AUC Chief responds after Spokesperson’s Private-Jet photo sparks online debate

African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has responded to mounting criticism after a photograph of his spokesperson traveling aboard a luxurious private jet went viral, raising questions about the use of African Union resources.

The photo, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by AUC spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, showed him seated inside a private aircraft. It quickly sparked backlash online, with many users accusing AU officials of hypocrisy during a period of economic hardship and persistent crises across the continent.

In a statement issued Thursday, Youssouf clarified that the aircraft was not funded by the African Union. Instead, he said the jet was provided by Angolan President João Lourenço, following the Luanda Summit on infrastructure.

“This was a flight that HE Pdt Lourenco , chair of the AU put at my disposal to help me catch up another conference after the Luanda Summit on infrastructure,” Youssouf said. “Our Union does not have the resources to rent special flights for the AUC. I thank President Lourenço. However, the picture of my spokesperson was not appropriate. I acknowledge that.”

Following the Chairperson’s remarks, Sheekh issued a public apology, describing the post as an error in judgment.

“Excellency, I acknowledge that my post was ill-judged & understandably attracted reactions from yourself, colleagues & friends. I sincerely regret sharing the photo & any unintended impressions it created. It was only meant to reflect the hospitality of the government and people of Angola. I remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.”

The incident comes at a sensitive time for the African Union, which continues to call for financial austerity and local funding for peace operations — even as the continent faces escalating conflict, humanitarian pressure and economic strain.

Critics say the AU has struggled to respond effectively to major political and security crises in countries such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of the Sahel.

The organization also recently faced backlash after congratulating Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya on his declared victory in the October 12 election, despite widespread allegations of fraud and heavy-handed security crackdowns.

Biya, 92, has ruled since 1982 and is accused by opponents of manipulating state institutions to maintain power. Protests erupted in several cities, particularly in Douala, where streets were littered with burnt debris after clashes with security forces. Civil society group Stand Up for Cameroon claims at least 23 people were killed during the unrest, though Reuters who reported said it could not independently verify the figures.

The private jet controversy, while relatively small in isolation, underlines the growing pressure on the AU leadership to demonstrate stronger moral authority as crises mount across the continent.