The UAE and the African Union Commission (AUC) have called for an immediate humanitarian truce and permanent ceasefire in Sudan, along with unhindered aid access and the formation of an independent civilian-led government.
The appeal came during a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa between UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The talks reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to strengthening the UAE-African Union partnership and advancing peace, security and development across Africa.
Discussions focused on key priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the 'Silencing the Guns' initiative, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, underscoring the link between stability and economic growth.
Both sides also welcomed the UAE’s $1 billion 'AI for Development' initiative and pledged closer cooperation on water resilience ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.
The meeting also addressed regional security in the Horn of Africa, Somalia’s stability, and reiterated support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the three UAE islands occupied by Iran.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE and AUC’s commitment to deepening cooperation in support of peace, stability and sustainable development across the continent.
Joint Statement between United Arab Emirates, African Union Commission#WamNews https://t.co/52lo7hcfrL pic.twitter.com/vNGQ7zYvSm
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) January 7, 2026

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