ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has held talks with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as the continental organization continues diplomatic engagement on peace, dialogue and regional stability across Africa.
The meeting took place on August 21 and brought together Youssouf and Obasanjo, who is serving as an African Union High Representative. According to an official African Union readout, the two leaders exchanged views on significant regional developments and other matters affecting the continent. The AU did not provide detailed information about individual conflicts or countries discussed during the meeting.
The talks come at a time when the African Union is confronting multiple peace and security challenges across the continent. The engagement also highlights the institution’s continued reliance on experienced African statesmen and diplomatic representatives to support dialogue, mediation and African-led approaches to conflict prevention and resolution.
Youssouf expressed appreciation for Obasanjo’s continued involvement in continental peace initiatives, with the African Union saying the Chairperson recognized the former Nigerian leader’s contribution to promoting “peace, dialogue and stability” across Africa.
Obasanjo’s current involvement carries particular significance because Youssouf appointed him in May 2026 to support African Union peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa. At the time of the appointment, Youssouf described the former Nigerian president as bringing “unparalleled experience, wisdom, and credibility” to the assignment. The AU said his responsibilities include engaging relevant parties, encouraging confidence-building and dialogue, and supporting efforts toward lasting peace, reconciliation and stability in the region.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007 after an earlier period as military head of state, has remained active in African diplomacy after leaving office. His involvement in mediation and high-level continental initiatives has positioned him among the senior African political figures frequently called upon to engage with governments and other stakeholders during periods of political or security tension.
For Youssouf, the meeting forms part of broader diplomatic activity by the leadership of the African Union Commission. The Djiboutian diplomat, who previously served for many years as his country’s foreign minister, leads the Commission at a time when the organization is seeking stronger African-led responses to conflict, political instability and development challenges.
Although the African Union’s statement did not announce a new agreement or specific peace initiative following the talks, the meeting underscored the organization’s emphasis on sustained political engagement. The AU has consistently identified peace and security as essential foundations for continental integration and development, making continued dialogue between its leadership and experienced mediators an important part of its diplomatic strategy.
The discussion between Youssouf and Obasanjo therefore reflects a broader effort to strengthen African diplomatic mechanisms at a time when several regions continue to face complex political, humanitarian and security pressures. Their engagement signals the African Union’s intention to keep dialogue, mediation and continental cooperation at the center of efforts to advance stability and peaceful resolution of disputes.
