08 September 2018

Addis Ababa, 7 September 2018: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is encouraged by the recent positive developments in the Horn of Africa, in particular the improvement of relations between countries of the region. In this respect, he welcomes the signing of the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation between Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea in Asmara, on 5 September 2018, as well as the visit undertaken by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of these three countries to Djibouti, on 6 September 2018, as part of the efforts to normalise relations and promote good neighbourliness, enhance peace and stability, and advance regional integration.

The Chairperson of the Commission commends the leaders of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia for their steadfast efforts and commitment to the higher interests of their people and the region as a whole. He reiterates that the steps taken are a major milestone in Africa’s endeavour to silence the guns by 2020 and promote deeper regional and continental integration, in line with Agenda 2063. These regionally-led efforts are also a clear demonstration of the value and effectiveness of the search for African solutions to African problems.  He looks forward to similar bold initiatives and concrete results in other conflict and crisis situations on the continent.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the African Union readiness to accompany the countries of the region and support them in every way they deem appropriate.