Egypt to assume presidency of African Union Peace and Security Council in February

CAIRO - 31 January 2026: The Arab Republic of Egypt will assume the rotating presidency of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on February 1, 2026, for a one-month term, at a critical time marked by escalating security, political, and developmental challenges across the African continent.

The presidency comes amid complex regional and international circumstances that require enhanced cooperation and coordinated action to address these pressing issues.

During its tenure, Egypt aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Peace and Security Council—the African Union’s primary body responsible for maintaining stability and security—through a comprehensive approach focused on strengthening Africa’s peace, security, and governance architecture. These efforts are intended to support conflict resolution, promote stability, and advance the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Egypt’s presidency will be guided by the core principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, including respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of member states, the preservation of national institutions, non-interference in internal affairs, and the promotion of multilateral action within the AU framework as a means of achieving lasting security, stability, and development.

The agenda of Egypt’s presidency includes a series of intensive meetings addressing developments in Sudan and Somalia. These will feature informal ministerial-level consultations with the Sudanese foreign minister, followed by two ministerial sessions dedicated to discussing the evolving situations in both countries. The Council is also set to adopt its annual report on its activities, which will be presented by the Egyptian delegation at the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government.

In addition, Egypt’s program encompasses Council sessions on climate, peace, and security; post-conflict reconstruction and development—a file led by Egypt; artificial intelligence, governance, and peace and security; as well as consultations with specialized agencies on the links between food security, peace, and stability. The presidency will also coordinate a range of events, consultations, and field visits with relevant stakeholders to support the Council’s work during the month.