African Union Engagement with South Africa Reinforces Focus on Peace Security and Cooperation
1 May 2026
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, paid an official visit to South Africa on 29 April 2026, where he was received by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. The visit took place ahead of Africa Month, a period observed across the continent to celebrate African unity cooperation and development.
During their meeting, Ramaphosa and Youssouf held wide-ranging discussions on peace and security across the continent. Key areas of concern included ongoing instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, the Sahel region and the broader implications of the Middle East crisis on African economies and stability.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and highlighted the importance of a rules-based international order. Youssouf expressed appreciation for South Africa’s continued leadership within the AU particularly its diplomatic role in conflict resolution and its contributions to continental peace and security mechanisms. He also acknowledged South Africa’s active participation in the G20 and its advocacy for inclusive global governance and regional integration.
From a South African perspective, the visit reinforced Pretoria’s role as a key diplomatic actor on the continent. Ramaphosa reiterated the country’s commitment to supporting AU priorities including institutional reform and conflict resolution efforts. He emphasised ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
Youssouf conveyed appreciation for South Africa’s pledge to support the digitalisation of AU archives noting its importance for institutional memory and knowledge preservation. He also commended South Africa’s progressive legal and policy frameworks on refugee protection highlighting the country’s contribution to advancing human rights-based approaches within Africa’s migration and displacement landscape.
On Sudan, both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to a civilian-led constitutional order in line with AU-endorsed frameworks and the aspirations of the Sudanese people. On global peace and security, they called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East and emphasised the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
As part of his programme, Youssouf visited Freedom Park, a national heritage site that honours South Africa’s journey to democracy and recognises those who contributed to the country’s liberation. The visit reflected the connection between South Africa’s historical experience and broader continental efforts toward peace unity and self-determination.
The visit took place as countries across Africa prepared to mark Africa Month in May commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, the precursor to the African Union. The period provided an opportunity for reflection on continental progress shared values and the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.
TDS