AU Commission Chairperson Pledges Support for President Mahama’s Incoming AU Chairmanship
The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has pledged the Commission’s full support for President John Dramani Mahama as he prepares to assume the rotating chairmanship of the African Union in January.
Mr Youssouf gave the assurance when he led a high-level AU Commission delegation on a courtesy call on President Mahama in Accra to discuss key continental issues and priorities for the Union.
The delegation recognised President Mahama’s leadership and contributions to Africa’s development, particularly his advocacy for reparative justice and efforts to reform the continent’s financial institutions.
It expressed confidence that his leadership would contribute positively to the work of the African Union and help shape its future direction.
A major issue discussed during the meeting was the financial independence of the African Union and the need for member states to take full responsibility for funding the organisation’s programmes and operations.
President Mahama urged AU member states to implement the Union’s 0.2 per cent levy on eligible imports, citing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which applies a 0.5 per cent community levy to support its operations.
He stressed that the proposed levy should be viewed as a contribution from African citizens rather than government funds.
“It’s not government money to the AU; it’s the people’s money. Government is only a collecting agency,” President Mahama stated.
The AU delegation thanked the President for supporting efforts to secure the Union’s financial independence, particularly through the implementation of the 0.2 per cent levy.
President Mahama pledged to engage other African leaders to build consensus and secure their full commitment to implementing the levy, which is intended to provide a more predictable source of funding for the organisation.
The discussions also covered the Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to strengthen Africa’s sovereignty and resilience through improved health systems, increased access to healthcare and expanded vaccine production on the continent.
President Mahama briefed the delegation on the initiative and reiterated the need for African countries to strengthen their capacity to produce essential health commodities and reduce dependence on external sources.
Another issue raised was Africa’s growing debt burden. President Mahama called for effective approaches to debt treatment and sustainable mechanisms to manage the continent’s debt portfolio, noting the need for financial arrangements that support long-term development.
On regional security and relations among African countries, the two sides discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation and address divisions within the continent.
Chairperson Youssouf commended President Mahama for his efforts to bridge differences between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), describing the engagement as important to strengthening unity and cooperation in West Africa.
He also praised the President’s leadership in advancing Africa’s reparations agenda on the international stage.
The engagement forms part of consultations ahead of President Mahama’s assumption of the AU Chairmanship in January, at a time when the continent continues to pursue greater financial independence, stronger regional cooperation and reforms to address its development challenges.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
