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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has arrived in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, to take part in the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) of the African Union (AU). The summit is a crucial platform for enhancing regional integration and synchronizing continental development strategies.
According to presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shinawy, President Al-Sisi is attending the summit in two key capacities: as the Chair of the North Africa Regional Mechanism and as the Chairperson of the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). These roles position him as a central figure in shaping Africa’s developmental trajectory.
During the summit, President Al-Sisi is expected to present Egypt’s initiatives to reinforce the effectiveness of regional coordination mechanisms, emphasizing the vital connection between peace, security, and development. His address will likely advocate for an integrated approach that promotes long-term stability through sustainable development goals.
The MYCM was introduced in 2017 as a streamlined alternative to the AU’s traditional mid-year summits. It brings together a select group of high-ranking African leaders, including the heads of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU Commissioners, and leaders of regional institutions. The meeting’s primary objective is to harmonize and coordinate the efforts of the AU and RECs in accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063 — the AU’s strategic vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development across Africa.
The MYCM plays a critical role in reviewing progress in continental integration, clarifying the division of responsibilities among the AU, member states, RECs, and other bodies, and aligning policies across various sectors. It also identifies opportunities for regional collaboration, sets up cooperative mechanisms, and evaluates how well AU policies and legal instruments are being implemented.
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In addition to the formal summit proceedings, President Al-Sisi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several African leaders. These discussions aim to address key challenges such as political instability, economic hardship, and security threats, while also exploring pathways to strengthen intra-African partnerships and cooperation.
Egypt’s involvement in this high-level summit comes at a critical juncture. The continent is grappling with a range of interlinked crises, including the effects of climate change, persistent armed conflicts, food insecurity, and demographic pressures. Against this backdrop, the AU summit represents a strategic opportunity to deepen continental unity and chart a cohesive, forward-looking path for Africa’s shared future.