental free trade area is gradually getting underway. The AUC Chairman was delighted to urge that ‘recovery measures are taken with determination’. The proceedings ended with appointment of the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani as President of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the pan-African organisation for a one-year term.
He takes over from Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros.
The new President of the African Union indicated that the adoption of this year’s theme: African Education for the 20th Century; building resilient education systems to increase access to inclusive, continuous, quality and appropriate education in Africa,’ is a vitally important choice. He pointed out that education is a powerful development enabler for the security and stability of our countries. It helps acquire skills and reduce poverty.
We look forward to the 38th Ordinary Session in 2025.
