Évariste Ndayishimiye was formally elected chairperson of the African Union for 2026 during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, according to official statements from the continental bloc.
The Burundian leader assumed the rotating position Feb. 14, succeeding Angolan President João Lourenço as heads of state gathered alongside international partners, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, at the summit.
In his acceptance remarks, Ndayishimiye cited security challenges, economic tensions, unilateralism and climate impacts affecting Africa, and pledged that Burundi would lead “in a spirit of listening, impartiality and cooperation with all, and for the good of all member states.”
He said the chairmanship would be used to strengthen Africa’s voice internationally and to contribute to building a “fairer, more balanced and inclusive world.”
The African Union confirmed that the 2026 bureau includes Ghana as first vice chair and Tanzania as second vice chair, reflecting the bloc’s regional rotation structure.
The chairperson of the African Union is the organization’s ceremonial head, elected by the assembly of heads of state for a one-year term that rotates among Africa’s regions.
The role is filled either by consensus or by a two-thirds majority vote of member states, and the office holder is expected to complete the full term without interruption.
While largely ceremonial, the chair presides over summits, represents the union at high-level international engagements and helps shape consensus among member states on continental priorities, according to African Union institutional information and official communiqués.
At this year’s summit, leaders emphasized priorities including water security, peace and security challenges, and partnerships with global institutions, themes expected to guide the chair’s agenda during the term.
Officials from regional organizations welcomed Burundi’s leadership, saying the appointment reflects the country’s commitment to unity, cooperation and stability across Africa.
