The African Union Commission has expressed concern over a recent decision by the United States to halt participation in and funding for several multilateral institutions, warning that the move could have far-reaching implications for Africa’s development, peacebuilding, and humanitarian efforts.
In a statement on January 12, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the AU had taken note of a Presidential Memorandum by the US government directing the cessation of American participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations entities, as well as withdrawal from selected non-UN international organisations.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission… has taken note of the recent Presidential Memorandum issued by the Government of the United States of America directing the cessation of United States participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations entities,” the statement said.
Youssouf acknowledged Washington’s sovereign right to review its international engagements in line with its national priorities and domestic processes.
However, he underscored the long-standing role of the United States as a key partner to Africa and a pillar of the multilateral system.
“The United States has long been a pivotal partner of Africa and a central pillar of the multilateral system, whose leadership, resources, and values have contributed significantly to global peace, development, humanitarian action, and the advancement of human dignity,” he said.
The AU Chairperson aligned himself with remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the need for a strong and inclusive multilateral system at a time of multiple global crises.
He noted that the international community is grappling with intersecting challenges, including armed conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats.
The Commission highlighted that several of the institutions affected by the US decision play a critical role in Africa.
These include the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UN Women, UNFPA, the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund, and mechanisms dedicated to protecting children in armed conflict.
“These institutions have been instrumental in strengthening national and regional capacities, promoting inclusive economic growth, advancing gender equality, supporting post-conflict recovery, and safeguarding vulnerable populations across the continent,” Youssouf said.
He cautioned that any reduction in their operational capacity could undermine hard-won gains.
“Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings,” the statement noted.
Youssouf said Africa’s partnership with the United States has historically been grounded in shared interests, including peace and security, economic opportunity, democratic governance, and global stability.
Multilateral platforms, he added, have served as effective vehicles for advancing these objectives.
“Multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which these shared objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community,” he said.
The African Union Commission expressed hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the United Nations, and other international partners would help sustain critical multilateral functions, while also improving efficiency and accountability.
“The African Union Commission expresses its hope that continued dialogue… will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected,” the statement said.
Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to multilateralism, describing it as a cornerstone for addressing global challenges and advancing shared prosperity, peace, and security, while pledging continued constructive engagement with all partners, including the United States.
