In February of each year, leaders from across the African continent convene in Addis Ababa for the African Union (AU) Summit, which is often seen as a symbol of Africa's commitment to unity and development. However, while the summit generates ambitious communiqués and public displays of solidarity, the reality for the majority of Africans remains largely unchanged. The critiques suggest that these meetings have become more of a ceremonial obligation rather than a genuine opportunity for progress and accountability in addressing the continent's challenges.

Since its establishment in 2002, the AU was intended to transcend the limitations of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU), moving from a stance of non-interference to one of non-indifference. This shift was aimed at ensuring that leaders would no longer stand idle in the face of governmental abuses or conflicts. However, the continued failure of the AU to enforce its principles raises concerns about the effectiveness of such summits in driving change. As leaders return to their nations with little progress made, the gap between political rhetoric and actionable outcomes becomes increasingly evident.

The AU Summit's potential to facilitate genuine transformation is overshadowed by political hesitance and a lack of accountability among the member states. While high expectations were placed on the AU to lead the continent towards democratic governance and sustainable development, the summit often ends up being a platform for leaders to reaffirm their commitments without facing the realities of their domestic situations. For many Africans, the ongoing cycle of summitry reflects a disheartening continuity of inaction, prompting a need for a reevaluation of how these gatherings can truly benefit the continent and its people.