The 39th summit of the African Union commenced on February 14th in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and is set to conclude on Sunday. The gathering is expected to discuss numerous urgent issues and crises plaguing the continent, including the ongoing conflicts in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the civil war in Sudan, the resumption of hostilities in South Sudan, and the escalating threat of terrorism affecting various African nations. The summit's focus on these challenges highlights the urgent need for a unified approach to securing peace and stability across Africa.

During the opening ceremony, the conference featured a wide array of leaders, albeit with only about half of the heads of state in attendance, as many were represented by their Prime Ministers. Notable attendees included General Mamadi Doumbouya, the president of Guinea, and General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the president of Gabon. These high-level representations indicate the importance that member states place on this summit and its discussions, which are critical to addressing the continent's pressing security and governance issues.

As the discussions move into closed sessions, the emphasis on multilateralism as a means of combating these threats comes into sharp focus. The ongoing violence in various regions underscores the need for collaborative efforts among African nations to promote diplomacy and mutual support. The summit serves not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a crucial opportunity for leaders to forge stronger partnerships aimed at achieving lasting peace and development in Africa.