Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks with African Union Commission Chairperson

July 19, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke today with His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.

The Minister highlighted the AUC’s strong leadership in responding to the COVID-19 crisis and reiterated Canada’s commitment to working with African partners to ensure that our response to, and recovery from, this crisis best addresses the specific needs of African nations. Chairperson Faki noted that the AUC welcomes collaboration with Canada in response to the pandemic and in support of peace and good governance in Africa.

Minister Garneau reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to working closely with the AUC, including through the upcoming Canada-African Union Commission high-level consultations. These consultations will serve as an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for further collaboration.

Minister Garneau also expressed his deep concern regarding the political and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. He stressed the importance of humanitarian aid reaching those in need, which requires cooperation from all parties to the conflict, as well as their commitment to upholding their obligations under international humanitarian law. Minister Garneau welcomed the inquiry of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights into human rights abuses in Tigray and echoed calls for African-led solutions to the crisis. The Minister and the Chairperson also discussed their concerns over the situation in Chad and the need for ongoing inclusive dialogue among parties.

Minister Garneau and Chairperson Faki agreed to continue to work together toward the common objective of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.