African Union Executive Council Meets in Addis Ababa to Advance Continental Priorities

The 48th African Union Executive Council will convene in Addis Ababa on 11–12 February 2026, gathering Ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior officials from across Africa to discuss political, peace and security, institutional reform and development issues ahead of the upcoming AU Assembly. Lesotho’s delegation will be led by Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, who is scheduled to arrive in Addis Ababa on 10 February 2026. The session will provide a platform for member states to review progress on key initiatives and strengthen collaboration across the continent. The meeting underscores the AU’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance, promote peace and security, and support sustainable development. It will also focus on aligning continental policies with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and AU Themes of the Year.

Key items on the Executive Council agenda include evaluating the implementation of African Union institutional reforms, with attention to financing, decision-making processes, governance and accountability. Ministers will also deliberate on peace and security developments, including conflict prevention, peace support operations and advancing the Silencing the Guns initiative. Africa’s global engagement and participation in multilateral forums will be assessed to ensure that the continent’s voice is strengthened on international platforms. Social development priorities, including health, child survival and nutrition, will be examined to ensure alignment with continental strategies and real impact on African communities. The session aims to translate commitments into actionable measures that support sustainable growth and prosperity across Africa.

Ambassador Ntsiuoa Sekete, Lesotho’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA, highlighted the significance of the Executive Council for both the continent and Lesotho. She emphasized that the Council provides a critical platform for member states to convert continental policies into implementable decisions. Ambassador Sekete affirmed Lesotho’s commitment to peace, institutional integrity, and a financially sustainable African Union that delivers tangible benefits to its people. She also underlined Lesotho’s ambition to contribute actively to continental peace initiatives and ensure effective participation in decision-making processes that impact the region.

Lesotho’s engagement in social development and human capital initiatives will also feature prominently during the deliberations. Ambassador Sekete noted the country’s ongoing commitment to advancing child survival and nutrition agendas, a priority championed by His Majesty King Letsie III. She stressed that the discussions at the Executive Council are critical for aligning policies with initiatives that create measurable improvements in the lives of African children and communities. These engagements aim to ensure that AU programs not only guide policy but also achieve meaningful outcomes on the ground.

Minister Mpotjoane is expected to hold bilateral discussions with counterparts and AU leadership on matters of mutual interest, reinforcing Lesotho’s commitment to African unity and multilateral cooperation. The delegation will advocate for the effective implementation of AU decisions and policies that promote peace, development and social progress across the continent. The Executive Council session represents a vital opportunity for Lesotho to contribute to shaping Africa’s political, economic and social trajectory while strengthening regional collaboration. This gathering underscores the continent’s collective effort to advance stability, development and prosperity for all Africans.