African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye discussed efforts to strengthen the African Union’s capacity to respond to growing security, political and public health challenges during a meeting in Bujumbura on Monday, according to the continental body.
The talks came a day before an African Union summit on Ebola that will be convened under Ndayishimiye’s leadership as chairperson of the Assembly of the African Union.
In a statement, the AU said the two leaders discussed the bloc’s ongoing institutional reform process, which it described as being aimed at “enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of the organisation.”
The discussions took place as the African Union faces multiple challenges across the continent, including conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan and eastern Congo, political instability in parts of the Sahel and recurring disease outbreaks.
Youssouf briefed Ndayishimiye on the Ebola situation in Africa using assessments and data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, or Africa CDC, according to the statement.
The AU chief also provided what the organization described as “a comprehensive update” on peace, security and mediation efforts across the continent, including initiatives related to Sudan, South Sudan and eastern Congo, as well as efforts to support the restoration of constitutional order in the Sahel region.
The statement said Youssouf also highlighted “the solidarity demonstrated through the contributions and support extended by AU Member States and international partners” in response to Ebola outbreaks.
While public health concerns are expected to dominate the summit agenda, the meeting underscored the broader pressures facing the African Union as it seeks to respond to overlapping crises while pursuing reforms intended to improve the functioning of the continental body.
The AU said Youssouf also discussed the reform agenda with Ndayishimiye and noted the role of Kenyan President William Ruto in advancing the process.
Ndayishimiye, according to the statement, “reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the work of the AU on institutional reforms” and welcomed efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and public health preparedness across Africa.
The summit in Burundi is expected to bring together African leaders to assess the Ebola situation and discuss measures to strengthen preparedness and coordination in responding to future outbreaks.
