AU Backs UN Resolution for Accurate African Mapping

The African Union (AU) has expressed its full support for a United Nations resolution aimed at improving the accuracy of African mapping. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the chairperson of the AU Commission, commended Togo for championing this initiative, which received backing from 164 countries, with only the United States voting against it.

Youssouf praised the leadership of Togo's President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé for mobilizing broad international support. The resolution addresses the inaccuracies of the Mercator projection, which significantly understates Africa's true size.

Youssouf emphasized the importance of representing Africa based on objective realities and called on international institutions, educational systems, and digital platforms to adopt more accurate cartographic representations. The AU Commission plans to collaborate with Togo, member states, and relevant partners to implement this initiative effectively.