Addis Ababa, 17 February 2023 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Algeria, Ramtane Lamamra attended the 42nd session of the African Union Executive Council at the continental organization’s headquarters in Ethiopia.
It is pertinent to note that Foreign Minister Lamamra also held bilateral meetings with many African Ministers during his visit.
African Union (AU)
The African Union (AU) is a continental organization composed of 55 member states across Africa. It was established on May 26, 2001, in Ethiopia, as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), founded in 1963.
Executive Council of AU
The Executive Council is one of the African Union’s (AU) key decision-making organizations. It manages the execution of policies and programs adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The Council is made up of Foreign Ministers selected by each member state. They meet twice a year to review the work of the AU Commission. They offer suggestions on different matters concerning the continent’s development and integration.
One of the Council’s primary responsibilities is to guarantee that the AU’s strategic goals and programs align with the priorities and needs of its member countries.
It reviews and approves the AU’s budget and annual report. The Council also directs the activities of the African Union Peace and Security Council. It offers advice on conflict prevention and resolution as well as peace and security.
The Executive Council also significantly contributes to regional integration and African economic development. It gives direction on trade, investment, infrastructure development, and industrialization.
The Council oversees the execution of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It is a plan for changing the socioeconomic face of the continent over the next 50 years.
It collaborates closely with the African Development Bank and other regional institutions to generate resources and coordinate development activities.
The Council also reviews the AU’s external contacts with other regional and international organizations. It represents Africa’s interests in international forums.
It participates in high-level discussions with the European Union, the United Nations, and other partners to embody Africa’s interests and issues, such as climate change, sustainable development, peace, and security.