BUJUMBURA, Burundi – African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has met Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye ahead of the AU Summit on Ebola, which opens in Bujumbura under the Burundian leader’s chairmanship.
The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace as African leaders prepare to discuss the continent’s response to one of its most persistent public health threats.
During the discussions, Youssouf briefed President Ndayishimiye on the evolving Ebola situation across Africa. The update drew on assessments from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and reports from affected member states.
He also highlighted the support provided by AU member states and international partners in strengthening outbreak response efforts.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Since it was first identified in Africa in 1976, the virus has caused multiple outbreaks across the continent. The 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic remains the deadliest on record, claiming more than 11,000 lives and exposing weaknesses in health systems and emergency response capacity.
Although significant progress has been made in disease surveillance, vaccination and outbreak management, health experts continue to warn that Ebola remains a major public health risk, particularly in areas with fragile healthcare systems and high population mobility.
Beyond health matters, the two leaders discussed several strategic priorities facing the African Union. These included ongoing institutional reforms designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the continental body.
Youssouf also commended Kenyan President William Ruto for his leadership in advancing the AU reform agenda.
The meeting further reviewed peace and security developments across Africa. The AU Commission Chairperson provided updates on mediation and peacebuilding efforts in Sudan, South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Discussions also covered efforts to support the restoration of constitutional order in parts of the Sahel region.
President Ndayishimiye welcomed the briefing and reaffirmed Burundi’s commitment to supporting AU reforms, peace initiatives and public health preparedness.
The AU Summit on Ebola is expected to strengthen continental coordination, mobilize resources and enhance Africa’s readiness to prevent and respond to future disease outbreaks.