Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – On February 14, 2025, Rwandan President Paul Kagame arrived in Addis Ababa to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, President Kagame was warmly received by a delegation of Ethiopian officials led by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
Later this afternoon, President Kagame is set to chair a high-level meeting focused on mobilizing resources to advance the health sector across the continent. The meeting will explore innovative approaches to healthcare financing, with a particular emphasis on the role of the private sector and philanthropic initiatives.
The summit will also witness a significant leadership transition, as President João Lourenço of Angola takes over the AU chairmanship from Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.
Another key agenda item is the election of the new AU Commission chairperson to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who has served since March 2017. The candidates vying for this influential position include Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Throughout the summit, African leaders will deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including security challenges, climate change, and the enduring impact of slavery. A particularly sensitive discussion will focus on reparations, as African nations seek consensus on the responsibility of former colonial powers to compensate for historical injustices.
The 38th AU Summit presents an opportunity for African leaders to reinforce their commitment to unity, development, and sustainable solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.
