Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has now taken over as chairperson of the African Union, a position that is just ceremonial but significant.
The Egyptian leader assumed the role on Sunday after Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame ended his tenure.
The position of AU chair rotates between the five regions of Africa.
Heads of state from the 55 member nations, have been meeting this weekend in Addis Ababa for a two-day summit.
The summit is focusing on institutional reforms, and the establishment of a continent-wide free trade zone.
The signing of the trade agreement under the tenure of Kagama was seen as very significant.
Today marked the end of #Rwanda’s chairpersonship of the @_AfricanUnion and President @PaulKagame handed over to President @AlsisiOfficial of #Egypt during the opening ceremony of the 32nd #AUSummit pic.twitter.com/mT1cHpPL4s
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) February 10, 2019
But there are fears that will not be a priority of the chairmanship under Egypt.
.@AlsisiOfficial takes over as #AfricanUnion Chair from @PaulKagame during the 32nd #AUSummit
ADVERTISEMENT— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) February 10, 2019
The Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) was agreed by 44 nations in March 2018.
So far only 19 countries have ratified the agreement. 22 countries are needed for the deal to come into effect.
Egypt to focus on security
Egypt is seen as more likely to focus on security issues than expanding the powers of the body.
#Terrorism remains a cancer that affects #African nations and steals the dreams of our people and we must identify and combat those who fund terrorism activities on the continent @AlsisiOfficial @AUC_MoussaFaki @AU_PSD
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) February 10, 2019
Last year, Elissa Jobson, head of African advocacy for the International Crisis Group (ICG) told the AFP that there is a concern that “Egypt is very unlikely to push the reforms forward, even if it doesn’t try to reverse them.”
There are also concerns about Egypt chairing the continental body due to issues of human rights.
Amnesty International according to AFP expressed fears that Egypt’s chairmanship could undermine human rights mechanisms in the AU.
AFP quotes Najia Bounaim, Amnesty’s North Africa Campaigns Director as saying that “During his time in power President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has demonstrated a shocking contempt for human rights. Under his leadership the country has undergone a catastrophic decline in rights and freedoms.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
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