ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday expressed deep concern over prevailing unconstitutional changes of governments, political and institutional instability, climate change and economic deficits in Africa.

Africa has witnessed exorbitant military spending as terrorism and conflict continue to destroy some African states, reversing their development priorities, Faki said at the opening of the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which began Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Faki said that unconstitutional changes of government have continued to multiply, defying the entire political and legal order of the union at the expense of vital social developments on the continent.

"Never since its establishment has the AU seen such a number of unconstitutional changes of governments in Africa," said Faki, acknowledging the continental body's failure to address the problem. He highlighted the situation in Libya, which remains divided and exposed to external interferences, and Sudan, which is sinking into chaos amid calls from its people for peace and justice that remain ignored.

Faki also pointed out worrying security challenges in the Horn of Africa, threatening the sovereignty, integrity, security and fundamental interests of all countries in the region. He said that the Great Lakes Region of Africa is bearing the brunt of a worsening security crisis, while the Sahel region faces a security vacuum following the withdrawal of the United Nations mission from the region.

Critically, Faki criticized the irregularities in elections, saying that instead of being peaceful transfers of power, elections have become factors exacerbating crises due to their extent of irregularities. He questioned the effectiveness of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture, highlighting the urgent need for action to counter these challenges.

Furthermore, Faki highlighted the importance of operationalizing new organs, particularly in the field of health, to ensure decisions are effectively implemented. He commended the African common positions on climate issues and the successful financing of African peacekeeping missions at the United Nations Security Council.

Faki also noted a decline in African solidarity and Pan-Africanism, urging a reconnection with the spirit of unity and collective action that characterized the fight against colonialism and apartheid. Enditem

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