Rwanda’s minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, participated in the 48th ordinary meeting of the African Union (AU) council of ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session brought together foreign ministers from AU member states to discuss sustainable water and sanitation management, aligned with the objectives of the AU’s Agenda 2063.
The ministerial meeting serves as a precursor to the 39th AU summit of heads of state and government, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026, where political decisions will be taken based on the council’s recommendations.
In his opening remarks, AU commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the theme’s importance amid global climate change challenges. He emphasized that proper water management not only supports livelihoods but also promotes peace and cooperation across nations.
The meeting also addressed ongoing political and security concerns, including unconstitutional changes of government, and underscored the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver for sustainable development. AU officials stressed the need for innovative investment strategies, engaging both private sector players and non-governmental organizations.
Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), noted that Africa’s development increasingly depends on leveraging intra-African trade rather than relying solely on natural resource exports or foreign aid.
The council reviewed the report of the 51st meeting of the permanent representatives committee (PRC) and conducted elections for key AU bodies, including the peace and security council (PSC), the African commission on human and peoples’ rights (ACHPR), and the African committee of experts on the rights and welfare of the child (ACERWC).
