The Chairperson of the African Union (AU), President João Lourenço of Angola, has appointed H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, as the AU’s Special Envoy for the Sahel region.
The high-level appointment was announced in Luanda on Thursday, reflecting the AU’s renewed commitment to addressing the persistent security and humanitarian crises afflicting the Sahel.
President Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace, and Security, is expected to lead a revitalized continental effort to stabilize the region and foster sustainable peace.
“The Chairperson of the African Union is most grateful to H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union,” reads the AU press statement.
As Special Envoy, President Ndayishimiye will engage with governmental authorities, civil society, regional organizations, and other key stakeholders to foster dialogue, promote inclusive solutions, and coordinate high-level diplomatic actions.
His mandate includes building consensus around peacebuilding strategies, enhancing regional cooperation, and facilitating humanitarian responses across the region.
The Sahel has witnessed years of instability, with violent extremism, political upheavals, and humanitarian emergencies deeply impacting countries such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad.
President Ndayishimiye’s appointment comes at a time when regional and international actors are seeking new momentum in the effort to restore peace and security.
The AU Chairperson emphasized that President Ndayishimiye brings “very rich political experience and impeccable credentials of resolute commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and cooperation.”
His leadership, the statement noted, is expected to be instrumental in advancing the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative—a flagship continental agenda to end violent conflicts and promote sustainable development.
The AU has urged the AU Commission, its Mission in the Sahel (MISAHEL), regional bodies, and the international community to fully support the new Special Envoy as he begins his work.
President Ndayishimiye is expected to commence his official engagements in the Sahel region immediately.