Mauritania’s Ghazouani Takes Helm of African Union Amid Calls for Unity, Prosperity

Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani assumed the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) on Saturday during the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ghazouani succeeds President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, who led the continental bloc since February of the previous year. In his inaugural address, President Ghazouani emphasized Africa’s need for socioeconomic independence, unity, and prosperity, acknowledging the significant responsibilities of his new role. Outgoing chairman Assoumani reflected on his tenure’s achievements, focusing on Africa’s stability, development, and enhanced participation in global affairs, alongside the ongoing reform of the AU. The summit, which runs for two days, aligns with the AU’s 2024 theme of developing resilient educational systems to ensure inclusive and quality learning across the continent.