Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — February 14, 2026 African Union Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for an immediate halt to the “extermination “of the Palestinian people, delivering a strong statement at the opening of the 39th summit of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During the summit, which commenced on February 14, 2026, Youssouf emphasized the plight of the Palestinian people, marking a significant moment in the context of African diplomacy on the issue.
The summit brought together heads of state from the 55 member states of the African Union.
The African Union Chairman’s statement also touched upon the multiple conflicts in Africa, highlighting the heavy price of instability in regions such as Sudan, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and elsewhere.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has long been a source of international concern.
The African Union has historically been involved in peacekeeping and diplomacy in the region, and Youssouf’s remarks represent a strong stance by the African Union on the issue of Palestinian rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Regional officials confirmed that the African Union has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the situation, but specific details of these efforts were not immediately available.
The statement by the African Union Chairman is likely to elicit a range of responses from various stakeholders, including Israeli officials, Palestinian leaders, and international bodies such as the United Nations. Further details are expected as the summit continues and reactions to Youssouf’s statement are gathered.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
