President John Dramani Mahama has been elected First Vice Chairperson of the African Union as Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye assumes the rotating chairmanship for 2026. The elections occurred at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with Ndayishimiye succeeding Angola’s João Lourenço.
The new AU Bureau for 2026 comprises representatives from all five African regions. Burundi holds the Chair representing Central Africa, while Ghana’s President Mahama serves as First Vice Chair for West Africa. Tanzania occupies the Second Vice position for East Africa, and Angola serves as Rapporteur for Southern Africa.
The Third Vice position representing North Africa remains pending confirmation. The regional distribution ensures balanced continental representation within the AU’s leadership structure for the coming year.
Mahama’s election positions Ghana prominently within Africa’s premier political institution during a critical period for continental cooperation on security, development, and governance challenges. The role carries significant diplomatic weight in shaping AU agendas and mediating regional issues.
