Today, I had the honour of taking my oath of office before @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of @UNODC. In taking this oath, I am reminded that international civil service is, above all, a commitment to people. As I solemnly declared my dedication to carry out these functions with integrity, impartiality, and the utmost regard for the purposes and principles of the United Nations, I reflected on the responsibility that comes with this trust. I step into this role with humility, gratitude and a profound sense of duty, and look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the UN system, and the world to advance peace, security, justice and the rule of law, for a more prosperous and dignified future for all.

This morning, the #AfricanGroupUN received a briefing from Ms. Djenaba Dabo N'Diaye (from @MaliOnu 🇲🇱), Coordinator of the African Group 3rd Committee. Discussions focused on advancing Africa’s priorities on key social and humanitarian issues, strengthening coordination among African delegations, and safeguarding common positions in multilateral negotiations. #AfricaAtTheUN #UNGA #Agenda2063

Today, the #AfricanGroupUN received a briefing from Ms. Monica Kathina Juma, Executive Director of @UNODC and Director-General of @UNOV, on the outcomes of #CCPJ and UNODC’s priorities for Africa. Discussions focused on strengthening Africa’s role in combatting organized #crime, #cybercrime, #trafficking, fraud, and #corruption, while advancing capacity-building, partnerships, and development-centred approaches to crime prevention. #AfricaAtTheUN #UNODC #UNOV #Agenda2063

Congratulations to the candidates of the two (02) #African countries elected today as part of the nine (09) members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (#CRPD) at the United Nations for the term 2027 - 2030. They are: #Ethiopia 🇪🇹 and #Benin 🇧🇯. This election marks a significant step in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities globally. It reflects a commitment to enhancing their representation and voices at the international level. #GA #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030

Ce matin, dans une atmosphère chaleureuse, j’ai eu l’honneur de partager un dernier moment avec les membres des Cabinets du Président et de la Vice-Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, les Commissaires, des collègues issus des différents départements de la Commission, des représentants des États membres, des partenaires ainsi que des membres du Corps diplomatique. Un instant de gratitude, à l’aube d’un nouveau chapitre de mon engagement au service de la paix, de la sécurité et du développement du continent. Je tiens à exprimer ma profonde gratitude au Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali, pour sa confiance et son leadership. J’adresse également mes sincères remerciements à l’ensemble du personnel de la Commission, ainsi qu’aux différents partenaires de l’Union africaine avec lesquels j’ai eu le privilège de travailler au service des idéaux panafricains, des aspirations de notre continent et de la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2063. Une pensée particulière va à mes deux adjoints ainsi qu’à tous les membres du Cabinet. Je salue leur professionnalisme, leur engagement et leur sens du devoir, qui ont constitué des sources précieuses de soutien tout au long de cette aventure commune. Je tiens également à adresser mes chaleureuses félicitations au Dr Yann Bedzigui pour sa nomination aux fonctions de Directeur de Cabinet du Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine. Je lui souhaite plein succès dans l’accomplissement de cette noble mission au service de l’Afrique et de son unité. Servir l’Union africaine fut un immense honneur. Notre continent possède les ressources, les talents et les valeurs nécessaires pour bâtir un avenir de paix, de prospérité et d’intégration.

📍On June 4, UNREC 🇺🇳 paid a courtesy call to the Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United Nations, in the margins of #BMS9.

“The African Group firmly believes that environmental protection and development must advance hand in hand.[…] The natural resources of Africa constitute one of the continent's greatest assets. Their illegal exploitation is not merely a loss for the countries concerned; it is a loss for sustainable development, for future generations, and for our collective efforts to build a prosperous, integrated and resilient Africa. By protecting biodiversity, we are also protecting opportunities, livelihoods and the future we seek to build for our peoples.” H. E Amb. Agnes Kalilani Nyalonje, PR of Malawi 🇲🇼, on behalf of the #AfricanGroupUN, at the High-level debate on “Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking in Wildlife and other Crimes that Affect the Environment” #GA #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030.

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, today received H.E. Ambassador Nonceba Losi, Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Africa to Ethiopia and the African Union. The Chairperson commended South Africa's longstanding contribution to the advancement of the African Union's peace, security, development and integration agenda, as well as its continued commitment to the continent's shared aspirations. The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on recent developments, including matters relating to migration and other shared continental challenges. They also underscored the importance of dialogue, constructive engagement, and responsible public discourse in advancing the continent's priorities. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali welcomed #SouthAfrica's commitment to support efforts aimed at preserving and digitizing the African Union's archives, underscoring its importance in safeguarding the Union's institutional memory and historical legacy for future generations. Ambassador Losi further commended the Chairperson's leadership of the AU Commission and his efforts to advance the Union's priorities across the continent.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received H.E. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali underscored the enduring strength of the AU–EU strategic partnership and welcomed the European Union’s continued engagement in support of Africa’s priorities. The discussions focused on ongoing cooperation in addressing health and humanitarian emergencies, including efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak, as well as broader peace, security, and development challenges affecting the continent. The Chairperson highlighted the importance of strengthening Africa’s health security architecture, advancing health sovereignty, and enhancing continental capacities in vaccine production, disease preparedness, and response. He stressed that health security remains closely linked to peace, stability, and sustainable development. The Chairperson further underscored the humanitarian and public health implications of the situation in eastern DRC, emphasizing the importance of advancing ceasefire efforts, facilitating humanitarian access, and supporting affected communities. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to working closely with the African Union and its institutions, including Africa CDC, to strengthen preparedness, and support Africa-led responses to health and humanitarian emergencies. She further underscored the importance of deepening cooperation on humanitarian diplomacy and international humanitarian law (IHL). The discussions also touched on the impact of ongoing conflicts beyond the continent, particularly in the Middle East, and their implications for Africa. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the AU–EU strategic partnership, building on the outcomes of the AU–EU Summit in Luanda and anchored in solidarity, and a shared vision for peace, resilience, and sustainable development. @EUtoAU

Did You Know? The Africa Group at the United Nations is made up all African Union Member States represented at the UN. Working together, the Group coordinates common African positions on issues ranging from peace and security to health, migration, sustainable development, climate action, and global governance. Africa's representation at the UN includes: 3 non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council 14 seats on the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 13 seats on the Human Rights Council Through regular consultations and coordination, African countries work collectively to ensure the continent speaks with one voice on key global issues. The African Union Observer Mission to the United Nations supports this work by serving as the coordinating secretariat for the Africa Group, facilitating meetings, supporting the rotating Chair, and advancing Africa's common positions on the global stage. Learn more lnkd.in/dkKi9yBQ

AU Commission Chairperson mourns Passing of the Former #Angola Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with deep sadness of the passing of H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto, former Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, distinguished diplomat, and a committed Pan-Africanist. The AUC Chairperson @ymahmoudali extends his heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the African Union Commission, to the Government and people of the Republic of Angola, as well as to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the late diplomat. The African Union joins Angola in mourning this profound loss and pays tribute to H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto’s enduring legacy of service to his nation and to Africa. May his soul rest in peace. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…

Congratulations to #Zimbabwe on its election as the African Group's Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (hashtag#UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term. Zimbabwe will join fellow African members #Somalia (2025–2026), the Democratic Republic of the Congo #DRC (2026–2027), and #Liberia (2026–2027) in representing the continent's interests at one of the world's most important peace and security decision-making bodies. As Africa strengthens its presence on the Council, the continent remains united behind the #EzulwiniConsensus and the #SirteDeclaration the African Union's longstanding common position calling for a reformed Security Council that includes at least two permanent African seats with full veto rights and five non-permanent seats. Africa is the only region without permanent representation on the Council despite being a central stakeholder in many of the issues before it. #Agenda2063

Did You Know? The African Union endorsed the #CorrectingtheMap of Africa Initiative , led by #Togo , to address historical distortions that shrink Africa's true size and influence. Africa covers over 30 million km², 20% of the world's landmass, and is home to 1.4 billion people. Togo has now taken the initiative to the UN, calling for the adoption of map projections that accurately reflect Africa's true scale and challenge the continued use of the Mercator projection. correctthemap.org #CorrectTheMap #Agenda2063

The African Union Commission calls for utmost restraint amidst security developments in #Mogadishu. African Union Commission is deeply concerned by reported security developments in Mogadishu, including armed clashes in civilian areas. The Commission calls on all parties to immediately stop the fighting and exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions. The Commission urges all Somali stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue and established constitutional processes. The Commission encourages the continuation of the efforts of H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of #Somalia and all political actors in promoting national dialogue, reconciliation and consensus-building towards political stability. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and assures the readiness of the African Union through its Support and Stabilization Mission (@aussom_ ), to continue to render full support towards the restoration of peace and security in Somalia. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026… Lire @ au.int/fr/pressreleases/2026…

Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the #AU to the @UN, held a productive exchange with Ms. Ingeborg Ulrika Richardson, #UNSMIL Deputy #SRSG and Resident Coordinator, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to #Libya’s unity, stability, and a Libyan-led political process. Discussions highlighted strengthened AU–UN cooperation in support of Libya-led efforts to facilitate peace, reconciliation and addressing regional security and migration challenges. #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030

H. E Amb. Mohamed Fathi Edrees , Permanent Observer of the @_AfricanUnion to the @UN, met with H. E Amb. Burhan Ghafoor, PR of Singapore to the #UN. They exchanged on issues including #multilateralism and enhanced cooperation between #Singapore and #African nations, emphasizing the need for a strong multilateral framework to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable development, and to foster continued collaboration for a more equitable and prosperous future for all. #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030

Congratulations to the five (05) #Africa Group members who were elected today to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (#ECOSOC). They are: #Senegal 🇸🇳, #Angola 🇦🇴, #Guinea 🇬🇳, #Morocco 🇲🇦 and #Eritrea 🇪🇷. Their election is a significant achievement that enhances Africa’s representation in global economic and social discussions. #Agenda2063 #Agenda2030 #TheAfricaWeWant

This morning, the #AfricanGroupUN received a briefing by Mr Ivo Miguel Rubio, from the Permanent Mission of Angola🇦🇴 to the #UN, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Second Committee, on its ongoing work and priorities. Member States welcomed the adoption of key resolutions, including the Fourth Industrial Development Decade for Africa (2026–2035), and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing #Agenda2063 and the #SDGs. #AfricaAtTheUN

H. E. Amb. Chola Milambo, PR of #Zambia 🇿🇲 to the @UN, and Vice-President representing Africa on the #UNDP/ #UNFPA / #UNOPS Executive Board, briefed the #AfricaGroupUN about Africa's priorities ahead of the Annual Session of the Executive Board, & the #UN80 Initiative. He stressed the need for #Africa to present a united voice while aligning #UN support with the #SDGs and #Agenda2063 .