President John Dramani Mahama has been elected First Vice Chairperson of the African Union (AU) as Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye officially assumes the rotating chairmanship for 2026.
The elections were held during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where President Ndayishimiye succeeded Angola’s President João Lourenço as Chair of the Union.
The newly constituted Bureau of the Assembly for 2026 reflects representation from Africa’s five regions. Burundi takes the Chair position for Central Africa, while Ghana’s President Mahama serves as First Vice representing West Africa.
Tanzania occupies the role of Second Vice for East Africa, and Angola serves as Rapporteur for Southern Africa. The Third Vice position representing North Africa remains yet to be confirmed.
Addressing the Assembly, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the summit’s focus on water and sanitation, describing access to clean water as a shared public good essential for development, peace, and regional stability.
The two-day summit is being held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf observed that the meeting comes at a period of geopolitical uncertainty, marked by persistent conflicts, institutional fragility, and a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in some parts of the continent.
He urged member states to strengthen political and economic integration in line with Agenda 2063, while calling for greater African solidarity, financial independence, and a stronger collective voice on global issues.
President Mahama’s election as First Vice Chair positions him to work closely with the AU Chair in coordinating continental activities and advancing strategic priorities throughout 2026.
Ghana has historically played notable roles within the African Union, including former President John Kufuor’s tenure as AU Chair in 2007.
