Seychelles thanks African Union Commission Chair at closing of 49th Executive Council session
Released: 2026-07-29
VICTORIA, Seychelles. Seychelles has formally thanked the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for attending the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, marking the moment at the closing of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council.
Speaking on the final day of the Council, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Barry Faure, conveyed Seychelles’ appreciation to H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the AU Commission Chair, for graciously attending the national celebrations that marked the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Seychelles.
Minister Faure highlighted the role that the continental body had played in the country’s struggle for Independence. His remarks drew a general applause from members of the Council.
Beyond the recognition, the Council turned to the business of the summit’s final day. Members considered the draft working programme and the declaration of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, scheduled for 4 October 2026 in El Alamein, Egypt.
The Council also considered and adopted the decisions emerging from its 49th Ordinary Session, which reflected deliberations on key continental priorities and matters on the AU agenda, including the Commission’s new scale of assessment for membership.
Ambassador Faure expressed Seychelles’ support for the Harmonised Option, noting that it is underpinned by the principles of capacity to pay, solidarity and equitable burden-sharing among AU Member States.
The Minister also expressed support for the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the AU Steering Committee on Partnerships, and welcomed the Permanent Representative Committee’s role, together with the Commission, in ensuring its consistent use in negotiating outcome documents across AU Partnership processes.
The conclusion of the Executive Council paves the way for the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, which will bring together AU members to further strengthen coordination and advance Africa’s integration agenda.
