The African Union has appointed President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi as the Special Envoy for the Sahel region.
The announcement was made on Thursday, by AU Chairperson João Lourenço, who is also the President of Angola.
President Ndayishimiye currently serves as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security.
His new role will involve leading the AU’s renewed diplomatic and political efforts to address the growing security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel region.
"The Chairperson of the African Union is most grateful to H.E. President Évariste Ndayishimiye for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union," the AU said in a statement.
The Special Envoy is expected to engage with national governments, regional bodies, civil society organizations, and other key players in the Sahel.
His mission will focus on promoting dialogue, building consensus, and encouraging comprehensive solutions that can deliver lasting peace and stability in the region.
The AU highlighted Ndayishimiye’s vast political experience and firm commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration, and cooperation as key qualifications for the role.
His appointment, the Union said, signals its ongoing dedication to peacebuilding in a region that remains one of Africa’s most volatile.
President Ndayishimiye’s leadership is seen as central to advancing the AU’s broader goal of "silencing the guns" across the continent—a campaign aimed at ending armed conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
"The Chairperson of the African Union has expressed full confidence in President Ndayishimiye’s ability to advance the Union’s vision through his distinguished leadership and deep understanding of the continent’s complex dynamics," the statement read.
The AU is now calling on its Commission, the AU Mission in the Sahel (MISAHEL), and the international community to fully support the Special Envoy in his work. He is expected to begin his engagements in the region immediately.
This appointment comes at a time when the Sahel continues to grapple with armed insurgencies, political instability, and humanitarian crises, affecting millions across countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad.
Ndayishimiye’s mission is expected to boost high-level diplomacy and collaborative efforts aimed at reversing the region’s trajectory toward deeper conflict.
His role will also include mobilizing regional and international support to implement peace strategies that reflect the voices and needs of people across the Sahel.
