President Kagame in Ethiopia for AU summit #rwanda #RwOT

This year's summit is being held under the theme 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,' with discussions focused on reparatory justice and racial healing.

The high-level gathering will deliberate on key political and socio-economic issues, aiming to advance the welfare and quality of life for African citizens.

As the AU Champion on Domestic Health Financing, President Kagame will on Friday afternoon chair a High-Level Meeting on Domestic Health Financing.

The session, convened in collaboration with the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, and AUDA-NEPAD, will explore innovative strategies to address financing gaps in Africa's health systems. The discussions will particularly focus on the role of the private sector and philanthropic organizations in strengthening domestic health investments.

A crucial agenda item at this year's summit is the election of the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election will determine the leader responsible for driving the AU's strategic vision and implementation of continental policies over the next four years.

Three candidates are seeking to succeed outgoing AUC chair Moussa Faki Mahamat. The candidates include former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.

Additionally, the summit will see the handover of the AU Presidency from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania to President João Lourenço of Angola, marking a transition in the continental body's leadership.

Beyond leadership changes, the Assembly will discuss and make key decisions on pressing challenges facing Africa, including conflict resolution, economic development, and regional integration. With Africa's geopolitical landscape evolving, leaders are expected to propose solutions that will enhance unity, stability, and prosperity across the continent.

President Paul Kagame arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday afternoon.

President Kagame joins fellow Heads of State and Government from across the African continent for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).