ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- African envoys on Monday convened the 51st Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC), as continental peace and security concerns took center stage, alongside the AU's theme for the year 2026 on harnessing Africa's water resources.
Held under the framework of the 39th AU summit at the headquarters of the pan-African bloc in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, the meeting brought together ambassadors of African countries based in Addis Ababa and key AU officials, among others.
The PRC session emphasized the urgency of addressing Africa's peace and security concerns.
The envoys also highlighted the strategic importance of this year's theme, which focuses on water as a vital resource for life, development, and sustainability.
Addressing the opening session, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf acknowledged peace and security concerns across the continent, notably in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Libya, and the Sahel, as well as recent unconstitutional developments on the continent.
"The African Union continues to act with urgency to address these crises and advance reforms, particularly within the African peace and security architecture," he said.
Youssouf also expressed concern over the "increasingly complex global environment" marked by shrinking financial resources, rising protectionism, tariff barriers, and visa restrictions affecting African citizens.
He urged African countries to strengthen solidarity, unity, and self-reliance to safeguard the continent's collective interests.
Youssouf reaffirmed the 55-member continental bloc's commitment to working closely with its members to ensure a successful summit that advances peace, development, and Africa's voice on the global stage.
The PRC session, which runs from Jan. 12 to 30, will review strategic reports regarding the implementation of activities as part of the AU's theme for the year 2025 -- "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."
Envoys are also expected to deliberate on a roadmap for the AU theme of the year 2026 on "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."
Draft decisions from the PRC meeting will be forwarded to the AU Executive Council, comprising African foreign ministers, for review and approval at its Feb. 11-12 session.
The decisions will then be submitted to the assembly of AU heads of state and government during its summit from Feb. 14 to 15, according to the AU. ■
