AU calls for end to ‘extermination’ of Palestinians, decries African wars

Al Jazeera

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The African Union (AU) has called for an end to what it describes as the "extermination" of the Palestinian people, with AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressing the 39th AU Summit in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. The summit, themed around water sanitation, also focused on the pressing issues of conflict and instability across Africa and beyond. Youssouf emphasized the need for international law to be upheld, particularly in ending Israel's blockade of Palestinian territories and addressing the ongoing violence in Gaza, which has claimed over 72,045 lives since October 2023. The AU summit brought together African leaders to discuss a range of critical issues, including the devastating wars in Sudan, the Sahel region, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Youssouf highlighted the heavy toll these conflicts have taken on civilians, calling for a "silencing of the guns" across the continent. Additionally, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the AU as a "flagship for multilateralism," urging for a permanent African seat in the UN Security Council to reflect Africa's growing influence on the global stage. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the importance of water conservation and management as central to development and stability, particularly in light of rising tensions over resources like the Nile. However, challenges remain, with issues such as funding shortages for humanitarian aid, ongoing conflicts in South Sudan, and deadly disputes over land and resources continuing to plague the continent. The summit also addressed broader global concerns, including climate change, governance, and threats to democracy. With over 1.4 billion people across Africa, many of whom are young and eager for progress, the AU's focus on water management and conflict resolution is seen as crucial for fostering stability and development. The gathering underscored the urgency of addressing both immediate crises and long-term structural issues to ensure a brighter future for the continent. As global divisions grow, the AU's role in promoting multilateralism and addressing pressing international issues has never been more vital.

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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026