Representatives from Regional Economic Communities across Africa met with the Partner Embassies Group in Addis Ababa to review progress on integration and align priorities under Burundi’s Presidency of the African Union (AU).
A key point of discussion was the free movement of people. While Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) highlighted real progress within West Africa, delegates warned that continental integration is being held back by a low rate of member states ratifying the AU’s Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons.
Burundi also presented a mid-term review of its presidency, pointing to key milestones including the adoption of the African Water and Sanitation Policy, new early-warning frameworks for security and humanitarian crises, and programs focused on youth inclusion and women’s empowerment.
–ChannelAfrica/ECOWAS–
