Addressing Conflicts, Resource Competition, and Development Setbacks in Ethiopia
The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit commenced today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” The summit, a pivotal gathering of African heads of state, ministers, and international delegates, has placed conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resource competition, and development setbacks at the forefront of its agenda. As the continent grapples with escalating crises, the AU faces mounting pressure to deliver actionable solutions and demonstrate leadership in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
The summit opened with a powerful call for unity from Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothetos, who emphasized that Africa’s future hinges on collective action to address global challenges and seize emerging opportunities. “Our continent’s strength lies in solidarity,” Gedion stated during the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, setting the tone for the discussions ahead.
At the top of the agenda are the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the DRC. The war in Sudan, raging since April 2023, has displaced millions and led to widespread atrocities, with both the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces accused of war crimes. The AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has reiterated calls for a ceasefire and emphasized the need for civilian protection, but concrete measures remain elusive. In the DRC, the M23 rebel group’s recent offensive has heightened regional tensions, fueled by competition over mineral resources critical for global smartphone production. The AU’s role in coordinating regional mediation efforts, such as the Nairobi Process and the Luanda Initiative, is under scrutiny, with experts questioning whether the PSC can harmonize these initiatives amid regional rivalries.
See Also: Rwanda Accused of Fuelling Congo Conflict
Senior AU advisor Liesl Louw-Vaudran urged African leaders to accelerate peace efforts, noting, “The African Union must be bold, decisive, and consistent in resolving tensions and competition among its members and regions”. However, the summit’s ability to address these crises is complicated by low attendance from heads of state, raising concerns about the commitment of African leaders to tackle these challenges.
Beyond security, the summit is grappling with the broader implications of resource competition and development setbacks. Africa’s mineral wealth, particularly in the DRC, has become a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions, with external powers vying for influence. The AU is seeking to leverage its recent admission to the G20 to advocate for fair resource governance, but tangible outcomes remain uncertain.
Development setbacks, exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and economic governance deficits, are also under discussion. ECA Chief Claver Gatete praised the AU’s focus on reparatory justice, stating, “This theme underscores our commitment to addressing historical injustices and building a just future for Africans and the diaspora”. However, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the “rampant tendency to make decisions without real political will to apply them,” noting that 93% of decisions adopted over the past three years remain unimplemented . This lack of follow-through has fueled skepticism about the AU’s effectiveness in addressing pressing challenges.
Ethiopia’s election to the AU Peace and Security Council during the summit marks a significant development, reinforcing its role as a key player in continental security. The country’s hosting of the summit also underscores its diplomatic influence, despite ongoing domestic challenges, including the unresolved Tigray conflict. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the importance of regional and continental platforms, stating, “These platforms are essential for addressing national development challenges from geopolitical, logistical, and security standpoints”.
However, regional tensions have cast a shadow over the summit. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Ethiopian security forces of attempting to block his participation, a claim Ethiopia denied, stating that Mohamud was given “full honours” but that some of his security team were barred from entering with weapons. This incident, linked to broader tensions over Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland, highlights the challenges of maintaining unity within the AU.
The summit’s outcomes will be closely watched, particularly as the AU navigates its role in global forums like the G20 and its partnerships with international actors. The AU’s struggle to manage disagreements between member states, such as the accreditation of Israel, brings up the need for consensus-building mechanisms. Moreover, the selection of new AU Commission leadership in 2025 will be critical, with concerns about delays in the process potentially undermining the organization’s institutional expertise.
For many Africans, the summit represents a litmus test for the AU’s ability to deliver on its promise of “the Africa we want” under Agenda 2063. As Dr. Sizo Nkala of the University of Johannesburg noted, “It’s high time the AU reflects on its role and makes itself more effective in responding to issues affecting the continent.