H.E. Amb. Minata Samaté Cessouma is a native of Burkina Faso and career diplomat currently serving as the African Union’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. She has extensive expertise in international relations and governance to advance the African Union’s flagship programs, focusing on the development of efficient health systems and the effective management of humanitarian affairs, population, and migration policies.
Prior to her current appointment, H.E. Samaté held significant positions, including Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso and Deputy Minister in charge of Regional Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With over 30 years of experience in diplomacy, peace, and security, she has made substantial contributions at the international level, serving as Director of the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Mission in Darfur.
From 2017 to 2021, she excelled as Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union, where she played a key role in preventing electoral crises, managing humanitarian challenges, and promoting good governance, the State of law, and human rights across the continent.
In her current role, H.E. Samaté is dedicated to fostering social development through employment, culture, sport, and the free movement of persons, ensuring that the needs of the African population are effectively addressed.