What to expect from the 34th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly

The 34th Assembly of the African Union is set to take place virtually this weekend, with outgoing AU Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa preparing to hand over the reins to the Democratic Republic of Congo's Félix Tshisekedi. The summit will focus on key issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts in Africa, and the election of new AU Commissioners. Steven Gruzd, Head of African Governance & Diplomacy at the South Africa Institute of International Affairs, shed light on the achievements of President Ramaphosa's tenure, highlighting the successful launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and his leadership in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. One of the significant accomplishments of President Ramaphosa's term as AU Chairperson was the successful launch of the AFCFTA. This initiative garnered support from economies across the continent, signaling a major milestone in promoting intra-African trade. Despite a six-month delay in its implementation, the AFCFTA is now operational, a testament to President Ramaphosa's leadership and commitment to advancing economic integration in Africa. In addition to the AFCFTA, President Ramaphosa also demonstrated strong leadership in the fight against COVID-19. He mobilized AU bodies, collaborated with institutions like the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and worked closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to coordinate a continental response to the pandemic. His proactive approach to managing the health crisis has been praised, underscoring his dedication to safeguarding the well-being of African nations. While President Ramaphosa's tenure saw notable achievements, the overarching theme of 'Silencing the Guns' took a backseat due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme, aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting peace on the continent, faced obstacles amid the global health crisis. Despite the shift in focus, efforts to address conflicts in Africa remain a critical priority for the AU. Looking ahead to the incoming AU Chairperson, Félix Tshisekedi, questions arise about the continuity and leadership he will bring to the role. As a relatively new leader on the African scene, Tshisekedi's appointment carries prestige, but his effectiveness in steering the AU forward remains to be seen. Given the ongoing challenges in his own country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, observers are keen to assess whether Tshisekedi's tenure at the AU will serve as a distraction from internal issues, particularly in the eastern region. The AU Commission elections, featuring eight contested positions, including the Chairperson position, highlight the importance of leadership and institutional reforms within the organization. Incumbent Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat's tenure has been marked by institutional reforms, conflict resolution efforts, and the establishment of key initiatives like the AFCFTA. While some have lauded his achievements, the absence of a strong challenger in the elections raises questions about the competitive landscape within the AU. The new rules under the Kagame reforms, stipulating gender balance in leadership roles, further complicate the electoral process and underscore the need for a diverse and inclusive leadership team. As the 34th AU Assembly approaches, stakeholders are poised to witness a transition of leadership, deliberations on pressing issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts in Africa, and the election of new Commissioners. The virtual summit will provide a platform for AU member states to reflect on past achievements, confront current challenges, and chart a path forward for a more resilient and united Africa.