U.S. President Donald J. Trump has officially recognized Ambassador Constância Adelina Gaspar as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the African Union (AU) Mission to the United States. This marks the beginning of her new role at a crucial time for Africa's diplomatic efforts in Washington.
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The ceremony, which took place at the White House with the handing over of Letters of Credence, highlights that Ambassador Gaspar is the fourth woman to hold this important position.
This appointment is considered both symbolic and strategic, as the AU Mission aims to regain its importance after a period of reduced visibility.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), the African Union shared details about the event, stating:
"H.E. Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, has accredited Ambassador Constância Adelina Gaspar as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the African Union Mission to the United States, Washington DC office, during an official ceremony at the White House.
The presentation of Letters of Credence marks the start of Ambassador Gaspar’s mandate in Washington.
President Trump welcomed her appointment as a reflection of the enduring AU-US partnership, built on shared economic opportunities, sovereign leadership, and cooperation on peace and security.
For nearly two decades, the African Union and the United States have maintained a strong partnership grounded in advancing peace, prosperity, and stability across Africa."
The appointment has received support from AU leadership and Angola.
Ambassador Gaspar, a citizen of Angola, was officially appointed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as Permanent Representative and Head of the AU Mission to the United States, effective October 1, 2025, after securing the necessary agreement from the U.S. administration.
This development has been welcomed in Luanda.
Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Téte António, expressed pride and satisfaction, calling it a significant milestone not only for Angola but also for the Portuguese-speaking world and Africa's role in global governance.
Speaking from New York during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly when the initial announcement was made, the Angolan foreign minister highlighted that the appointment shows the increasing role of African women as leaders on the international stage.
Ambassador Gaspar assumes her role at a time when the AU Mission to the United States is seen as emerging from a period of dormancy.
The mission was once very visible during the tenure of Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, whose bold advocacy raised Africa's profile in U.S. policy circles.
However, her recall sparked controversy and left lasting institutional challenges.
Her successor, Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze, led a less active period, marked by limited engagement and reduced public diplomacy, giving little momentum to restore the mission’s previous influence.
Against this background, Ambassador Gaspar’s arrival is being closely watched as a conscious effort by the African Union to reset, professionalize, and stabilize its diplomatic engagement with Washington.
Ambassador Gaspar has an impressive background in law and diplomacy, with over 15 years of experience in Public International Law, treaty negotiation, and multilateral legal advisory work within the African Union and United Nations systems.
Before moving to Washington, she served as Officer-in-Charge of the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, where she also held the position of Senior Legal Officer.
In this role, she led high-level legal discussions on issues such as crime prevention, counter-terrorism, international governance, and Africa’s position within the UN system.
She was especially important in enhancing the legal coordination of the African Group, ensuring a unified African stance on complex issues debated in the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the UN General Assembly.
Known for her legal expertise and diplomatic discipline, Ambassador Gaspar is committed to justice, peace, multilateralism, and the rule of law in Africa.
As the fourth woman to lead the AU Mission in Washington, her accreditation shows the ongoing push by the African Union for gender equality in top diplomatic roles.
It also signals a return to focused, result-driven engagement.
Her mandate begins with clear expectations: to rebuild confidence after past challenges, reassert Africa’s voice in U.S. policy discussions, and strengthen AU-US cooperation during a time of changing global politics.
Whether her tenure will fully restore the mission’s former prominence remains to be seen—but her appointment shows the African Union's clear determination to move forward with renewed purpose.