ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political, economic, and security cooperation, following high-level talks held in Addis Ababa on January 6, 2026.
The meeting brought together AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, building on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi in September 2025 under the framework of a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides.
In a joint statement, the AUC and the UAE said the talks reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations and reaffirmed a shared resolve to sustain structured political dialogue and expand cooperation in priority areas.
Central to the discussions was Africa’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, with particular emphasis on the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030,” alongside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two sides underscored the close link between peace, security, trade, and development, agreeing that durable stability is essential for economic integration, while expanded trade and investment can reinforce resilience and sustainable growth.
The meeting also welcomed the UAE’s USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025.
Both sides said the programme has significant potential to support Africa’s development priorities through digital transformation, innovation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
On peace and security, the Chairperson and the Minister exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa, highlighting the interdependence between stability in the region and security in the Arabian Gulf.
They noted the shared stakes in maritime security, regional trade routes, and broader prosperity linking Africa and the Gulf.
Sudan featured prominently in the talks, with both sides calling for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access across the country.
They stressed the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and the establishment of an independent, civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The AUC and the UAE recalled a joint statement issued by the African Union Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in September 2025, which welcomed a QUAD joint statement on Sudan.
They also referred to a high-level humanitarian conference convened on the margins of the AU Summit in February 2025, welcoming ongoing regional and international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis while condemning atrocities committed against civilians by the warring parties. Both sides reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
In Somalia, the two parties reiterated their support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability, reaffirming continued engagement with African-led and international efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa nation.
The joint statement also addressed broader geopolitical issues.
Both sides reaffirmed that Iran’s occupation of the three UAE islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—constitutes a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
They reiterated support for the UAE’s call for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice.
Looking ahead, the AUC and the UAE highlighted opportunities for cooperation around water security and sanitation, in line with the African Union’s 2026 theme.
They pointed to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key platform to advance global action on water resilience.
Both sides agreed to work towards tangible, action-oriented outcomes across Africa, including through initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
