Events

“Africa should be increasingly self-reliant and decrease its dependency” -
Chairperson of the AU Commission:

Addis Ababa, 12 June, 2013 – The Golden Jubilee of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU) was celebrated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 25th. On the same day and in the spirit of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance, the celebrations caught the imagination of many people within and outside the continent. The celebrations were held at the same time as the 21st Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union. In order to provide feedback on the events held at the headquarters of the AU and in different parts of Addis Ababa as well as update media on the main decisions reached by the summit of the AU, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission presided over a press conference on Wednesday 12 June 2013.

Ahead of the celebrations on 25 May 2013, events such as the Youth Inter-Generational Dialogue, the Gender Pre-Summit, and the meeting of the business community reflected on the theme Pan Africanism and African Renaissance and proposed ways and means for a better future in Africa within the framework of Agenda 2063. The Commission will be receiving inputs informing Agenda 2063 until November 2013. The Agenda will be tabled for adoption and subsequent implementation in June 2014.

As regards youth issues, Dr Zuma informed that young Africans requested the creation of a new and dedicated portfolio within the AU Commission. As this process is likely to be lengthy given the amendment of the Constitutive Act that it requires, a Coordination Unit dedicated to the Youth will be created in the interim, in the Office of the Chairperson of the Commission. In addition, a Youth Parliament to debate issues of the continent will be held once a year.

As part of the year- long activities, the Executive Council is expected to meet and make inputs on the 2063 Agenda.

In the meantime, the Chairperson announced that in July 2013 Heads of state will reconvene in Abuja to review and take stock of the achievements made since the Special Summit on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis held in May 2006 in Abuja. In early August, a meeting themed “Call for action for maternal and child mortality” will discuss further practical steps to reduce mortality and come up with clear road map. This meeting is meant to be an inclusive dialogue and its road map will serve as a guideline for any action to be taken in the future. “Trends are in the right direction but mortality is not falling fast enough”, the Chairperson cautioned.

Looking at the 21st Summit, Dr Dlamini Zuma welcomed far-reaching decisions for Africa’s development taken by the Heads of State. Among them is the adoption of the African Immediate Crisis Response Capacity (AICRC), an interim tool aimed at providing rapid solutions when crises erupt on the continent. The more permanent African Standby force (ASF) is expected to be operational by 2015.

Heads of State also went further regarding the alternative sources of funding for the Union. They requested Ministers of Finance to re-examine the conclusions of the Panel appointed to look into the issue before they are submitted to them again at the next Summit in January 2014. Heads of State also formed a panel led by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, aimed at addressing the post 2015 development agenda so as to ensure that Africa’s preoccupations are taken into account. “Africa should be increasingly self-reliant and decrease its dependency”. To achieve that objective, the Commission is working with the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on innovative ways to finance projects.

On her agenda, Chairperson Dlamini Zuma briefed the media on her participation at the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V). With Japan, Africa will concentrate on skills development, agriculture and investment in various areas of manufacturing.

Regarding her visit to Hungary for the Africa-Budapest Forum, Dr Dlamini Zuma said it aimed to “open new frontiers and expand our horizons” as Africa. She also visited Russia in the same spirit. In the next few months, the Chairperson is expected to take part in the United Nations General Assembly, and the 20th anniversary of Seychelles before proceeding to the G8 Summit.

Responding to questions posed by journalists on the tension arising between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile river, Dr Dlamini Zuma explained “that the view of the Commission is that there should be discussions with a win-win situation. We think it is possible to come to an agreement that will not harm any part because both countries need water and need to use the Nile. It is important to have discussions that are open in a new context in the spirit of Pan Africanism and African renaissance…. ”.

On relations between Kenya and the International Criminal Court, Dr Dlamini Zuma reiterated the decisions taken by the 21st AU Summit. “After the reform of the judiciary, Kenyans feel that the case can be taken to a Kenyan court.

On Madagascar, the Chairperson stated that “elections should be according to the rules and Constitution. As of now, the electoral code has not followed the law of the country. We hope that SADC and other stakeholders will put the same pressure for the laws to be followed right at the beginning of the electoral process for credible, free and fair elections, So that Madagascar can reintegrate into the AU after so many years”.

In conclusion, Dr Dlamini Zuma reminded the audience that all these tasks cannot be achieved without a stronger and more efficient Commission. In January 2013 Heads of States agreed to undertake an audit of the AU and identify the strengths and the weaknesses. “In house, at the Commission, we are already working on what should be done to have a stronger Commission”.

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Press Release Nº063/2013

UNOAU Head presents farewell to AUC Chairperson

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 10 June, 2013: The Head of the United Nations Office in the African Union (UNOAU), H.E. Zachary Muburi-Muita has presented his farewell to the African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, after his three-year tour of duty during which he established the UNOAU.

Taking the opportunity of his goodbye, H.E. Muburi-Muita briefed the Chairperson of the activities of the UNOAU, which basically liaises with the UN system on issues of peace and security. The Head of the UNOAU co-chairs the peace and security cluster of the Regional Coordination Mechanism in Africa, with the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security. With the strategic partnership between the UN and AU, officers of both institutions are embedded within AU workspaces. They jointly plan and implement specific projects such as the AU Mission in Somalia, the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the Lord Resistance Army, the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA), now transformed to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The outgoing UNOAU Head recalled the ongoing review process aimed at enhancing the partnership. He invited the Chairperson to take the opportunity to share her thoughts on how the strategic partnership could contribute to achieving her continental vision.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma gave her assurance of the AU’s participation in the assessment process. She noted that the UN and the AU have come a long way, recalling the days when the two jointly pondered on how to tack challenging situations like that in Darfur. While expressing the hope of getting fewer crises, Dr. Dlamini Zuma remarked that a practical test of this enhanced strategic partnership would be in the delivery of results in Mali.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma thanked H.E. Muburi-Muita for the briefing, his contribution to peace and security in the continent. She wished him the very best in his future engagements.

H.E. Muburi-Muita’s duty ends on 30 June. He will be replaced by H.E. Haile Menkerios of South Africa as the new Head of the UNOAU and Special Representative to the African Union at the level of Under-Secretary-General. H.E. Menkerios commences 1 July, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE N.31/21st AU SUMMIT

OAU-AU celebrates 50 years of existence
“This is Africa’s time”, says Dr. Dlamini-Zuma

Addis Ababa, 25 May 2013 – Africans from the five regions of the continent and the Diaspora as well as guests from around the world converged on Saturday, 25 May 2013 at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU), established on May 25, 1963, in the same city.

The celebration featured intellectual debates on the theme: “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”, followed by a cultural evening in the presence of current and former Heads of State of the Union as well as former Secretary Generals of the OAU and former Chairpersons of the AU. The United Nations Secretary General was among the guests.

Former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, who was present at the signing of the OAU Charter in 1963 animated the cultural evening with a message to the new generation and a song in honor of women that aroused a lot of emotion and determination from the crowd.

Mr. HaileMariam Dessalegn, Chairperson of the African Union and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, stressed the importance of this day saying that it is a occasion to honour the founders of the continental organisation who created the OAU 50 years ago, with a resolve to persue the quest for African Unity in earnest, inspired by the ideals of panafricanism.

In her commemorative address at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission called on all Africans to galvanize efforts and contribute to the Agenda 2063, so that Africa takes its destiny into its own hands and occupies its rightful place in the world arena. “We pay tribute to the pioneers of Pan-Africanism, on the continent and in the Diaspora, and to the Founders of the OAU for their wisdom and foresight to lay the foundations for the unity and solidarity of Africa”, she noted. These early generations, she said, embodied the Pan African values of selflessness, solidarity and service to the people.

Referring to the Oath taken by Amilcar Cabral in 1969, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said, “I swear that I will give my life, all my energy and all my courage, all the capacity that I have… until the day that I die, to the service of my people, of Guinea and Cape Verde... and to the service of the cause of humanity… This is what my work is.”

She reiterated the need to promote the image of Africa “We are proud to be African. In this great task, let us think like men and women of action. And act like men and women of thought….We pledge to take our destiny into our own hands, because power resides in hard work, scientific investigations, in intellectual curiosity, in creative greatness and freedom, in the fullest exploration of our human powers, and in the truest independence,” she emphasized.

Underlining her immediate priorities in achieving the Africa 2063 vision, the AUC Chairperson underscored that, “ as we start the journey of the next fifty years, we are clear about the task before us: to educate our populace, and ensure healthy bodies and minds; to modernize and expand Africa’s infrastructure and connect our peoples and countries; to grow our agriculture and agro-businesses so that we can feed ourselves and the world; to use our natural resources to industrialise and grow our shared prosperity; to invest in science, technology, research and innovation as enablers of rapid progress; and finally to empower women and youth as the drivers of Africa’s renaissance”. (See attached complete message of AUC Chairperson on AU website: www.au.int )

During the jubilee celebration at the Millennium Hall, several Heads of State took the floor to express their vision on Panafricanism in today’s context and renaissance through the 2063 agenda. They reiterated their support and encouragement to ensure the implementation of this development project. Musical bits and dances by different artists representing the cream of the African society crowned the OAU-AU jubilee which marking the beginning of year-long celebration of the 50 anniversary of the OAU-AU anniversary.

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Africa – Russia Cooperation: AUC Chairperson discusses business opportunities with Russian International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

Moscow 1st May 2013–The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zumaheld a working session on 29 April 2013 with the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs(ICIE) of the Russian Federation, to discuss business and investment opportunities in Africa. The AUC Chairperson was welcomed on arrival to this meeting by the board members of the ICIE Council led by Mr. Anatoly Tkachuk, First Deputy Chairman of the Council.

During the working session, Dr. Dlamini Zuma underlined the importance of establishing a win-win relationship given the long historical relationship between Russia and Africa and considering the fact that Africa has a lot of potentials as well as natural resources which need to be transformed into concreteoutcomes actions aimed at enhancing Africa’s post 2015 development agenda.

Addressing the business entrepreneurs, Dr, Dlamini Zuma said the African continent is majorly made up of a youth full population which will constitute a growing market in the near future. “It is in this light that I want to encourage Russian investment” she noted, particularly in the areas of infrastructure;energy development and management; mining; science and technology, including research; innovation and knowledge management / skills development; agro-business among others.

The AUC Chairperson commended the Russian Government for offering scholarships to African scholars given that over 8000 students are currently studying in various socio-economic and scientific fields in Russian universities. She called for the shedding of Russia’s excess human capacity to contribute directly to capacity development on the continent, by seconding such personnel to train and conduct research in African institutions such as the Pan African University.

A Memorandum of understanding was signed between the AUC Chairperson and the vice president of the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneur, Mr. Viacheslav Pshenichnikov. Both parties agreed to maintain regular consultation through open dialogue and improve communication and information sharing to raise awareness on the partnership.

A press conference concluded the working session followed by a 45 minute conversation with a major Russian newspaper.

Worth recalling is that the ICIE is a nongovernmental organisation created in 1992. Currently,it cooperates with the national unions of industrialist and entrepreneurs from 26 European and Asian countries, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Inter-parliamentary Assembly of member nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (IA-CIS). Furthermore, theICIE has formalized relations for long term cooperation with the international center for scientific and technical information as well as the general confederation of trade unions.

For more information on the official visit of AUC Chairperson to Russia, consult the AU website: www.au.int

AUC Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich have discussed areas of cooperation

Moscow 29 April 2013 – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was received on 29 April 2013 by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, as part of her official visit to Russia.

During the working session between the AUC Chairperson and the Deputy Prime Minister, the two personalities agreed on the need to establish continuous dialogue in order to explore the different opportunities that can mutually benefit both parties. In this respect, trade and investments, training and capacity building, mining, energy, transport and telecommunications were identified as possible areas of cooperation.

Earlier, Dr. Dlamini Zuma had met with the Deputy Chairman of the Federal Council, Senator Ilias Umakhanov, in the presence of select members of parliament. They both expressed the wish to see Africa - Russia relationship evolve to a higher level. This, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said, can only be possible “through regular consultations by both parties and open dialogue to maintain the momentum of the bilateral relations between the African Union and the Russian side”.

The Senator introduced the newly appointed Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on Cooperation with African countries, Mr. Mikhail Margelov. He said the appointment shows the importance the Russian President, Vladimir Putin is giving to the relations between his country and Africa. Senator Umakhanov, reiterated his country’s commitment to support the development agenda of Africa, through the African Union. “We truly believe in a strong African Union”, he underscored.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma appreciated the enthusiasm and friendship of the Russian officials in starting this new engagement. She said the partnership comes at an opportune time in the history of the AU as this year marks the organization’s 50th Anniversary. “Russian Federation should play an important role as we look at the next 50 years,” she further stated, before extending to them an invitation to attend the celebrations on 25 May 2013, under the theme: “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”.