African officials have emphasized the need to redouble continental efforts to address peace and security challenges and foster Africa's development amid mounting global uncertainties.   

ADDIS ABABA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- African officials have emphasized the need to redouble continental efforts to address peace and security challenges and foster Africa's development amid mounting global uncertainties.

This came as African foreign ministers, the African Union (AU) Commission leadership, and officials of various AU organs convened the 24th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council Tuesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Addressing the opening session, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the urgent need to enhance efforts aimed at promoting continental development, stability, and unity to withstand the adverse effects of "ever-growing" global uncertainties.

"In light of the profound challenges and the polarization of the world, I would like to underscore the importance of African solidarity and the coherence of our actions that we carry out for our continent, because we have difficult times ahead," Youssouf said, expressing concern over recent developments undermining multilateralism.

He called for the strengthening of the AU and its institutions to speed up Africa's integration and development.

Angolan Minister of External Relations and Chairperson of the Executive Council Tete Antonio, concurred, emphasizing the need to collectively address peace and security challenges hindering the continent's peaceful socio-economic development.

"This is an issue of great importance to our continent," he said. "For without peace and stability, our course towards progress and development is rendered ever more inaccessible."

Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, on his part, highlighted the instrumental role of the AU in fostering continental togetherness and commitment as Africa encounters extraordinary global uncertainties.

"The AU must be proactive in navigating these challenges with wisdom and farsighted leadership. It must be agile and fit for purpose to achieve the vision of Agenda 2063, creating a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous continent through the implementation of 'Silencing the Guns' and other flagship projects," Timothewos said in a statement delivered on his behalf.

The two-day extraordinary session of the AU Executive Council, among other things, is expected to elect and appoint one member of the AU Peace and Security Council, one member of the AU Commission on International Law, and one member of the African Space Council, it was noted.■