Egyptian media personality, Nashaat Al-Dehi, has proposed temporarily relocating the African Union (AU) headquarters from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to another African country until the security situation in Ethiopia stabilizes. This proposal was made during his presentation of his program, "Balwara Wal Qalam," on the Egyptian TV channel "Ten" on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Al-Dehi emphasized that his suggestion is not intended to punish Ethiopia but to provide a safer environment for the continuation of African joint work and protection of diplomatic missions.
The current AU headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Al-Dehi's proposal is linked to the organization's founding mechanisms. He cited historical precedents for temporarily relocating international institutions or meetings under exceptional circumstances. Al-Dehi noted that the ongoing security challenges in Ethiopia may necessitate exploring temporary alternatives for hosting AU meetings or activities to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and prevent disruption of joint work among African countries.
Al-Dehi stressed that his proposal does not imply taking a stance against Addis Ababa and that its purpose is to take temporary measures until the security situation improves and countries feel secure about their diplomatic missions. He suggested that countries like Tanzania, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, or Rwanda could potentially host AU activities or meetings during this period. Al-Dehi made it clear that his proposal does not involve relocating the AU headquarters to Cairo, which he believes could be perceived as competition with Ethiopia or targeting it.
The proposal by Al-Dehi has sparked interest and debate about the future of the AU headquarters and the security situation in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government and the AU have not officially commented on the proposal. However, it highlights the challenges faced by the AU in ensuring the safety and security of its members and staff in the face of regional instability.
Al-Dehi's suggestion has also raised questions about the potential implications for Ethiopia and the AU. If implemented, the temporary relocation could have significant effects on Ethiopia's international reputation and its role in African affairs. On the other hand, it could also provide an opportunity for other African countries to host AU activities and meetings, promoting greater regional involvement and cooperation.
The security situation in Ethiopia has been a concern for several years, with ongoing conflicts and tensions in various parts of the country. The AU, as a regional organization, has a vested interest in promoting stability and security in Ethiopia and the wider region. Al-Dehi's proposal may be seen as a pragmatic response to the current challenges, but it also requires careful consideration of the potential consequences and implications.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the AU and Ethiopian government will respond to Al-Dehi's proposal. The AU's response will likely depend on various factors, including the security situation in Ethiopia, the potential implications for the organization, and the willingness of other African countries to host AU activities and meetings.
Key points
- Nashaat Al-Dehi proposes temporarily relocating the African Union headquarters from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, due to security concerns.
- The proposal aims to provide a safer environment for African joint work and protection of diplomatic missions.
- Al-Dehi suggests that countries like Tanzania, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, or Rwanda could potentially host AU activities or meetings during this period.
