President Mahama Elected First Vice Chair of African Union
President John Dramani Mahama has been elected First Vice Chair of the African Union (AU) for 2026 at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
His election places Ghana in a key leadership position within the Union’s Bureau for the year, reinforcing the country’s diplomatic presence on the continental stage. The Bureau will be chaired by Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who assumes the rotating AU Chairmanship from Angola’s João Lourenço.
The 2026 Bureau of the Assembly reflects the AU’s regional rotation structure. Ghana represents the West African bloc as First Vice Chair, Tanzania takes the Second Vice Chair position for East Africa, the Third Vice Chair slot for North Africa is yet to be confirmed, and Angola will serve as Rapporteur for the Southern region.
The summit, held at the AU headquarters, opened with strong calls for African solidarity, institutional reform, and greater financial independence for the continent. Leaders are meeting under the 2026 theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described water security as central to sustainable development, public health, and peacebuilding. He stressed that ensuring access to safe water and sanitation is not only a development priority but also a matter of stability and social equity.
He further observed that the Assembly is convening at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with parts of the continent grappling with protracted conflicts, fragile governance systems, and unconstitutional changes of government. He urged Member States to deepen integration efforts and collectively advance the vision of Agenda 2063.
The Assembly continues its deliberations with a focus on water security, peace and security challenges, and strengthening Africa’s voice in global affairs.
