The summit is taking place against the backdrop of several significant challenges facing the continent, with ongoing conflicts in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan dominating the discussions.

"The African Union (AU) summit is taking place against a backdrop of a myriad of challenges, including threats to democratic governance, peace and security, coups in some countries, and post-election violence," Ramaphosa said, underscoring the urgency of addressing these crises.

SA continues to play a key role in peacekeeping and mediation efforts across the continent. The country is involved in the AU High-Level Committees on South Sudan and Libya and has also deployed troops as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Eastern DRC.

This year's gathering is being held under the theme Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations. The African leaders are expected to focus on the long-overdue reparations owed to the continent as a result of centuries of colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The leaders are also set to elect a new AU Commission Chairperson, alongside other key officials of the continental body.

--ChannelAfrica--