Bujumbura, June 15, 2026 – On the eve of the continental summit dedicated to the fight against Ebola, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, was received in Bujumbura by the President of the Republic of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who currently serves as the African Union Chairperson.
The high-level meeting took place against a backdrop of growing public health concerns across the continent, as well as numerous security and institutional challenges requiring a coordinated response from African states.
During their discussions, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf provided an updated overview of the epidemiological situation in Africa, drawing on data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). He commended the efforts made by African Union member states and the support provided by international partners in preventing and managing the risks associated with the spread of the Ebola virus.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of collective mobilization to strengthen the continent’s health systems, enhance disease surveillance mechanisms, and ensure a rapid and coordinated response to public health emergencies.
Beyond health issues, the discussions also focused on the institutional reforms currently underway within the African Union. These reforms aim to improve the organization’s effectiveness, strengthen governance, and enhance its capacity to respond to crises affecting various regions of the continent.
Security challenges across Africa also featured prominently in the talks. The two leaders reviewed the ongoing conflicts and tensions in Sudan, South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Sahel region, where terrorism, population displacement, and political instability continue to pose serious concerns for African institutions.
On this occasion, President Évariste Ndayishimiye reaffirmed Burundi’s commitment to supporting African Union initiatives aimed at promoting public health, peace, security, and institutional strengthening. He also called for greater solidarity among African states to address the multiple crises confronting the continent.
This strategic meeting comes at a critical time for Africa, as the continent’s leaders prepare to convene and define new public health priorities while strengthening cooperation mechanisms designed to preserve stability and promote sustainable development across Africa.
