Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the African Union during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa.

The handover ceremony took place on February 14, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Burundi, as its Head of State takes on the leadership of the continental body. Ndayishimiye succeeds Angolan President João Lourenço, whose one-year mandate has come to an end.

In his address, President Ndayishimiye called for stronger solidarity among African nations in the face of ongoing security, economic, and social challenges across the continent. He emphasized the importance of advancing peace, sustainable development, and regional integration, while reaffirming commitment to the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term strategic framework for the continent’s transformation.

As Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2026, Ndayishimiye will play a key diplomatic role in representing the continent on the global stage and coordinating collective efforts to address Africa’s pressing priorities.