AMN PLUS-November 6, 2026
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has challenged the continent’s political parties to overhaul democratic governance, champion national interests, and put citizens at the heart of political decision-making.
Speaking at the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Thursday, Youssouf pressed leaders to move beyond rhetoric and deliver genuine civic participation.
He also commended Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his political leadership and transformational vision. He said the summit provides an opportunity to highlight the central role of democratic governance in Africa’s peace and development.
According to Youssouf, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 recognizes that peace and development are organically linked to good political governance, with political parties and civil society playing important roles.
Referring to the African Charter for Democracy, Elections and Governance, he said the charter recognizes political pluralism and promotes the rights and responsibilities of both ruling and opposition parties.
“We sometimes ask ourselves, what is the ultimate goal of political parties? Are they meant to conquer power? Or the mission is wider than that?” he queried.
He stressed that the mission of political parties should go beyond gaining political power, identifying three major responsibilities: serving citizens through social and economic policies, building bridges between citizens and institutions, and raising awareness about the superior interests of their countries.
He said these responsibilities help prevent sectarianism and ethnocentric tendencies. He also emphasized that opposition parties have an important role in monitoring government actions.
On constitutional governance, Youssouf said protecting the constitution, organizing credible elections and respecting fundamental freedoms are among the fundamental responsibilities of the state.
He stressed that dialogue must always prevail when disagreements arise over these critical issues.
He also highlighted the importance of transparency in political financing, calling for strict rules to govern the funding of political parties and prevent corruption and external influence.
Turning to inclusive political participation, Youssouf noted that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter, while the Maputo Protocol provides a solid foundation for women’s participation in political life.
He said forums that bring together youth and women provide greater opportunities for these groups to participate in political processes. He emphasized that African citizens must be involved in decisions affecting their communities.
Addressing the political situation across the continent, Youssouf said some African member states are facing difficult circumstances due to unconstitutional changes of government, while others are experiencing political instability and internal conflicts.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s determination to advocate for democratic governance, peace, development and greater inclusivity in the political space of its member states, according to Pulse of Africa.
