President Isaias Afwerki Holds Talks with AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat

Asmara, 30 January 2025 – President Isaias Afwerki met this morning at the Denden Guest House with a delegation led by His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The meeting focused on extensive discussions regarding the current challenges facing the African Union (AU) and the future direction of the continental organization.

During the talks, Chairperson Faki Mahamat highlighted the significant hurdles impeding Africa’s progress, particularly the ongoing security and stability challenges that continue to affect various parts of the continent. He pointed out that these issues are compounded by internal weaknesses, external interference, and the failure of AU member states to meet their financial obligations, making the AUC less reliant on its own resources.

Faki Mahamat further emphasized the impact of internal and inter-State conflicts, crises, terrorism, and the marginalization of Africa in international forums. These challenges, he noted, have constrained the pace of progress across the continent. In light of these issues, the AUC Chairperson called for increased contribution and active participation from Eritrea in efforts to overcome these challenges.

In response, President Isaias Afwerki stressed the importance of resolving Africa’s problems through African solutions. He underscored those persistent external interventions, often carried out under various pretexts, are largely driven by the desire to exploit Africa’s vast natural resources—resources that account for 60% of the world’s total. The President called for Africa to free itself from this exploitation and take charge of its own future.

President Isaias also emphasized that true sustainable development and prosperity cannot be achieved without lasting peace and stability. He argued that African nations must focus on nation-building grounded in citizenship and work together on regional partnerships, utilizing their own internal resources to resolve challenges.

Additionally, President Isaias pointed out the need for structural reforms within the African Union to enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the continent’s issues.