African Union appoints Fathallah Sijilmassi as Special Envoy for G20

The African Union (AU) has appointed Moroccan diplomat Fathallah Sijilmassi as its Special Envoy for the G20 and Global Affairs. Announced by AU Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the appointment is a strategic move to strengthen the continent's influence following the AU's elevation to permanent membership in the G20.

Sijilmassi, who previously served as Morocco's ambassador to France and Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean, will work to ensure African priorities are integrated into international decision-making. His mandate includes advocating for coordinated African positions on critical issues such as global governance, international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate action, and trade.

In his role, Sijilmassi will conduct consultations with AU member states, international partners, and various stakeholders to amplify the continent's voice across multilateral platforms and ensure that the perspectives of African nations are effectively heard in a transforming global landscape.