ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, hosted the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The meeting reaffirmed the enduring Africa–UK partnership and highlighted a shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international system.
Chairperson Youssouf commended the UK for its longstanding engagement with Africa and its cooperation with AU member states across priority areas, including health, education, climate action, security, and trade.
He particularly welcomed the UK’s contributions to the Africa CDC and support for strengthening emergency preparedness and response.
Secretary of State Cooper praised the AU’s leadership in global diplomacy, regional peace, and development.
The discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation in Sudan, the Sahel, and AU peace operations in Somalia.
Both leaders expressed concern over Sudan’s deteriorating humanitarian situation and called for a cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and a humanitarian truce.
The AU Chairperson and Secretary Cooper agreed to convene the AU–UK High-Level Strategic Meeting in London early this year to further consolidate cooperation and strategic engagement.
