Last weekend, the African Union hosted two summits in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, aimed at tackling Africa’s humanitarian and political crises. The events were scheduled ahead of the 20th anniversary of the continental bloc’s establishment in July. The gatherings sought to identify long-lasting solutions to the many humanitarian and political challenges across the continent, with special emphasis on financing, post-conflict recovery, development cooperation and peacebuilding. The twin dilemmas of humanitarian and political crises have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both of which have of course had far-reaching effects globally, and continue to take a toll in African countries. As such, the two conferences, which also kicked off celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the African Union, also helped member states take stock of the existing and emerging problems now confronting Africa, as they reorient the AU to better suit a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 03, 2022 18:40 UTC