The Annual African Leaders’ Summit was kicked off at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, assembling all the member states of the African Union, except Somalia, for this one-day event. The leaders have gathered to talk about the issues facing the continent, with particular reference to the conflicts in the DRC and ameliorating the situation in Sudan and a recognition of the broader issues raised by issues of historical injustices connected with colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination.The ever-worsening violence in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has gained ground, has generated fears of all-out war. Meanwhile, the situation in Sudan is turning critical as efforts continue to chart a course toward peaceful coexistence. It is in this atmosphere that African leaders pronounce to give a “unified vision” for confronting past and present challenges, underlining the summit’s theme of “Joint African Justice and the Rights of People of African Descent.”Major participants include Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders whereby he will open a new page in strengthening Somalia’s relations within the African Union. Other dignitaries at present include King Mswati III of Eswatini, President Duma Boko of Botswana, and President William Ruto of Kenya. The summit shall elect new AU leadership and release declarations on peace, unity, and sovereignty on the continent. The aim is to use the gathering to chart a strong and more united African future.