The African Union (AU) Commission has issued a stark warning about the imminent 2026/2027 El Niño event, projected to be the strongest since 1950. The commission is urging member states to urgently enhance preparedness to mitigate severe droughts, floods, and food insecurity that could impact millions across the continent.
Speaking in Addis Ababa during an extraordinary session of a specialized technical committee, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, emphasized the gravity of the situation.
Key risks highlighted include:
- Severe droughts and prolonged heatwaves
- Devastating floods and infrastructure damage
- Disruptions to food production and water shortages
- Increased disease outbreaks and humanitarian needs
- Pressure on national economies, public finances, and regional stability
Vilakati recalled the harsh impacts of the 2023/2024 El Niño season, which already caused widespread droughts, flooding, and destruction affecting millions. He cautioned that delayed action could lead to a humanitarian disaster rather than a manageable crisis.
"This is not a distant possibility. It is an imminent risk that demands immediate preparation at national, regional and continental levels," Vilakati said, urging decisive and coordinated measures to reduce the upcoming season's toll.
The AU’s call to action aims to mobilize governments and stakeholders to strengthen resilience against climate extremes and safeguard vulnerable communities and economies from the anticipated El Niño impacts.
