Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Brazzaville

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, held talks with President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Sunday, 16 August 2026, focusing on the major challenges currently facing the African continent.

The discussions centred on the security and political situation in the Sahel, as well as development in the Great Lakes region.

The two leaders also discussed the financing of the African Union, a key issue in strengthening the autonomy and operational capacity of the continental organisation.

The situation in Libya also featured prominently in the discussions.

In his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya, Denis Sassou Nguesso discussed with the Chairperson of the Commission the efforts being undertaken to promote reconciliation and stability in the North African country.

The meeting took place against a backdrop of persistent tensions in several parts of the continent and the need for the African Union to strengthen its conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.

At the end of the audience, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed his gratitude to the Congolese Head of State for the warm welcome extended to him during the celebrations marking the independence of the Republic of the Congo