Addis Ababa – The African Union African Diaspora Sixth Region High Council (AUADS High Council) has extended its warmest congratulations to the newly elected leadership of the African Union (AU) following the successful AU Summit held in Addis Ababa on 15 February 2025.
In a statement, AUADS High Council President, H.E. Professor Eduardo Lourenço Viana, commended His Excellency João Lourenço, the newly elected AU Chairperson, and His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the new AU Commission Chairperson, for their appointments.
The AUADS High Council actively participated in the AU Summit, attending various side events and discussions to ensure that the perspectives of the African Diaspora—both historical and conventional—were represented. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to working towards a united and integrated Africa.
As part of the AU’s 2025 theme, Reparatory Justice, the AUADS High Council has been invited to collaborate with the Pan-African Parliament to address key issues related to justice and reconciliation. The Council also contributed to a strategic plan developed at an event organized by CIDO (Citizens and Diaspora Organizations), aimed at advancing reparatory justice initiatives.
Key contributions to these discussions came from Dr. Barryl Biekman, Chair of the AUADS High Council Board, and Dr. Tumenta Kennedy, Commissioner of the African Diasporas Development Agency (ADDA).
Earlier in the week, Dr. Angela Sayles from the AUADS High Council took part in an ECOSOCC (Economic, Social & Cultural Council) Symposium on the AU’s 2025 theme. She engaged in discussions with Mr. Louis Cheick Sissoko, the newly elected ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, and other stakeholders about the role of the African Diaspora and civil society in promoting reparatory justice.
AU Chairperson João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço was born on 5 March 1954 and has served as the President of Angola since 2017. He previously held the position of Minister of Defense from 2014 to 2017 and became Chairman of the ruling MPLA party in 2018. His leadership is expected to focus on regional stability, economic development, and deeper African integration.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is a seasoned diplomat from Djibouti who has held key positions in the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the 1990s. He served as Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt from 1997 to 2001 before being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in 2005. He played a prominent role as Chairman of the Arab League’s Council of Foreign Ministers in 2008.
At the AU Summit, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley emphasized the importance of unity between African and Caribbean nations. She stated, “African and Caribbean leaders can rise and win if they act in unity. Africa is capable of being the protector of people and the planet as we move forward.”
She also highlighted Africa’s vast natural wealth, saying, “With 40 percent of the world’s minerals, Africa is more than capable of being in charge of her own destiny.”
The United Nations Secretary-General also addressed the Summit, acknowledging Africa’s potential and the importance of the UN-AU partnership. He noted, “The partnership between the United Nations and the African Union has never been stronger. Africa is brimming with hope and possibility, with the largest number of young people in the world and some of the best renewable resources.”
He further stressed the importance of reparatory justice, aligning with the AUADS High Council’s mission.
The AUADS High Council has pledged to work closely with the newly elected AU leadership and other key stakeholders to advance the vision of a united, integrated, and prosperous Africa. The Council echoes the UN Secretary-General’s call: “Viva Africa!”
For further inquiries, please contact:
AUADS High Council Communications Office
Email: Secretariat@auadshighcouncil.org
Website: [www.auadshighcouncil.org](http://www.auadshighcouncil.org)
