The African Group

Message from the Chair

The Member States in the United Nations General Assembly are divided into various geographical groupings. These are the groupings through which elections are conducted into various UN bodies and agencies.

Africa is allocated 3 non-permanent members of the Security Council, 14 members on ECOSOC, 13 Members on the Human Rights Council and the President of the General Assembly in years ending 4 and 9.

The Africa Group at the United Nations is made up of the 54 African Union Member States at the United Nations. The bloc coordinates its efforts on various topics, ranging from health and migration to issues of peace and security.

The group hold regular meetings to receive briefings from guests and UN officials and discuss on UN resolutions and topics so a common African position can be reached.

The group is chaired by an Ambassador from a Member State, with the position rotating monthly. The African Union Observer Mission serves as a coordinating secretariat for the group by arranging meetings, supporting the Chair, and generally providing logistical and administrative assistance where necessary.

J'ai l'honneur d'assumer la présidence de notre estimé groupe Afrique pour le mois d'avril. À l'heure où les défis et les opportunités mondiales évoluent, notre engagement collectif reste essentiel pour garantir que les priorités de l'Afrique soient au centre des discussions multilatérales. En tant que président, je m'efforcerai de faire en sorte que l'Afrique occupe la place qui lui revient dans le monde, ce qui ne sera possible que lorsque notre développement sera à la hauteur de notre immense potentiel. Notre voix unifiée doit s'élever dans tous les processus des Nations unies pour plaider en faveur d'une représentation juste, de partenariats équitables et de solutions durables aux défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés. Je me réjouis de travailler en étroite collaboration avec tous les membres du groupe Afrique pour promouvoir nos intérêts communs, renforcer la coordination et défendre les principes qui définissent les aspirations de notre continent sur la scène mondiale.

I am honored to assume the Chair of our esteemed Africa Group for the month of April. At a time of evolving global challenges and opportunities, our collective engagement remains critical in ensuring that Africa’s priorities are at the center of multilateral discussions.
As Chair, I will endeavor to push for Africa’s rightful place in the world, which can only be realized when our development matches our immense potential. Our unified voice must be elevated in all UN processes to advocate for fair representation, equitable partnerships, and sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. I look forward to working closely with all members of the Africa Group to advance our shared interests, strengthen coordination, and uphold the principles that define our continent’s aspirations on the global stage.

H.E. Mrs. Amb. Sophia Tesfamariam

Ambassador and
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Eritera to the United Nations

President of the African Group for the month of April 2025