STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. BANKOLE ADEOYECOMMISSIONER FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS, PEACE AND SECURITYAFRICAN UNION COMMISSION
ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE AFRICA DAY OF DECENTRALISATION AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
UNDER THE THEME:“Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063”
10 AUGUST 2026
Fellow Africans,As we commemorate the Africa Day of Decentralization and Local Development, on behalf of His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, I convey warm greetings to all Africans, local government leaders, public servants and communities whose daily efforts practically contribute to democratic governance and inclusive development.
Given that 10 August of every year is dedicated to the Commemoration of the Africa Day of Decentralization and local governance development as enshrine in Article 20 of the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development, this Day affirms a simple truth that the Africa We Want must be built to advance the lives and wellbeing of our people.
This year’s theme is especially timely as It aligns with the 2026 AU Theme of the Year, titled “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” and with the Africa Water Vision 2063, an AU Policy endorsed by our Heads of State and Government.