Congratulatory and Valedictory Letters from HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos to African Union and Barbados, 14 February 2026

His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos has addressed a valedictory letter to the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, who concluded his tenure on 14 February 2019.

His Imperial Highness has further conveyed letters of congratulations to the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, and to The Right Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, both of whom have formally assumed office.

The full texts of the letters are appended herewith.

His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, 

President 

Republic of Angola

Valedictory letter from Prince Estifanos Matewos to outgoing Chairman of the African Union His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola

Date: February 14, 2026

Your Excellency,

As you complete your term as Chairperson of our Union, I write to commend you on your exemplary leadership and to express my profound appreciation for your devoted service which was a true labour of love for Africa. You successfully guided our Union through multiple internal and external challenges with dignity, while steadfastly respecting and upholding its core values. I am deeply appreciative of your unwavering support for the agreements and policies crafted and implemented during your tenure, each contributing meaningfully to the strengthening of our continental architecture and global standing. The foundation reinforced under your chairmanship will endure. Your reflections at the handover ceremony spoke not only of institutional transition, but of collective responsibility. The emphasis you placed on practical, people-centred development will continue to inspire us in policy and purpose as we strive on, in service to our beloved continent and people. Your Excellency, Africa remains indebted to your stewardship. May your continued service to the Republic of Angola and to the African continent be crowned with wisdom, fortitude and good health.

With highest esteem and fraternal regard,

HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos

His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi

Chairman

African Union

Congratulatory letter from Prince Estifanos Matewos to the Chairman of the African Union 

14 February, 2026

Your Excellency,

It is with the utmost respect, profound admiration, and sincere affection that I extend my congratulations, Your Excellency, on your assumption of the Presidency of the African Union. We stand at a pivotal moment, where Africa’s voice must resonate clearly, our solidarity must be genuine, and our cooperation guided by a common purpose. I am confident that, under your leadership, the Union will strengthen continental unity, foster tangible, people-centered progress, particularly in empowering our youth, and ensure that the development of our nations remains firmly rooted in dignity, security, and shared prosperity. Please know that my office offers you its unwavering support in advancing this year’s theme, especially in addressing the continent’s peace and security challenges. May the Almighty guide your steps and bless your leadership with wisdom, courage, and lasting success for the benefit of our continent and its people.

Best wishes for your good health and continued success,

HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos

The Right Honorable Mia Mottley

Prime Minister 

Republic of Barbados

Congratulatory letter from Prince Estifanos Matewos to The Right Honorable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

14 February, 2026

The Rt. Honorable,

It is with profound respect and admiration that I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your resounding election victory. Your historic third consecutive mandate stands as a striking affirmation of the enduring words of our forefather and pioneer, the people’s professor Walter Rodney, who said “The people must be confident that they have the power to change things.” Through periods of both regional and global uncertainty, you have inspired new confidence in good governance, resilience, and purpose. I take this opportuniy to convey my sincere appreciation for your tireless work in strengthening relations between the Caribbean Diaspora and the African continent, recognising that we remain bound by heritage, but also shared struggle and aspiration. Your impassioned leadership in advocating unity, economic justice, and mutual respect has elevated the standard in diaspora-Africa engagement, infusing our collective trajectory with strategic promise within the shifting global order. As you continue in service, please accept the full support of my office. May this new chapter of service be one of bold initiatives, strengthened ties, and enduring fulfilment for the people of Barbados, the Caribbean, and all People of African Descent who share in the dream of a more just, connected, and flourishing world. 

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem,

HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos