Official account of GIZ African Union - Connecting people, partners and ideas across #Africa. Registration information: https://xitter.cf/t.co/eWb3yLMnd1
Addis Ababa
Joined January 2022
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GIZ African Union retweeted
The third edition of #AbidjanBorderForum (ABF) ended on a high note with closing statements from H.E. Niale Kaba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮, H.E. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr @KONATEDiakalid1, Executive Director @CnfciC and H.E. Matthias Veltin, German Ambassador in Côte d'Ivoire.
The speakers thanked H.E. President Alassane Dramane Ouattara and H.E. AUC Chairperson @ymahmoudali for convening the Forum, and thanked Côte d'Ivoire for hosting the event.
Key messages:
- Borders and integration are complementary
- Ratify and bring into force the Niamey Convention
- Adopt the AU Border Governance Strategy to mitigate complex security challenges to advance the Free Movement Protocol and the @AfCFTA and strengthen cooperation
- Continue delimiting and demarcating interstate boundaries and developing border spaces, with AU Border Programme (AUBP) support
- Promote Agenda 2063 and its Silencing the Guns flagship project
- Put border communities at the heart of border governance policy for sustainable integration
They also thanked partners, particularly Germany (@AuswaertgesAmt), Switzerland, ICMPD, and IOM, for their support to #ABF2026.
Overall, participants reaffirmed the Abidjan Border Forum as a platform to advance security, peaceful coexistence, cross-border cooperation and African integration.
GIZ African Union retweeted
The second half of day 2 of the Abidjan Border Forum on border security in Côté d’Ivoire began with a presentation by a representative of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, moderated by Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns.
A panel discussion followed, focusing on the people at the heart of the transformation of Africa’s borders, moderated by Dr Mohamadou Abdoul, with contributions from Emeritus Prof. Nguya Ndila Malengana Celestin from DRC 🇨🇩, Prof. Mamadou Hébié, from Leiden University, and Mr Kelvin Chibangula from Zambia. Discussions focused on the role of border communities in boundary delimitation and demarcation and on its impacts on them.
Prof. Ouattara Azoumana also presented on student mobility within West Africa and cross-border knowledge for the stabilisation of borders.
GIZ African Union retweeted
Keynote Remarks by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, at the 3rd Abidjan Border Forum (ABF), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
GIZ African Union retweeted
The first half of day 2 of the Abidjan Border Forum focused on cross-border integration, featuring a public lecture by H.E. Adama Dosso, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the challenges of integration in a changing Africa, moderated by Dr Paul Simon Handy, Regional Director, @issafrica.
It was followed by a panel discussion on cross-border cooperation for the integration of peoples, moderated by Mr Jacques Essissongo of Congo 🇨🇬, with contributions from Mr Issoufou Yao of the Sikasso-Korhogo-Bobo-Dioulasso Cross-Border Local Authorities Union, Dr Jabulile Mzimela of 🇿🇦, Mr Galma Agah of the Peace Committee in Sollolo Subcounty 🇰🇪, and Ms Gertrude Rose Gamwera Buyiga 🇺🇬 Discussions focused on decentralisation and cross-border cooperation; local knowledge, mobility, cultural ties, and life on the border; the links between cross-border cooperation and informal structures; and collaboration among cross-border local authorities.
Prof. Innocent Moyo also moderated a roundtable on opportunities and prospects for cross-border trade across Africa, with contributions from Mr Ziad Hamoui of 🇬🇭, Mr Yao Gnangoran of the Noé Intervention Unit of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Organisation, Mme Jeanne Nlate of FOTRAC and Mr Moses Mugisa of 🇺🇬.
Critical recommendations included the need to strengthen cooperation between the AU, RECs and Member States in implementing an integrated border governance towards the actualisation of the @AfCFTA. At the borders, scaling up industrialisation and value-added production and transport and logistics networks towards improving intra-Africa trade, promoting Good neighbourliness and cross-border development projects, supporting economic activities in border communities and promoting social cohesion across borders.
GIZ African Union retweeted
Day 1 of the third edition of the Abidjan Border Forum featured a public lecture by H.E. Françoise Remarck, Ivorian 🇨🇮 Minister of Culture, on culture as a means of bringing peoples together.
This was followed by a panel discussion on lives of border peoples, reflecting on life at the borders “without borders”, moderated by Stéphane Tchioffo, with contributions from Dr. Nurudine Oyewole, Ms. Koffi Akissi Mahoua, Mr. Tafadzwa Zauya, Hon. David Pulkol and Dr. Adamou Yusufa. Discussions focused on the role of border communities in border security, managing the free movement of people and goods, pastoralism as a way of life, and conflict-resolution mechanisms in the context of transhumance.
Amb. Aguibou Diarrah, former Head of the AU Border Program, also presented his book, titled “From the Pledge of African Unity to the Concept of Border Countries (May 1963 to the Present)”, with reflections by Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, moderated by Dr. @KONATEDiakalid1, @CnfciC Executive Director.
Artiste Alpha Blondy made a case for “Borderless” Dialogue Among Peoples and Cultures, emphasising the need for African agency in promoting pan-Africanism, industrialisation, intra-African trade, and the free movement of persons and goods. Prof. Yacouba Konaté moderated this session.
GIZ African Union retweeted
At the opening of the 3rd Abidjan Border Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, called for African borders to become gateways to cooperation, peace, security & shared prosperity.
He commended H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire & Champion of Agenda 2063, for his steadfast commitment to Africa’s continental development agenda, & thanked the Ivorian authorities for their hospitality.
Addressing the Forum’s theme, “People at the Borders: Culture, Security and Integration,” the Chairperson @ymahmoudali underscored the compatibility of national sovereignty with deeper cultural, economic and commercial integration. He stressed that communities sharing languages, traditions & cultural heritage across borders are valuable assets for advancing #Agenda2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (@AfCFTA).
He called for the development of cross-border corridors, modernisation of border posts, simplified procedures and coordinated border management to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
Recognising that border areas are also vulnerable to terrorism, illicit trafficking and organised crime, he emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among neighbouring States.
The Chairperson urged AU Member States to ratify the 2014 Niamey Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation and the 2018 Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and the Right of Establishment.
He reaffirmed that building a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa depends on effective, people-centred border governance that transforms borders from lines of separation into bridges of cooperation and shared development.
Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…
GIZ African Union retweeted
À l’ouverture de la 3ᵉ édition du Forum d’Abidjan sur les frontières, en Côte d’Ivoire, le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine (UA), S.E. M. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a appelé à faire des frontières africaines de véritables espaces de coopération, de paix, de sécurité et de prospérité partagée.
Il a salué l’engagement constant de S.E. M. Alassane Ouattara, Président de la République de Côte d’Ivoire et Champion de l’Agenda 2063, en faveur de la réalisation des ambitions continentales de développement de l’Afrique, et exprimé sa gratitude aux autorités ivoiriennes pour leur accueil chaleureux et leur hospitalité.
S’exprimant sur le thème du Forum, « Les populations aux frontières : culture, sécurité et intégration », le Président de la Commission @ymahmoudali a souligné que le respect de la souveraineté nationale est pleinement compatible avec le renforcement de l’intégration culturelle, économique et commerciale. Il a rappelé que les communautés transfrontalières, unies par des langues, des traditions et un patrimoine culturel communs, constituent un atout majeur pour la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2063 et le développement de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf).
Il a plaidé en faveur du développement des corridors transfrontaliers, de la modernisation des postes-frontières, de la simplification des procédures et du renforcement de la gestion coordonnée des frontières, afin de faciliter la circulation des personnes et des biens.
Tout en soulignant les vulnérabilités particulières des zones frontalières face au terrorisme, aux trafics illicites et à la criminalité organisée, il a insisté sur la nécessité d’intensifier la coopération entre les États voisins pour relever efficacement ces défis communs.
Le Président de la Commission a également exhorté les États membres de l’Union africaine à ratifier la Convention de Niamey de 2014 sur la coopération transfrontalière et le Protocole de 2018 relatif à la libre circulation des personnes, au droit de résidence et au droit d’établissement.
Il a enfin réaffirmé que l’édification d’une Afrique pacifique, intégrée et prospère repose sur une gouvernance efficace des frontières, centrée sur les populations et leurs besoins, afin de transformer les lignes de séparation en passerelles de coopération, de rapprochement et de développement partagé.
Lire @ au.int/fr/pressreleases/2026…
GIZ African Union retweeted
Abidjan Border Forum constitue une plateforme innovante qui offre, tous les deux ans, des opportunités d’échange et d’interaction entre les acteurs étatiques, non étatiques, nationaux, régionaux et internationaux concernés par les frontières, pour une « Afrique qui réfléchit sur les frontières, par elle-même et pour elle-même ». Il s’agit d’une plateforme continentale de réflexion et d’action concrète sur la gouvernance des frontières en Afrique. C’est un instrument transnational au service des États africains, de l’Union africaine, des Communautés Economiques Régionales, des acteurs du secteur privé, des organisations de la société civile et des partenaires au développement, favorisant les synergies pour une action collective en faveur d’une gestion intégrée et durable des frontières.
Veuillez visionner cette vidéo sur les langues et les frontières.
Abidjan Border Forum is an innovative platform that offers opportunities for exchange and interaction every two years among state, non-state, national, regional, and international border stakeholders, for an “Africa that thinks about borders, by itself and for itself”. It is a continental platform for reflection and concrete action on border governance in Africa. It is a transnational instrument that serves African states, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, private-sector actors, Civil Society Organisations, and development partners, fostering synergies for collective action in support of integrated and sustainable border management.
#Watch this video on Languages and Borders with subtitles in English.
youtu.be/Ey6j8hLMrDM?si=40fL…
#AbidjanBorderForum #ABF2026 #ABF
GIZ African Union retweeted
La troisième édition de Abidjan Border Forum (ABF), sur le thème « Peuples aux frontières : Culture, intégration et sécurité », prévue du 20 au 22 octobre 2026, sera lancée ce matin au Parc des Expositions d’Abidjan 🇨🇮 par Son Excellence Robert Beugré Mambe, Premier Ministre de la République de Côte d’Ivoire, et Son Excellence Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Président de la Commission de l’UA.
En attendant, veuillez visionner cette vidéo sur l’ethnicité et la diversité.
The third edition of the Abidjan Border Forum (ABF), themed “Border Communities: Culture, Integration and Security”, to be held from 20 to 22 October 2026, will be opened this morning at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre by H.E. Robert Beugré Mambe, Prime Minister of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission.
You may watch the video below on ethnicity and diversity with English subtitles.
youtu.be/e6zYMJKDll4?si=NA7v…
GIZ African Union retweeted
Abidjan Border Forum vise à mettre en exergue le rôle stratégique des communautés frontalières dans la promotion de la cohésion sociale, de l’intégration régionale et de la sécurité transfrontalière. Plus précisément, les participants feront le point sur la compréhension actuelle des dynamiques culturelles, sociales et économiques des communautés frontalières ; identifieront les écarts entre les cadres réglementaires régionaux et sous-régionaux et leur mise en œuvre sur le terrain ; mettront en avant les initiatives transfrontalières couronnées de succès en matière de gouvernance inclusive et intégrée des frontières ; et formuleront des recommandations opérationnelles pour le positionnement stratégique des communautés frontalières au sein des politiques continentales, régionales et nationales de gouvernance des frontières.
Veuillez visionner cette vidéo sur l’Art et la Culture
Abidjan Border Forum aims to highlight the strategic role of border communities in promoting social cohesion, regional integration, and cross-border security. Specifically, participants will review the current understanding of the cultural, social, and economic dynamics of border communities; identify gaps between regional and subregional regulatory frameworks and their on-the-ground implementation; highlight successful cross-border initiatives in inclusive and integrated border governance; and formulate operational recommendations for the strategic positioning of border communities within continental, regional, and national border governance policies.
Watch this video on Arts and Culture with subtitles in English
youtu.be/oaQb2VQKEAM?feature…
GIZ African Union retweeted
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire 🇨🇮 and the African Union Commission proudly announce the holding of the third edition of the Abidjan Border Forum, the pan-African meeting place for border stakeholders, from 20 to 22 October 2026 at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan. #FromBarrierstoBridges #ABF #AbidjanBorderForum cc @CnfciC @SCnfci
🌍 Climate-induced floods and droughts devastate African communities, but funding to address the damage can be slow to arrive.
This week in Addis Ababa, AUC and REC experts explored Loss and Damage and access to climate finance.
@_AfricanUnion
#LossAndDamage #ClimateFinance
GIZ African Union retweeted
From 12–15 Oct, the #AU with the support of @GIZAfricanUnion will convene 2️⃣ important mtgs:
12–13: Capacity-Building Workshop on Loss & Damage & Access to Climate Finance;
14–15: Final Consultation & Validation Mtg on the Draft Continental Strategy on Climate Induced Mobility.
GIZ African Union retweeted
Algiers, #Algeria 🇩🇿– Today, @_AUC_PAPS with AU-CTE and @GIZAfricanUnion convened a Regional Forum on the Engagement of FemWise Members in Preventing Radicalization & Violent Extremism in North Africa & the Sahel.
Opening remarks from Honourable Justice Effie Owuor (@FemWiseAfrica Co-Chair), Amb. Dr @madutdet (Head of MDD), Ms Hassnaa Tamam (AYAP-North Africa) & Ms Salwa Makhloufi (Presidente de la Commission de Médiation du Conseil des Droits de l'Homme algérien) underscored the need for synergy between Member States, RECs, AU youth, women & civil society especially on prevention & early warning.
Purely security-driven responses are not enough: we need a holistic approach integrating economic, social & educational dimensions, with coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
Women & youth are not just beneficiaries, they are part of the solution. Their meaningful inclusion in this initiative is essential to building sustainable peace.
#FemWiseAfrica #WomenPeaceSecurity
#Youth4Peace #AU #GIZ
GIZ African Union retweeted
Day 1 of the Regional Forum on the Engagement of FemWise Members in P/CVE continued with Session III, which aimed to foster a shared understanding of existing #AU, RECs and RMs strategic frameworks for P/CVE, with particular emphasis on the role of women.
Representatives from @MISAHELOFFICIEL, CEN-SAD, NARC and @ecowas_cedeao presented their respective regional mechanisms, highlighting the specific roles assigned to women within these frameworks.
#PVCVE #WomenPeaceSecurity
#AU #GIZ #FemwiseAfrica
20 years of the MPFA have helped shape Africa's continental approach to migration governance. The AU Migration Advisory Council marks another step forward: stronger cooperation & a platform for Africa-led dialogue on migration & mobility. Looking forward to the next chapter.
20 years. One continental vision. A new chapter.
For two decades, the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (#MPFA) has guided Africa’s approach to migration governance. As we mark #MPFA20, the African Union is moving to establish a Migration Advisory Council (MAC) - bringing together Heads of Immigration from AU Member States and REC officials to provide strategic direction on border governance.
First consultative meeting on establishing the MAC: Lomé, Togo | 28–30 September.
Stronger borders. Freer movement. Deeper trade under the AfCFTA. The next 20 years will require more than policy. They will require institutions, cooperation, and Africa-led solutions. Read the MPFA: tinyurl.com/4jpyp527
GIZ African Union retweeted
“Successful return is not measured simply by whether a person crosses a border back home.
It is measured by whether that person can rebuild a life…”
Excerpts from the powerful keynote address by H.E @amma_twumamoah during the 2026 #ADi.
Read more ⤵️
au.int/en/speeches/20260831/…
GIZ African Union retweeted
Care work is the foundation of our economies. It sustains families, enables human development & empowers women to fully participate in educ, work & leadership.
Mr. Michael Münch, Head of Cooperation, @GerEmbAddis
#AfricaCares #AfricaCareForum
#Agenda2063
GIZ African Union retweeted
Germany commits additional €12.1M to support key AU-initiatives on regional integration, sust. economic growth, energy, & Ebola response. This reaffirms 🇩🇪’s strong commitment to the AU Agenda 2063 & partnerships with the @_AfricanUnion & Africa.
#GermanyinAfrica #GermanyAU
