In late June 2025, the African Union made a decisive diplomatic move by appointing Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Idris as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Head of the AU Mission in New York. The timing is significant, as global attention increasingly turns toward Africa’s role in peace, security, development, and global governance.
A seasoned diplomat, Idris has held key positions throughout his career. He previously served as Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, as Ambassador to Ethiopia headquarters of the African Union and has been deeply involved in multilateral negotiations. In 2024, he was appointed to the UN Peacebuilding Fund’s High-Level Advisory Board, a nod to his extensive experience in conflict resolution and development strategy.
Don’t miss any more news by subscribing to our Telegram channel
And our Facebook page
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment: the United Nations is marking its 80th anniversary, and Africa is pushing for a greater voice in shaping international decisions. Idris’s new role is not merely symbolic it reflects a growing political will across the continent to assert Africa’s place in global governance, advocate for reform in international institutions, and prioritize African concerns such as climate justice, equitable development financing, and post-conflict recovery.
Idris will now be tasked with uniting the voices of all 55 African Union member states, building alliances, and presenting a coherent African stance at the highest levels of diplomacy. His leadership is seen as a bold step forward for a continent that seeks not just inclusion but influence in the decisions that shape the world
Ermias Tilahun | Correspondent
