Luanda - Angola's assumption of the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU) marks a significant movement in the history of its people and the continent, the charge d'affaires of the Zambian embassy in the country, Roster Mubita Namakau, said Wednesday in Luanda.
Speaking to ANGOP about João Lourenço's assumption of the AU presidency, Roster Mubita Namakau pointed to peace, security and sustainable development of the continent as the main thrusts of the new AU chairperson.
"I believe that Angola's AU presidency should focus strongly on peace, security, the fight against hunger and the sustainable development of the continent, among others," the diplomat said.
João Lourenço attended the 38th Summit of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16, which confirmed him as acting president of the continental organization until February 2026.
In his acceptance speech, João Lourenço said he intends to launch a vast plan to attract investments and significant financial resources from major international partners to carry out projects related to the construction of infrastructure on the continent.
Roster Namakau said the fact that Angola has experience in mediating conflicts on the continent, as president of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and champion of the African Union for Peace and Reconciliation, gives it priority in resolving security issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR).
The diplomat said her country expects Angola to play a key role in conflict resolution and economic integration, particularly through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and regional development projects such as the Lobito Corridor, which aim to boost trade and connectivity in Africa.
“President João Lourenço is recognized for the leadership role he continues to play in the international community," the diplomat said, stressing that now, as chair of the AU, the Angolan president will be able to extend his role to conflicts in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, promoting diplomatic and peaceful solutions to military interventions.
According to the Zambian diplomat, although there are high expectations for Angola's chairmanship of the AU, the obstacles that Angolan diplomacy may face should not be ignored, especially those related to internal resistance from conflict parties, regional rivalries and external influences.
The diplomat also said she expects the Angolan presidency to be an opportunity for the African Union and the United Nations to review the Ezulwini Consensus, which proposes at least two permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council.
Roster Namakau said she expected an AU presidency committed to ensuring greater balance in Africa's relations with global powers such as China, the European Union and the United States of America.
"The Angolan presidency is expected to prioritize economic partnerships, investment in infrastructure and technology transfer, while ensuring that Africa's interests are protected in global negotiations," the diplomat said.
Roster Namakau took the opportunity to congratulate Angola and the Angolans on the milestone that culminated in the appointment of João Lourenço to the head of the African organization.
To strengthen its position on the world stage, she said, Africa must strengthen regional integration, increase intra-African trade, and advocate for greater representation in global institutions.
Zambia's ambassador, Lawrence Chalungumana, bade farewell to Angola's head of diplomacy, Téte António, after seven years at the helm of his country's representation in Angola.
Angola and Zambia share a common border of 1,110 kilometers and have fairly regular cooperation relations within the framework of the General Agreement on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, signed in 1979.
Both countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. CF/JM/TED/AMP
