LUANDA, Angola — August 29, 2026 — Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, participated Saturday in the 26th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Luanda, as African governments gathered to examine ways of strengthening the continent’s mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts.
Minister Nduhungirehe confirmed his participation in the ministerial meeting, saying he was “attending, in Luanda, Angola, the 26th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council” focused on strengthening mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution across Africa.
The meeting forms part of an extraordinary African Union summit being held in the Angolan capital on August 29 and 30. According to the AU, the ministerial session is intended to advance practical policy measures aimed at improving the responsiveness, coordination and effectiveness of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture.
The discussions come as several parts of Africa continue to confront armed conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, political instability and tensions between states. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf told delegates that the continent’s peace and security environment has become increasingly complex, pointing to the expansion of terrorism and violent extremism alongside internal crises, interstate tensions and external shocks.
Youssouf called for stronger early-warning and conflict-prevention mechanisms, improved coordination between the AU Commission, the Peace and Security Council, member states and regional economic communities, and greater African responsibility for financing continental peace initiatives. He also emphasized that political commitment remains central to translating AU decisions into concrete results.
The gathering places renewed emphasis on prevention rather than relying primarily on responses after conflicts have escalated. Among the broader questions before African officials is whether existing continental institutions have sufficient resources, coordination and political backing to respond rapidly to emerging security threats.
Angola is hosting the meetings as part of its continuing diplomatic engagement in African peace and reconciliation initiatives. AU Commission Chairperson Youssouf praised Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and his government for their commitment to continental peace, security and reconciliation.
Saturday’s Executive Council meeting precedes the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at the Luanda Convention Palace. Heads of state and government are expected to consider the ministerial-level discussions as they examine reforms and measures designed to make African-led conflict prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms more effective.
Rwanda’s participation places the country among AU member states contributing to the continental discussion at a time when African leaders are seeking stronger collective approaches to preventing crises, resolving disputes and promoting sustainable peace through African institutions.
