The 30th African Union Heads of State summit has opened in Addis Ababa. This year's theme is "winning the fight against corruption in Africa". It's been identified as a key factor in peace and security matters, especially in combating terrorism. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has taken over the one-year tenure, as chairperson of the union. CGTN's Girum Chala has more.  

The AU's 30th assembly of the heads of state started with a closed session. Peace and security issues dominated the agenda. During the opening session AU'S outgoing chair, and President of Guinea Alpha Conde, said the time has come for Africa to fight as one against terrorists.

ALPHA CONDE OUTGOING AU CHAIR "So we need to unite our efforts and get together, conjugate and put in concert all our efforts to fight against terrorism."

Winning the fight against corruption in Africa. That is the theme of this year's summit. The AU has chosen Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as a champion to lead the continent's effort. 

MUHAMMADU BUHARI NIGERIAN PRESIDENT "I pledge that I shall do my very best to ensure that the anti-corruption agenda will receive the attention it deserves and make the impact we all hope for during 2018 and beyond."

This summit also saw the handing over of AU chairmanship from Guinea's Alpha Conde to Rwanda's Paul Kagame. Kagame said Africa needs to expedite the process of implementing reforms for the benefit of African people.

PAUL KAGAME INCOMING AU CHAIR "Our people deserve a brighter future. Their sacrifice and hard work should be rewarded with better lives for families and communities."

GIRUM CHALA ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA "So the year 2018 will hopefully see a lot of measure positive change in the African continent from tangible works of fighting corruption to a colletive waging war on terrorism in Africa to even reform in the way the AU does business. However that will be the case if only the African Union implements its decisions fully. Girum Chala, CGTN, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia."