politics
February 17, 2026
African Union elects new chairman
Burundi’s leader has pledged to strengthen Africa’s voice in the international arena under his tenure as African Union chairman
TL;DR
- Burundi formally took over the rotating chairmanship of the African Union for 2026.
- President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was elected AU chairperson, succeeding Angolan President Joao Lourenco.
- The chairmanship rotates annually among member states, with the leader representing the continent internationally and coordinating strategic priorities.
- The summit's theme was 'Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of agenda 2063.'
- Ghana was elected first vice chair and Tanzania as second vice chair.
- Ndayishimiye emphasized leadership in a spirit of listening, impartiality, and cooperation, stressing consensus on critical issues.
- He urged increased commitment and investment in water and sanitation services.
- The summit also focused on historical justice, including slave trade and colonial rule crimes.