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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The 39th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union will place Africa’s most pressing priorities firmly on the table when leaders convene on 14–15 February in Addis Ababa. Security stabilization and sustainable water management will dominate discussions, anchoring a continental agenda shaped by urgency, demographics, and long‑term development goals.

According to Ethiopia’s national news agency, the summit will align deliberations around the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The focus reflects a strategic recognition that water security is no longer a sectoral issue, but a foundation for peace, public health, economic growth, and climate resilience across the continent.

From Preparation to Decision‑Making

The agenda was shaped during the 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), which concluded preparatory work for both the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the upcoming Assembly of Heads of State. These sessions have elevated coordination, policy coherence, and implementation readiness—signaling a shift from diagnosis to delivery.

Security Architecture Under Pressure

Leaders are expected to address escalating security challenges across multiple regions, including the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Libya. The agenda also includes renewed concern over unconstitutional changes of government and the expansion of transnational terrorism.

Central to these discussions is strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)—with emphasis on faster conflict prevention, coordinated response mechanisms, and deeper political commitment from member states.

Water, Sanitation, and a Young Continent

Water security is being treated as both a development and stability issue. With Africa home to the world’s youngest population, access to safe water and sanitation is inseparable from urban growth, food systems, health outcomes, and job creation. Leaders are expected to explore policy alignment, cross‑border water governance, and investment frameworks capable of translating commitments into measurable impact.

A Signal of Continental Direction

The 39th AU Summit is shaping up as more than a statutory gathering. It represents a signal of how Africa intends to position itself globally—asserting agency over its security, stewarding its natural resources, and aligning institutions with the realities of a fast‑growing, youthful population.

As Africa navigates overlapping pressures—from conflict to climate—the outcomes of Addis Ababa will help define the continent’s policy posture for the year ahead, and its credibility in turning collective priorities into coordinated action.

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