France–African Union: A Strategic Dialogue to Strengthen Cooperation in the Face of Global Challenges

On April 13, 2026, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, held in Paris the third session of the strategic dialogue between France and the African Union Commission.

In an international context marked by rising tensions and persistent imbalances, both parties emphasized the need to strengthen global governance based on strict respect for international law, while highlighting the principles of universality, responsibility, and solidarity. They also reaffirmed their commitment to an ambitious reform of the multilateral system to make it more representative and inclusive.

At the heart of the discussions was the reform of the United Nations Security Council, which both leaders described as urgent. They stressed the need to make the body more effective and representative, in line with the common African position, notably the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. The upcoming presentation of the African reform model in New York was welcomed as a historic opportunity to advance this agenda.

The discussions also addressed Africa’s role in global governance bodies, particularly within the G20 and in the context of France’s presidency of the G7. Both sides expressed their determination to strengthen Africa’s voice on the international stage.

On the economic front, France and the African Union agreed on the need to reform the international financial architecture to better meet the continent’s needs. Emphasis was placed on access to financing, debt management, industrialization, and the ecological transition, in line with Agenda 2063 and the Pact for Prosperity, People and the Planet.

Issues related to development, climate, and health also featured prominently in the discussions, along with access to water and sanitation, which is the African Union’s theme for 2026. Both parties highlighted the challenges linked to water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change.

On the security front, the two leaders expressed deep concern over ongoing crises in Africa. Regarding Sudan, they called for an immediate humanitarian truce and reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s unity. In the Great Lakes region, they stressed respect for the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the need to facilitate humanitarian access, notably through the resumption of flights to and from Goma airport.

The situation in Somalia and security challenges in the Red Sea were also discussed, as well as the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in the Sahel region. Both sides advocated for a comprehensive approach combining security measures with political, economic, and social responses.

The discussions also touched on the Africa Forward Summit, scheduled for May 11–12 in Nairobi, which aims to propose concrete solutions to shared challenges and strengthen partnerships between France and the African continent.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission was received by the President of the French Republic and also met with representatives of civil society and African diasporas at the Maison des Mondes Africains.

Finally, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a partnership based on mutual interests and shared values, and agreed to continue this strategic dialogue, with the next session to be held in Addis Ababa.

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