Events
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July 09, 2013
Chad’s Ambassador bids farewell to AUC Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 9 July, 2013: Chad’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Mr. Chérif Mahamat Zene has bid farewell to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
After six years in the position, Ambassador Rene told the Chairperson how happy he was to have participated in enhancing continental cooperation. He said that as he leaves, he has no doubt that, in spite of the numerous challenges, the Chairperson has the requisite capacity and experience to deliver the expected results. He assured Chairperson of his continued support from New York, where he has been assigned by the Chadian Government.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma, on her part thanked the Ambassador for his enormous support, and looked forward to working closely with Chad to build a prosperous and integrated continent. She enjoined the country to continue playing its important role on the continent and also in the Central African sub-region.
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July 08, 2013
CAR Transition Prime Minister asks for enhanced AU and international support
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8 July, 2013:The Prime Minister of the Transitional Government in the Central African Republic, H.E. Nicolas Tiangaye has requested the African Union and the international community to increase its support to his crisis-hit country to enable it quickly return to normalcy. Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye made the plea during a meeting with the African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the AU Head Quarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian, 8 July 2013.
They discussed the enormous challenges CAR is confronted with, ranging from security, humanitarian, economic and financial challenges. Security remains the most pressing challengegiven it direct impact on other sectors. With over 1.5 million people internally displaced, medical services are disrupted and humanitarian agencies find it extremely difficult and risky to bring the much needed assistance to the population in desperate need. To address this, Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangayesaid that CAR requires about 3,500 troops and a robust mandate to help provide security.
In response, the AU Chairperson promised that the AU will continue to mobilize other countries to provide and deploy troops as soon as possible. “We will also have to keep mobilizing the international community to ensure that the country is not forgotten,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma assured the Prime Minister and his delegation.
Dr.Dlamini Zuma also highlighted the importance to prepare for elections within the agreed 18 month transition period in ways that does not exacerbate the crises. “Everyone must come together to ensure that the conditions for national dialogue and reconciliation are truly inclusive,”the Chairperson emphasized, adding that, “It is only when you can find an inclusive and sustainable solution that the country can prosper and socio-economic development will take its rightful course.”
Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye and his delegation met with Dr. Dlamini Zuma after attending the second meeting of the International Contact Group on the Central African Republic organized by the AU Peace and Security Department.The AU remains engaged with CAR, and to assist as best as it can to accelerate it return to normalcy.
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July 08, 2013
More transparency and accountability is required in the Extractive Industry transactions
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8 July, 2013:The African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has called for total transparency and accountability in extractive industry transactions on the African continent. Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterated this call in an audience with visiting French Minister for Development, H.E. Pascal Canfin on Monday, 8 July 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dr. DlaminiZuma drew attention to the primary need for African countries to build their capacity to ensure that signedcontract agreements are not one-sided. “Many African countries don’t have the capacity to determine production costs and revenue. We must be able to know how much the companies are extracting; how much they are declaring, and certainly, how much they are paying as taxes.”
The AU Commission Chairperson strongly recommended that African countries and those who want to support them should help train Africans to follow the processes from the beginning to the very end. “It is only then that we can talk of transparency,”Dr. Dlamini Zuma said.
Agreeing with the necessity to enhance transparency and accountability, the French Minister noted initiatives that the European Union is taking in that direction. “France,” H.E. Pascal Canfin said, “was the first country to help countries negotiate and re-negotiate contracts to have farer deals. France and Norway will finance a new initiative of Tax inspectors without borders.”
Apart from the necessity to increase transparency and accountability in transactions in the extractive industries, conversations onClimate Change, was also discussed in the meeting. France will be hosting the 2015 UN Conference on Climate Change.
The AU Commission Chairperson indicated that, “Africa is very concerned with Climate Change. The continent feels the most impact of climate change, though it is the least polluter, the least prepared and has the least means of adaptation for cleaner and renewable energy.” She expressed this concern, explaining why Africa should fully participate in climate change justice issues.
Though the AU has allocated some funds to Climate change issues as part of its 50th anniversary work, she raised the need to put in more resources. “There should be more resources available to fight desertification in Africa and the resources should be made easily accessible.” Dr. DlaminiZuma requested, adding the importance for France and others to understand the African common position in the build up to the 2015 conference.
The French Minister was accompanied by France’s Permanent Representative to the AU and Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Brigitte Collet and two other officials. The AUC Chairperson was accompanied by the Deputy Chairperson, H.E. Erastus Mwencha, the Chief of Staff, Ambassador Jean Baptiste Natama and other officials of the Bureau of the Chairperson.
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July 08, 2013
Appointment of the African Union High-level Panel in support of a peaceful and inclusive transition and the restoration of constitutional order in Egypt
Addis Ababa, 8 July 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, today, announced the appointment of the AU High-Level Panel for Egypt. The Panel consist of Alpha Oumar Konaré, former President of the Republic of Mali and former Chairperson of the AU Commission, as the Chairperson of the Panel; Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former President of the Republic of Botswana; and Dileita Mohamed Dileita, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Djibouti. The Panel will be assisted by a group of experts.
The decision to establish the Panel is in follow up to the earlier statements of the Chairperson of the Commission, issued on 3 and 4 July 2013, in which she reiterated the AU’s full support to the aspirations of the Egyptian people as expressed during the January-February 2011 Revolution and its commitment to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the current crisis, notably by dispatching a team of high-level African personalities. The initiative of the Chairperson was welcomed by the 384th meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), held in Addis Ababa on 5 July 2013, which requested that preparations for the dispatch of the delegation to Egypt be expedited and encouraged her to take any other measures that she would deem appropriate to facilitate the resolution of the crisis and the building of a consensus on the way forward among the Egyptian stakeholders.
The Panel is mandated to interact with the ruling authorities and other Egyptian stakeholders to establish a constructive political dialogue aimed at national reconciliation, as well as to contribute to their efforts as they work towards a transition that would lead to an early return to constitutional order, preserve the gains of the January-February 2011 Revolution and consolidate the democratic process in their country. The Panel will meet in Addis Ababa in the coming days, and intends to travel to Egypt thereafter for initial contacts with the authorities and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Commission is making arrangements for the early convening, at the AU headquarters, of the International Consultative Forum (ICF-Egypt) whose establishment was decided by the above-mentioned meeting of the PSC. The IFC will bring together Egypt and the relevant bilateral and multilateral partners, including the League of Arab States and the United Nations, to facilitate coordinated action in support of a transition leading to the restoration of constitutional order and the mobilization of economic and financial support commensurate with the needs of Egypt and the challenges facing it.
In the meantime, the Chairperson of the Commission reiterates her call to all Egyptian stakeholders to exercise utmost restraint, eschew violence and refrain from any other act likely to heighten tension and further complicate efforts aimed at ensuring an inclusive and consensual solution to the crisis.
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July 08, 2013
For Immediate Release
AU Chairperson Approves the African Union Election Observation Mission to the Parliamentary Elections in Togo: 21 July 2013
Addis Ababa, 8 July, 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has approved the deployment of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AU-EOM) on the occasion of the Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Togo, scheduled to take place on the 21st of July 2013.
The Mission would be led by H.E. Mr Kabine Komara, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea (Conakry).
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The Mission draws its mandate from various African Union Instruments and most importantly the:
• AU Guidelines on African Union Election Observation and Monitoring Missions, 2002
• The OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, 2002
• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1981 and
• African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), 2007The Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit of the Department of Political Affairs, African Union Commission, has in effect concluded plans for the deployment of the Observers to the 21 July Parliamentarian Elections in the Republic of Togo from 12th to 27th July 2013.
The AU-EOM Mission comprises of selected and fully trained Observers from the African Union Observers database including, former Heads of States, Ambassadors, members of Election Management Bodies and other selected and trained Observers from Civil Society Organisations in Africa. The composition of each Mission draws from the different regions in African and comprises of thirty (30) Observers.
The Mission will remain in constant interaction with the Commission and present a final report on the Elections to the Chairperson.For more information please contact:
Karine Kakasi Siaba
Political Officer (Elections)
African Union Commission
Email: Kakasik@africa-union.org or Karine_kksi@yahoo.fr -
July 05, 2013
New Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago presents Letter of Credence to AUC Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 5 July, 2013: The Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Uganda and Permanent Representative to the AU, with residence in Kampala, Uganda, H.E. Mr. Patrick Edwards has today 5 July 2013, presented his letter of Credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
H.E. Mr. Patrick Edwards brought special greetings from the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Kamla Persad-Bissessar. According to the Ambassador, Trinidad and Tobago feels very much part of the Diaspora community which is cosidered the sixth region of the African Union. He recounted the deep-rooted connections that exist between his country, which is part of the Caribbean, and Africa since the days of colonialism.
“Establishing diplomatic relations with Africa is part of the mission to bring the Caribbean closer to Africa, in order to create a new renaissance, as Africa arises,” Ambassador Edwards stated.
He also took the opportunity to explain to Dr. Dlamini Zuma the existing opportunities for cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Africa, in the oil and gas field where his country has over 167 years of experience. He said his country stands ready to help and share experiences in exploration, in order to avoid potential pitfalls. Already, his country is providing training in this area in Uganda, while it is advising the governments of Ghana and Tanzania. He also talked about other areas of potential collaboration and encouraged the establishment of commercial air links.
The AUC Chairperson, Dr. Dlamini Zuma congratulated Ambassador Edwards, saying the feeling of getting closer to the Caribbean and strengthening ties was mutual. She noted with appreciation the important role that the Caribbeans played in decolonization and the fight against apartheid in Africa. “You are not just doing diplomatic relations, but also reconnecting our roots,” she added.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed the Commission’s readiness to facilitate experience-sharing with sisters and brothers in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly at this time when Africa is looking forward to industrializing and modernizing the continent.
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July 04, 2013
Ambassadors express urgent need for alternative source of finance, as they bid farewell to AUC Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 4 July, 2013: Two departing Ambassadors at the end of their tour of duty have reiterated the need to speed up the process of generating alternative sources of funding for the African Union. H.E. Dr. Monica Juma and H.E. Prof. Joram Mukama Biswaro, respectively Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Kenya and United Republic of Tanzania to the African Union came to bid farewell to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the end of their tenure of office.
The Tanzanian Ambassador, Prof Joram Mukama Biswaro was received first by Dr. Dlamini Zuma. Ambassador Mukama Biswaro expressed satisfaction for his service to his country and the continent. After serving in the public service for over 30 years, he said that, “the time has come to take leave.” He voiced confidence in the Chairperson’s leadership to shoulder on with the responsibility of the Commission, given that she is a very committed Pan-Africanist.
Referring to the 21st Summit of Heads and Governments that held last May alongside the 50th anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU, Ambassador Mukama Biswaro said he wished member States were able to make straight forward decisions following President Obasanjo’s report on Alternative Sources of finance.
In similar lines, Kenya’s outgoing Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Monica Juma expressed her government’s keen interest in welcoming the delegation carrying on with the consultations on alternative sources of funding. She added that according to Kenya’s Foreign Policy under President Uhuru Kenyatta, “Kenya hopes to increase its footprints in the AU.”
Ambassador Monica Juma and Dr. Dlamini Zuma also engaged in other critical areas of engagement between Kenya and the AU, such as Somalia. She informed the AUC Chairperson of President Kenyatta’s commitment to host a continental reflection on electoral process and competitive politics aimed at promoting and managing diversity.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma thanked each of them for their selfless services to their countries and the continent. She expressed the hope that those who will replace them should equally be as active and engaging as they have been. She handed them certificates of service and wished them well.
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July 04, 2013
The AU reiterates its readiness to assist Egypt to build consensus on the challenges facing it and on early restoration of constitutional order
AU Peace and Security Council to meet tomorrow
Addis Ababa, 4 July 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, continues to follow closely the evolution of the situation in Egypt, which last night witnessed the overthrow of the elected President Mohammed Morsi by the Army, and the appointment and swearing in of a caretaker Head of State.
The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that the AU fully supported the aspirations of the Egyptian people as expressed during the February 2011 Revolution. She reiterates her view that it is the responsibility of all Egyptian leaders to work towards the fulfillment of these legitimate aspirations. At the same time, the Chairperson is deeply troubled by the events taking place in Egypt. While recognizing the tremendous challenges that faced the Egyptian people over the past year and the growing frustration of many of them over the management of the country, marked by cumulative economic difficulties, rising and widespread insecurity, political and social polarization, as well as the lack of consensus on the way forward, the Chairperson of the Commission observes that the removal of President Mohammed Morsi was in violation of the provisions of the Egyptian Constitution and falls under the AU doctrine on unconstitutional changes of Government.
The Commission will provide an update on the situation to a meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) scheduled to take place tomorrow, 5 July 2013, at which the PSC will deliberate on the situation in Egypt and take the required decisions on the basis of the relevant AU instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the Algiers Decision and the Lomé Declaration.
In the meantime, the Chairperson of the Commission reiterates her call to all Egyptian stakeholders to embrace the spirit of dialogue and mutual accommodation and to eschew violence and acts of revenge and retribution, in order to find a consensual solution to the current crisis and consolidate the gains made in the ongoing democratic process in their country. The Chairperson of the Commission is also planning to dispatch a team of eminent personalities to Egypt to interact with the ruling authorities and other Egyptian stakeholders, as they work towards a transition that should lead to an early return to constitutional order.
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July 03, 2013
The African Union ready to contribute to the search for a solution to the crisis in Egypt
Addis Ababa, 3 July 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is closely monitoring the developments in Egypt. She is particularly concerned about the tension prevailing in the country and the risks that this situation poses to stability and security in Egypt as well as to the consolidation of its democratic process.
The Chairperson of the Commission, recalling the AU principled position on unconstitutional changes of government, underlines the need for all Egyptian stakeholders to work towards a resolution of the current crisis through dialogue, in order to find an appropriate response to the popular aspirations within the framework of legality and Egyptian institutions. In so doing, the aim should be to preserve the achievements of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 and those of the democratic process, as well as to reach a national consensus on the future of the country.
The Chairperson of the Commission, stressing AU’s commitment to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the current crisis, intends to dispatch to Egypt, as soon as possible, a group of eminent African personalities to consult with the Egyptian stakeholders and assist in the initiation of a responsible and constructive dialogue that would help the fellow Egyptian people overcome the difficult situation they are facing.
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July 01, 2013
Requests for appointment with Her Excellency the Chairperson of the Commission should be submitted to the Bureau of the Chairperson, marked for the attention of the Chief of Staff.
A form to be duly completed is herewith attached. The request should be conveyed to the mailing
addresses provided as follows:
marakit@africa-union.org,
and kotannoul@africaunion.org -
June 29, 2013
President Obama pledged increased collaboration with the African Union
Johannesburg, South Africa - 29 June, 2013: “We stand ready and eager to work with the African Union for the best engagement of the United States with Africa. If there is a strong African Union, any help that is provided by the US becomes more effective than us doing things on our own.” United States President, H.E. Barack Obama told the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma when they met in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 29 June 2013.
President Obama also highlighted the great opportunity existing for cooperation with Africa in various areas under the leadership of the AUC Chairperson.
Being the maiden official encounter between the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and a sitting US President, Dr. Dlamini Zuma and President Barack Obama exchanged views on areas of mutual interest aimed at boosting the AU-US partnership.
Focus of their conversations was on development, food security, trade, infrastructure, energy and security, with emphasis on building the capacity of women and youth across these areas. “Women and youth,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted, “remain at the centre of any development efforts, as they will be the drivers towards prosperity.” She called for more US support to academic and research institutions to strengthen their capacity for skills development on the continent.
President Obama assured Dr. Dlamini Zuma of the many areas of cooperation, and expressed the US’s willingness to work together to ensure mutual benefits for the US and African countries.
Identifying the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which has benefitted a number of African countries, President Obama said the timing is just right to find ways to improve its performance given its renewal due in 2015. However, the AUC Chairperson noted the importance of extending AGOA to impact on economic growth, unity and integration of the continent. About 38 of 54 African countries currently benefit from AGOA.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed her concern over the possibilities of Africa losing the benefits of AGOA in the US-EU transatlantic trade agreement. Nevertheless, President Obama reassured that rather than being a threat to Africa, it will be an opportunity to enhance trade and investment opportunities for US and African companies. “We hope to work with the private sector to invest in infrastructure.” President Obama promised.
Africa presents enormous investment opportunities in transport and communication infrastructure, as well as energy, including clean and renewable energy. Recalling his initiative presented during the last G8 Summit in Northern Ireland, President Obama said the US is ready to send teams of negotiators to help African countries to better negotiate contracts in the extractive industries. The AUC Chairperson welcomed this initiative, emphasizing the importance of increasing processing on the continent, which will both create jobs locally and increase local revenue.
In the area of peace and security, President Obama congratulated AMISOM for a great job done in Somalia, amidst the enormous challenges. He encouraged the AU and its member States not to pull out fast from Somalia. He equally noted the situation in South and South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Central Africa Republic and in Uganda with the Lord Resistance Army. He extended his government’s readiness to provide support in any ways that it could, including building capacity. But he quickly added that local support from the region will be needed.
Welcoming President Obama’s offer of assistance, Dr. Dlamini Zuma assured him that the AU and its member States cannot pull immediately from Somalia. She underscored the help needed by those countries. However, she called for a more comprehensive approach to tackling the recurrent issues of insecurity in those countries in particularly, and Africa in general.
The two leaders promised to remain engaged on these issues.
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June 21, 2013
New Representative of the League of Arab States presents Letter of Credence to AUC Chairperson
Addis Ababa, 21 June, 2013:The newly appointed Representativeof the League of Arab States to the Federal Democratic Republicof Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to theAU and UNECA, H.E. Mr.Saleh M. A. Sahbounhas today 21 June 2013,presented his letter of credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma.
H.E. Mr.Saleh M. A. Sahboun,brought special greetings from the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, H.E. Nabil El-Arabi. Ambassador Sahbounhighlighted that he has been charged with the responsibility to upgrade and strengthen the bilateral relationship between the African Union and the League of Arab States.
Welcoming the new Representative to his position, the AUC Chairperson, Dr. DlaminiZuma congratulated him and pledged her support in order to enable him succeed in his mission.
Ambassador Saleh had served in Ethiopia before as Deputy Head of Mission for Libya between 2004 and 2011.