UPDATE - Ethiopian foreign minister warns of domination mindset by external actors, urges stronger AU against ‘predatory moves’

CHANGES DECK, ADDS AU COMMISSION CHIEF’S REMARKS

By Sadik Kedir

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopia’s foreign minister urged a stronger and more unified African Union to guard against what he called “predatory moves” from external actors as ministers met in Addis Ababa ahead of this week’s AU leaders’ summit.

“Unfortunately a mentality of domination, extraction, and exploitation still colors the prism through which many external actors view our continent,” Gedion Timothewos said during the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa.

He said African unity must be “real” if the continent is to protect its interests in an increasingly complex global environment. Trade and economic cooperation, he added, are increasingly being overshadowed by political and security considerations.

Gedion said Africa needs “not mere charity or goodwill of others but true partnership,” arguing that meaningful cooperation depends on strength that “emanates from unity.”

He also pointed to internal pressures, saying unconstitutional changes in government continue to undermine the foundations of the African Union and harm peace and security.

The AU Commission chief, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, also called during the meeting for urgent institutional reforms and more robust peace and development efforts across the continent, saying water and sanitation, the theme of this year’s summit, must be safeguarded as shared resources and catalysts for cooperation in the face of climate change.

He said reforms under the AU’s 2024-2028 plan are progressing, including initiatives to strengthen the peace and security architecture, enhance sustainable financing, and reinforce the bloc’s institutions.

While acknowledging progress in countries such as Gabon and Guinea in returning to constitutional order, he cautioned that instability and terrorism continue to present serious challenges in parts of the continent.

The meeting of foreign ministers in Addis Ababa is part of preparations for the AU leaders’ summit scheduled for Feb. 14-15.

This year’s summit will be held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

AU officials have linked the theme to broader development and climate resilience goals, as African countries grapple with water stress, rapid urban growth and climate-related pressures such as droughts and floods.

Reports indicate that discussions at the Executive Council help shape draft decisions for consideration by heads of state, including on governance reforms, economic integration, and Africa’s representation in global institutions.