Addis Ababa — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed that political parties must look beyond the pursuit of power and instead focus on serving citizens, strengthening democratic governance, and building consensus on the continent’s development priorities, he said today.
Speaking at the second African Political Parties Summit 2026, currently taking place in Addis Ababa, the Chairperson emphasized that political parties are central to advancing democratic governance, peace and development, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Youssouf outlined three core responsibilities for political parties: crafting social and economic policies that benefit citizens, fostering connections between citizens and state institutions, and raising public awareness of broader national interests.
“Are they meant to conquer power, or is the mission wider than that?” he asked, stressing that parties should serve the public and promote national interests over narrow political, ethnic, or sectarian agendas.
The Chairperson also highlighted the crucial role of opposition parties in monitoring government actions and ensuring public accountability.
On constitutional governance, Youssouf asserted that states bear a fundamental duty to safeguard their constitutions, conduct credible elections, and uphold respect for fundamental freedoms.
“In case of disagreements on those critical issues, dialogue must always prevail,” he noted.
He further emphasized the importance of transparency in political party financing, arguing that strict regulations are needed to prevent corruption and undue external influence.
Citing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the Chairperson noted that the instrument recognizes political pluralism and promotes the rights and responsibilities of both ruling and opposition parties.
He also described the Maputo Protocol as a key foundation for women’s participation in political life, stressing the need for forums that bring together women and young people to promote greater access to political engagement and decision‑making.
Youssouf stressed that African citizens must be involved in decisions that affect their communities.
Turning to Africa’s economic future, he described political parties as architects of the continent’s future, emphasizing the need for institutions that can shape that future around the general public interest rather than partisan considerations.
He called for lasting consensus on key development priorities, including education, youth employment, infrastructure development, and continental integration.
Cooperation in these areas should be strengthened through open debate and citizens’ oversight of public affairs, he added.
Youssouf acknowledged that some AU member states are grappling with challenges stemming from unconstitutional changes of government, political instability, and internal conflicts.
However, he reaffirmed the African Union’s determination to promote democratic governance, peace, development, and greater inclusivity in the political sphere of its member states.
The AU Commission Chairperson finally urged the summit to translate the commitments made in Accra into concrete measures, clearly define responsibilities, and sustain follow‑up actions.
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