Former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has been appointed as the High-Level Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The appointment was announced on March 25, 2026, by the AUC Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as part of the African Union’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement in addressing political, peace and security challenges in the region.
The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor remain strategically important for global trade and regional stability but continue to face complex political and security pressures that require coordinated diplomatic solutions.
Following the announcement, President Samia Suluhu Hassan congratulated Dr Kikwete, describing the appointment as a great honour both for him and for Tanzania.
She expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would contribute to strengthening the African Union’s efforts to promote sustainable peace and stability across the region.
In his new role, Dr Kikwete will support the African Union in advancing preventive diplomacy and facilitating inclusive political dialogue among countries and stakeholders in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
His mandate will also include building trust among regional actors and strengthening cooperation aimed at preventing conflicts and promoting long-term stability.
As High-Level Representative, Dr Kikwete will work closely with the African Union and major regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), the League of Arab States and the United Nations.
The African Union believes Dr Kikwete’s long diplomatic experience and leadership will help strengthen dialogue, support regional cooperation and contribute to lasting peace and development in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
His appointment comes at a time when the region requires stronger diplomatic coordination to safeguard peace, stability and the security of key global trade routes that pass through the Red Sea corridor.
