Eritrean Delegation Participates in AU Executive Council Session

Asmara, 3 August 2026 – An Eritrean delegation led by Mr. Biniam Berhe, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Ethiopia and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, participated in the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council.

The session, convened at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 28 and 29 July, was held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063.”

Addressing the session on Eritrea’s policies and positions regarding the main topics under discussion, the Eritrean delegation noted that, since Eritrea is located in the Sahel Belt, where water scarcity is prevalent, ensuring an adequate water supply is one of the country’s main national development priorities. The delegation further stated that Eritrea is making substantial, forward-looking investments in sustainable water management, backed by firm political commitment.

The delegation also stated that potable water coverage, which stood at less than 13% in 1991, has now reached 85% as a result of substantial investments in the construction of water reservoirs and related infrastructure. It added that the number of dams has increased from 138 to 850.

The delegation further noted that Eritrea is working toward the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 and has so far registered encouraging results.

After reviewing progress made during the first half of the year in programs aimed at ensuring access to potable water, the session proposed measures to be taken in the future.