Leaders are gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the annual summit of the African Union, as analysts highlight rising concerns over governance, youth inclusion, and democratic standards across the continent.
Analysts warn the AU faces a legitimacy challenge as Africa’s young population questions its effectiveness in addressing coups, disputed elections, and economic hardship worsened by foreign aid reductions, including cuts from the United States.
Liesl Louw-Vaudran, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said youth frustration reflects perceptions that the AU prioritises governments over citizens.
Key developments:
• Africa has over 400 million people aged 15–35, with youth numbers expected to double by 2050.
• The AU faced backlash after praising elections in Uganda despite reported opposition harassment.
• The 39th summit focuses on water security, climate response, and humanitarian challenges.
Critics, including residents in Abuja, Nigeria, urge stronger AU accountability on security and economic crises.
ℹ️ AP News
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