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Vote of thanks by H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson African Union Commission to the Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government on the Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)

Vote of thanks

by H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson African Union Commission

Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government on the Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)
Africa Cares: No Woman Should Die While Giving Life
27 January 2013

PROTOCOL

On behalf of the African Union Commission and its partners, notably the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and African Development Bank (AFDB), I wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency President Boni Yayi for his leadership for convening this important event, a clear demonstration of your commitment to improving the health of women and children on our continent.

Our gratitude further goes to the Heads of State and Government who have taken the time to attend and actively participate in this event;

We appreciate the presence of the H.E. Mr Ban Ki Moon the UNSG and other heads/representatives of UN Agencies;

I wish to thank our development partners represented here, members of the press and indeed all you distinguished ladies and gentlemen who have joined us.

African Union Commission will not relent in its effort to keep MNCH firmly on the continent’s agenda and continue to hold Member states accountable to the commitments they have undertaken to improve the health and wellbeing of Women and Children in Africa. In this context we shall be organizing an International Conference on Maternal Health later in the year and the Commission will continue to submit progress report on MNCH to the Assembly.

Africa Cares; No Woman should Die While Giving Life…..and no child die from preventable causes.

Thank you.

Dates: 
January 27, 2013
File: 
PDF icon Vote of thanks (EN)
English

Statement by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund at the High-Level Event on The Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)

Check against delivery

High-Level Event on The Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)

Statement by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund

20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
27 January 2013

 
Excellences, other Heads of State and Government,
H.E. Mr. Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin,
H.E. Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
H.E. Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Republic of Gabon,
H.E. Mrs. Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi,
H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia,
H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Distinguished Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am truly grateful to see so many of you joining us for this high- level event to reinforce the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa – CARMMA.

As a physician and a former Minister of Health, I am very pleased to be personally involved in CARMMA and Maternal Health in Africa in general as this issue is very close to my heart. [Something personal from Nigeria]

I want to specifically thank your Excellency, President Boni Yayi, for hosting this event, which is jointly supported by the African Union Commission, the United Nations Population Fund and the African Development Bank.

I also want to take this opportunity to commend your continuous leadership and commitment to supporting the health and well-being of mothers and children in Africa, and for inviting and encouraging other Heads of States and Government to joint us here today.

I also sincerely thank each of you, Excellencies, for your commitment and support to the health of women and children in your countries. Since the African Union, UNFPA and partners initiated CARMMA, many of you and many of the First Ladies present here today have been involved and have taken the responsibility to launch and support CARMMA in their respective countries. Many of you have also personally followed up to ensure implementation of maternal health programmes, and tirelessly mobilised more resources to support maternal health programmes.

Through your leadership, many countries have done outstanding work to mobilise communities for CARMMA – I specifically thank Malawi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Togo, Niger, Namibia, the Chad – just to name some.

Your work gives the campaign and the issue of maternal and child mortality the priority it deserves and the visibility it needs. We very much appreciate your enormous efforts in this regard.

CARMMA is an African Union Commission initiative to promote and advocate for renewed and intensified implementation of the Maputo Plan of Action for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa and to accelerate progress towards Millennium Development Goal 5, improving maternal health. CARMMA is about saving lives of mothers and children in Africa.

I am happy to report that since the campaign started in 2009, a total of 37 Countries have launched CARMMA and are standing ready to intensify the fight against maternal mortality. In fact, these 37 countries have also pledged to improve maternal health through their commitments to the United Nations Secretary General’s Global Strategy on Women’s and Children’s Health. I wish to thank the Secretary General for being here at this event today, showing his commitment and support.

I want to acknowledge the United nations Secretary General personal commitment to women’s health and issues of young people, which are two priority areas for UNFPA. I also want to acknowledge the partnership between development partners under the H4+ to support Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

UNFPA and other development partners, support the African Union Member States to use the CARMMA to galvanise efforts under the Child Survival Summit, the Family Planning Summit, United Nations Life-saving Commodities Commission, Education First, and the Getting to Zero of the HIV and AIDS, to continue to improve the health of women and children in the region.

Achievements and progress made in Africa

Having all of you leaders, political drivers and thinkers in this room together today also presents a wonderful opportunity to take stock and celebrate the tremendous achievements and progress made in reducing maternal mortality in Africa in the last years.

Data released in 2012, shows that Africa has been able to reduce maternal deaths by 41% between 1990 and 2010, with a significant decrease between 2005 and 2010. There is also a decrease in the number of women of child-bearing age who want to delay pregnancy but do not have the means to do so, from 226 million women in 2008 to 222 million in 2012. This indicate the unmet family planning need gap is closing, but not fast enough.

This would not have been possible without your leadership. You have been crucial to make this progress and to address reproductive health issues, raise awareness, mobilize communities, improve antenatal care, distribute safe delivery kits or ensure free-services for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years. Your efforts and success stories are not only very encouraging but also inspiring and highly contributing to improving the health of women and children in Africa.

I want to commend the efforts of the African Union and its Member States, your commitment to CARMMA, to the United Nations Secretary General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, the well-articulated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy in 2005, the ambitious Maputo Plan of Action in 2006 and the Gender policy that makes access to reproductive health a priority.

These policies and many others underline and highlight what needs to be done to reduce maternal deaths in Africa.

Much more needs to be done for Maternal Health

However these successes, unfortunately, only tell one side of the story. Still far too many women on our precious continent are dying from pregnancy-related causes. In fact the number is 165,000 women every year. That is an average of 450 women dying every day from pregnancy related causes in Africa – causes which are preventable.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the life-time risk of maternal death for women is 1 in 39. While in industrialized countries it is 1 in 4,700. These figures are just unacceptable for Africa.

Better health is a goal in itself and a human right – rich or poor, everyone has the right to health. Health is also one of the main drivers of economic growth and social cohesion. Healthy people, including mothers, women, and young girls, can contribute to the productivity of the whole economy and drive a country forward for prosperous and sustainable development.

No country in the world can afford to lose its women, mothers, daughters and sisters, who represent half of the population. Let me explain why they are still dying and what leads to these high rates of maternal death in Africa.

The causes of maternal deaths in Africa include what we call, the 3 delays: (1) Delay to take the decision to access health services because of gender barriers and other socioeconomic and cultural factors; (2) Delay in getting to the health facilities due to a lack of availability of health facilities in rural areas, poor road networks and transportation; and, (3) Delay in accessing quality health care at the facilities because of lack of skilled birth attendants, lack of Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC).

Women die during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery because of bleeding, obstructed labour, high blood pressure, and infection –sepsis. Pregnant women and girls with HIV/AIDS are at even greater risk as their immune systems are already weak. In addition, underlying causes like poverty - the inability of pregnant women to pay for costs of health services - illiteracy, and lack of access to family planning worsen the situation, leading to these high numbers of maternal deaths in Africa.

Universal access to Family Planning

Universal access to family planning - which can reduce maternal deaths by as much as 30% - is not available to every woman, couple or young person, who wants to protect themselves and plan the number of children they want, and the timing. In the developing world as a whole, the number of women and girls with an unmet need for family planning declined slightly between 2008 and 2012, from 226 million to 222 million. However, in the 69 poorest countries, many of which are in Africa, the number has actually increased, from 153 to 162 million women. The need is increasing fast and we have to find ways to meet it.

In the sub-regions of Africa, there are large variations in married women’s level of unmet need for and use of modern contraception. Modern contraceptive prevalence ranges from 7% in Central Africa and 9% in West Africa to 45% in Northern Africa and 58% in Southern Africa. Conversely, the unmet need for family planning for married women ranges 16% in Southern Africa to 30% in West Africa. Ensuring that family planning is available and acceptable to every woman, man and to young people who need it, will improve the health of both mothers and children, and save health care systems much unnecessary expenditure.

UNFPA is helping countries to meet the need. Apart from supporting countries around family planning and reproductive health, we are the biggest international supplier of contraceptives to developing countries. We are engaged in international efforts to ensure a consistent, adequate supply of modern contraceptives when and where they are needed.

Women, men and young people have different needs and those also change during lifetime. It is vitally important, both for respecting human rights and contraceptive effectiveness, to ensure that everyone gets the right information and services.
I also want to speak to the specific needs of young people. At this moment, we have the largest youth generation the world has ever seen and many of them live in Africa. Having such a large youth population brings opportunities but we can only harness this great potential if we address the needs of our young people, include and empower them to become agents of change.

In UNFPA, at the request by governments, we promote age appropriate sexuality education for all young people, male and female alike – because young men also need to know how to act responsibly. Avoiding unintended pregnancies is only one goal of age appropriate sexuality education. Safe and responsible sexual behaviour also protects against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Through CARMMA, our aim, together with the First Ladies, is to enable our sons and daughters and the people we love to protect themselves. Our aim is to make it possible for young people, women and men alike, to fulfil their potential as human beings. By doing so, we are contributing to the productivity and economic growth of Africa.

Another contributing factor to the high levels of maternal mortality in Africa is that many young women are married and become pregnant at a very young age. Pregnancy is a threat to a young girl’s life and health - married or not. A girl who gives birth before she is 18 is twice more likely to suffer death or disability than her sister who postpones her pregnancy. Early pregnancy is a major cause of fistula, a dreadful birth injury. Young girls need to know how to protect themselves against pregnancy which could kill them or disable them for life.

Next steps to move CARMMA forward

In May 2009, we embarked on CARMMA because it became clear that reducing maternal mortality by 75% until 2015- based on figures from 1990 – as suggested in the Millennium Development Declaration is a daunting challenge for many African countries. We needed a more focused and concentrated effort, and a platform where we could share good practices and learn from each other – CARMMA provides all this – under the umbrella of Every Woman Every Child - and now it is time to move CARMMA to the next level.

I am here today to ask all of us to come together to combine and strengthen efforts to save the lives of Africa’s women and girls. Let us improve and save the lives of our sisters, mothers and daughters – we know what to do and how to do it. It is now in our hands to follow through.

I reaffirm that UNFPA is standing beside you and is 100% committed to supporting the African Union and all countries and governments in Africa to improve Women’s Health and Development.

What can African countries do?

Excellencies, many of you Heads of States and Government Officials ask me, how you can be more involved in CARMMA to contribute to women’s health and maternal mortality reduction.

We all know and agree that without health, no country can flourish and develop, and without the health of mothers and children, none of us would be here today. I call on Heads of States and governments to:

1. Increase your personal commitment, including mobilising the entire country and promoting everyone’s involvement to improve the health of mothers and children, making maternal health a top priority;

2. Increase and ensure better use of domestic resources for maternal health. This includes thinking about creative and innovative financing and public private partnerships;

3. Empower your ministries of health to intensify, share and replicate good maternal health interventions and involve other health related sectors.

More involvement of First Ladies in your respective countries is also a means to a healthier, wealthier Africa. UNFPA looks up to the First Ladies, policy makers, parliamentarians, opinion leaders, and communities to help advance issue of reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa. We also look forward to the continued partnership between the Offices of the First Ladies at regional and country levels and UNFPA.

UNFPA’s commitment

But you are not alone. UNFPA, while reaffirming the strong and mutually reinforcing partnership between CARMMA and the United Nations Global Strategy on Women’s and Children’s Health, is ready to scale up and we are committed to:

1. Continue supporting the African Union and its Member States to monitoring the progress of CARMMA and other maternal health interventions as recommended at the July 2010 AU Summit in Kampala;
2. Facilitating effective partnerships with the African Union, respective Governments, sister agencies and development partners under CARMMA as part of its secretariat functions;
3. Help ensuring that commitments made, both by governments and development partners are focused, effective and honoured in order to increase accountability through measurable outcomes;
4. Advocating for additional accelerated and sustainable investments in the area of sexual and reproductive health to improve maternal and child health, understanding that additional resources are needed to move CARMMA to the next level;
5. Increasing technical support at country and regional level to make reliable, segregated data consistently available and indicators aligned with the UN Secretary General’s Global Strategy on Woman’s and Children’s Health in order to understand progress made in the continent.

In closing, your Excellences, I know that if we all commit ourselves and your respective Governments to these ambitious but very doable plans, with the support of development partners and everyone’s engagement, we will soon see a new Africa where no woman will die giving life.

Thank you.

Dates: 
January 27, 2013
File: 
PDF icon Statement by Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund at the High-Level Event on CARMMA (EN)
English

Address by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Opening session of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union

Monsieur le Premier Ministre [de l’Éthiopie, Hailemariam Desalegn],
Monsieur le Président de l’Union africaine [et Président du Bénin, Boni Yayi], Madame la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine [Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma],
Mesdames et messieurs les chefs d’État et de gouvernement,
Mesdames et messieurs les ministres,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
C’est un honneur pour moi de participer avec les dirigeants du continent africain au Sommet de 2013, qui marque un jalon dans l’histoire de l’Union africaine.
Il y a 50 ans était créée cette illustre Organisation. Je suis ici aujourd’hui pour célébrer avec vous cet anniversaire et pour discuter des progrès qui pourront être accomplis
au cours des 50 prochaines années.
Nous venons d’observer une minute de silence en hommage à la mémoire du Premier Ministre éthiopien, Meles Zenawi, et du Président du Ghana, John Atta Mills. Le calme dans lequel s’est déroulée la passation du pouvoir montre bien que les principes et les valeurs démocratiques s’ancrent de plus en plus sur tout le continent.
Excellencies,
As Secretary-General, I have visited nearly 30 African countries. In each place, I listened – to the leaders and the people.
I have seen countries emerging from war and those with long-established peace. I have seen innovation, imagination and the tremendous determination of Africa’s people to thrive and prosper.
Africa has the experience to forge solutions to its own challenges and contribute
to our global goals of inclusive growth, social justice and protecting our environment.
Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa. Many countries have made important gains towards the Millennium Development Goals. More African children are
in schools, especially girls. More clinics are helping more women survive childbirth. More African women sit in Government and key decision-making positions.
And here let me add my congratulations to the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. I look forward to working closely with the new AU leadership.
I welcome this progress. But like you I am still concerned about the hundreds of millions of Africans living in poverty.
That is why we are pushing for results. I count on all of you to attend the Special Event on the MDGs at the General Assembly this September. We must accelerate our efforts as we near the 2015 deadline.
At the same time, we are looking beyond 2015. Next week, the High-Level Panel on the post-2015 development agenda will meet in Monrovia. I thank Panel Co-chair President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia for hosting this vital meeting.
Success will depend on ownership by governments and civil society.
Our destination is clear: A future where Africa’s wealth enriches all of Africa’s people. Where misrule is only found in history books. Where Africa’s goods get a fair price on the global market. Where global partnerships mean shared prosperity. African countries averaged a remarkable 5 per cent growth over the past decade – and are projected
to grow by even more than 5 per cent by 2014.
But economic expansion is not an end in itself. Wealth cannot remain in the hands of the few.
Inequality is a recipe for instability. Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Youth here yearn for jobs and a life of dignity. We must invest in them.
Let us put a special focus on Africa’s girls and women. They can drive peace and development. Later today, we will spotlight our goal of ending maternal deaths.
We must also stand against all forms of violence. We especially need to speak out against rape and sexual violence in conflict. Governments must support victims and end the culture of impunity. I urge the males here to join my Network of Men Leaders and all to support our COMMIT to End Violence against Women campaign.
I applaud the African Group for leading the General Assembly’s adoption of its first-ever resolution calling for an end to female genital mutilation.
Africa has made tremendous progress in reducing both HIV infection and AIDS deaths.

The UN will continue to support you as we work for an AIDS-free generation, especially by ending HIV in newborns.
All of these gains will contribute to sustainable development. But lasting progress demands that we also address climate change.
The United Nations is proud to support the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative. I hope all African countries will continue to contribute to progress on climate change and my Sustainable Energy for all Initiative. This can open the way for enormous gains.
Next year, I am going to convene a summit meeting to mobilize political leadership for a legally binding global treaty on climate change.
At the same time, the international community must honour its commitments and step up development assistance to Africa. It is not enough for leaders to set targets on aid
and trade. They have to follow through with results.
With so many donors facing fiscal pressures, I have warned them against reducing official development assistance. We need investments in development in order to fix the world economy.
And beyond practical economic considerations, we have a moral obligation to help the poor and vulnerable people of our world.
Excellences,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Le développement est indispensable à la paix – et la paix est essentielle pour le développement.
L’objectif de notre partenariat est d'apporter une plus grande stabilité en Afrique.
L’Organisation des Nations Unies, l’Union africaine et d’autres parties intéressées travaillent en concertation en République démocratique du Congo. En marge du Sommet, j’espère que les dirigeants régionaux adhéreront à l’Accord-cadre pour la paix et la sécurité, qui a pour objet de remédier aux causes profondes des violences récurrentes.
La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) met tout en œuvre pour protéger les civils. Pour faire face à la menace que constituent les groupes armés dans l’est
du pays, nous envisageons de créer une force d’imposition de la paix au sein de la Mission.

Le Mali est menacé par des groupes armés d’insurgés extrémistes. Je me félicite que l’armée malienne ait reçu rapidement l’assistance bilatérale souhaitée par le Gouvernement.
Alors que la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) accélère les préparatifs en vue du déploiement de la Mission internationale de soutien au Mali (MISMA) sous conduite africaine, j’engage les autorités maliennes à adopter un processus politique sans exclusive, notamment à dresser une feuille de route devant mener au rétablissement complet de l’ordre constitutionnel.
Nous sommes résolus à tout faire pour aider le peuple malien à traverser cette épreuve. Les agences humanitaires aident les populations civiles qui souffrent. Les Nations Unies ont également envoyé des spécialistes dans les domaines militaire et politique. C’est une obligation morale qui s’impose à l’ensemble de la communauté internationale.
J'ai présenté au Conseil de sécurité mes recommandations concernant le dispositif
de soutien logistique à la MISMA et je m’engage personnellement à veiller à ce que les Nations Unies soient prêtes, une fois terminée l’intervention armée, malheureusement nécessaire, à mettre en œuvre à l’échelle du système des activités de consolidation de la paix et d’appui à la réforme de la gouvernance et du secteur de la sécurité, à la reconstruction et à la coopération régionale.
Excellencies,
In Sudan and South Sudan, the parties have taken positive steps to resolve outstanding issues. But they should make more progress in meeting their agreements. I am especially concerned about the dangerous humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.
I call on the authorities in Sudan and South Sudan to immediately begin direct talks to allow urgently needed humanitarian assistance to reach affected civilians.
In Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union continue to work closely together. The departure of Al-Shabaab from Kismaayo and other areas opened space for peacebuilding. Better security is helping to solidify Somalia’s democracy.
Later this month, I will present recommendations to the Security Council on a new UN presence in Somalia, including ways to strengthen the UN-AU partnership on the ground. I will work to secure urgently needed funding for AMISOM.
The international community must continue to urge national actors in Guinea-Bissau to come up with an inclusive transitional arrangement and roadmap for the full restoration of constitutional order.

In the Central African Republic, the restoration of peace and security depends on the parties observing the agreements they signed in Libreville earlier this month.
They must also resolve long-standing governance, security and development issues.
I count on the African Union’s continued support to help Palestinians and Israelis forge a credible political path that will meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides. In this context, I am pleased to see such a warm welcome for President Abbas.
Excellencies,
Development and security demand democracy, accountability, shared responsibilities and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Peer Review Mechanism – which is now ten years old – show this continent’s commitment to protect people from abuse and deepen democratic governance.
This year the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons entered into force. It is the world’s first treaty to protect people
who have fled within the borders of their countries.
You have fulfilled and expanded the vision of your founders. We see this in the peaceful transitions of power. We see this in the adoption of enlightened laws and constitutions. And we see Africa’s progress in the vibrant civil society that can challenge corruption and demand the good governance all people deserve.
Africa can draw inspiration from its record of achievement to manage the many complex transitions ahead.
Alors que nous célébrons l’unité de l’Afrique, je vous demande instamment, à vous, ses dirigeants, de faire fond sur vos nobles traditions et de vous attacher à faire respecter les engagements pris dans les domaines de la paix, du développement durable et du respect des principes démocratiques et des droits de l’homme, ici et dans le monde entier.
Je vous remercie. Thank you.

Dates: 
January 27, 2013
File: 
PDF icon Address by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Opening session of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of He
PDF icon Address by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Opening session of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of He
English

Remarks by H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko to the Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government on the Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)

Remarks by H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko
Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government
Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)
27 January 2013

Opening Remarks

- Your Excellencies, Heads of State & Government,
- Honourable Ministers,
- Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations,
- Excellencies Heads and Representatives of UN Agencies,
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp,
- Distinguished Participants,
- Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the Chairperson of the AU Assembly, who is the host of this event, I have the honour to serve as Programme Director.

We are gathered here today around the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal, Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) to celebrate the successes of this Campaign, review existing challenges and define a future direction. Given the heavy social and economic burden that maternal, new born and child morbidity and mortality continues to exert on our continent’s development, we would need to address these preventable deaths, if Africa is to achieve the MDGs and its post 2015 development objectives.

The significant presence of AU Heads of State and Government demonstrates the importance that the health of women and children continues to engender at the highest level of leadership in Africa. In spite of progress and results achieved, issues affecting women’s health are yet to attain their rightful place in national priorities. Therefore today, we would look forward to open, frank and strategic discussions to ensure that CARMMA is strengthened and concrete results are further demonstrated.

It is therefore my pleasure to welcome everyone to this high level event on CARMMA. I now invite you to watch a short video on CARMMA.

After the video, invite the Chairperson of the AUC to give welcome remarks.

After the welcome remarks of the AUC Chair, the CSA will say;

I have the singular honour and privilege of inviting the host of the event, H.E President Boni Yayi, the President of the Republic of Benin to give his opening remarks, and from this point onwards, His Excellency will conduct the affairs of this event.

Your Excellency you have the floor.

Communiqué and Vote of Thanks’
Excellencies;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
We have indeed had a fruitful session and key points of this event as highlighted in the communiqué include.
(communiqué’ will be provided to the CSA)

Dates: 
January 27, 2013
File: 
PDF icon Remarks by H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortal
English

Statement by H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson African Union Commission to the Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government on the Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)

Statement by H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson
African Union Commission

Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government on the Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)
Africa Cares: No Woman Should Die While Giving Life
27 January 2013

- Your Excellencies, Heads of State & Goverment,
- Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations
- Excellencies Heads and Representatives of UN Agencies,
- Honourable Ministers
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp,
- Distinguished Participants
- Ladies and Gentlemen

As a woman and a mother, I am happy to address this gathering on reinforcing the campaign on accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA).

My sincere appreciation to H.E. President Boni Yayi and the UNFPA for the support to the Commission to make this important luncheon possible.
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) remains a critical index of our development as a continent. We cannot record any sustainable and meaningful development, if the health of our women that constitute more than half of the population of the continent is not accorded the deserved priority. Though I must acknowledge that the health status of women and children in Africa, though has improved over the last few years, it remains a far cry from the targets that are set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

When here in Addis Ababa in 2009, CARMMA was launched by the African Union Ministers of Health, it marked the commencement of a determined and sustained effort by the leadership of our Union to address the unacceptably high maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

At the 15th Assembly of the Union, with the theme – “Maternal, Newborn and Child Health”, the Heads of State and Government adopted a set of Actions, underscoring the need to make concerted effort to deliver on results. The Heads of State were unambiguous that the time for declarations and commitments was over and it was time for action!

It is gratifying to note that you, our leaders are taking action, as evidenced by the progress recorded so far. Till date, 37 Member states have launched CARMMA and undertaken targeted actions to deliver on commitments. CARMMA has become an example of a successful continental initiative with national ownership!

However while we celebrate our progress, we must also reassess our challenges and redouble our efforts in order to ensure that our collective aspirations as Africans become a reality. There can’t be and shouldn’t be any complacency.

In order to optimize results delivery, we need to adopt an integrated approach to reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality within the overall continuum of care. The impact of our combined efforts shall be much greater than the sum of our individual efforts.

Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me therefore to highlight some initial steps that need to be taken:
• The AUC and UNFPA should explore the possibility of establishing a joint secretariat to continue to coordinate our efforts on CARMMA in order to make the Campaign sustainable and to facilitate the delivery of results;
• An effective and sustainable financing mechanism for MNCH programmes needs to be evolved;
• An Accountability mechanism all levels, from service providers and care givers to policy makers and political leaders including Civil Society, ensuring that duty bearers are accountable for the responsibilities reposed in us and resources committed to our care;
• A strong social mobilization involving all segments of the society - men, religious and traditional leaders amongst others for the advancement of women health;

In Africa we celebrate motherhood, with child birth as a natural and normal process. Let’s remember that maternal deaths is not random, it is preventable. An investment in the health of women is an investment in economic development.

Africa Cares; No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.

Thank you.

Dates: 
January 27, 2013
File: 
PDF icon Discours de S.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Présidente de la CUA (EN)
English

Opening Remarks by H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the occasion of the 28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government

Opening Remarks by H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the occasion of the 28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government

Dates: 
January 28, 2013
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Discours de S.E. Boni Yayi, Président en exercice de l'UA, à l'occasion de la 28ème réunion des Chefs d'Etats et de Gouvernement de NEPAD

Discours de S.E. Boni Yayi, Président en exercice de l'UA, à l'occasion de la 28ème réunion des Chefs d'Etats et de Gouvernement de NEPAD

Dates: 
January 26, 2013
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PDF icon Discours de S.E. Boni Yayi, Président en exercice de l'UA, à l'occasion de la 28ème réunion des Chefs d'Etats et de Gouvernement
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Address by H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the occasion of the 28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 26 January 2013

Address by H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Chairperson of the African Union Commission

on the occasion of the 28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government
Orientation Committee

Addis Ababa, 26 January 2013

His Excellency Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin and Chairperson of the African Union

His Excellency Hailemarium Deselegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee

Excellencies, Members of the NEPAD Heads of State and
Orientation Committee

Commissioners of the African Union

Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency

Representatives of Regional and International Organisations

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed my singular honour and privilege for me to make a statement at this official opening of the 28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) in my new capacity as Chairperson of the African Union Commission. May I take this opportunity to welcome you all to the headquarters of the AU where the Commission spends a lot of hours, and to wish you a very happy new year.

Of course, we cannot sit in this meeting and not think of the late Prime Minister Zenawi, and his dynamic leadership and commitment to NEPAD. May his soul rest in internal peace.

My special thanks also go to the members of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee for the constant support given to the African Union Commission and the NEPAD Agency.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I commend the efforts that have been made and continue to be made by the Agency and the Commission to improve the harmonisation of their work, particularly through the elaboration of policies and strategies and work programmes, with a view to avoiding duplication of efforts.

It is also my pleasure to report that the implementation of the approved organisational structure for the NPCA is proceeding smoothly based on AU rules, regulations and practices.

In the last six months, synergy between the NEPAD Agency and the Commission was strengthened in the area of agriculture, food security and nutrition and infrastructure. The Agency, together with the Commission, established, within the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), in the fisheries sub-sector, a Joint Working Group with a view to elaborating an Integrated Pan-African Strategy. The Strategy will guide reforms in the sub-sector at the national and the regional levels.

In the area of infrastructure, the Agency worked closely with the Commission to determine the modalities for the operationalization of the Institutional Architecture for Infrastructure Development in Africa and the capacity building needs of the Regional Economic Communities and continental institutions, with a view to facilitating the implementation of the priorities of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), as well as clarify the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders.

It will be recalled that the 18th Assembly of Heads of State and Government in January 2012 adopted a Declaration Assembly on the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). In adopting the PIDA, AU Heads of State and Government committed, among others, to “undertake to contribute financially to the Special Fund of the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility…” which is the main Project Preparation Facility to help develop the PIDA projects. Partners also contribute to the fund.

Regarding the mobilization of finance to prepare and implement the PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP) projects, the expected capital costs of delivering the selected 51 projects and programmes amounts to about $68 billion. Of that amount, approximately US$ 200 million is required over the next four years. This is equivalent to US$ 50 million/year, assuming that 100% of this amount will be derived from African domestic resources. A Strategy, prepared by the key PIDA Stakeholders (AUC, AfDB and NPCA), was presented at the 27th Session of the NEPAD HSGOC but its implementation of course may take time.

We would also like to say we are pleased that the champions of PIDA are dedicating a substantial amount of time and money to these projects. We encourage more countries to do the same.

Within the context of knowledge management and the development of policies and strategies, the NEPAD Agency and the Commission intensified their work towards achieving higher levels of coordination, consistency and synergy in the planning, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of regional programmes.

The NEPAD Agency is also involved in the development of the AUC Strategic Plan for 2014-2017, on the basis upon which the Agency will also develop its own. Further, the Agency is working closely with the Commission on the development of the AU-wide Strategic Framework, where other African institutions are also involved.

Despite NEPAD’s accomplishments to date, a lot still needs to be done in order for the ordinary man and woman across the continent to feel the impact of NEPAD’s deliverables in a consistent and concrete manner. This requires, among other things, addressing the challenges facing the NEPAD Agency. These challenges include inadequate financial resources to implement in a timely manner continental and regional projects and inadequate human capital to facilitate the implementation of programs and projects.

While appreciating the support from the development partners, we will need to do more about mobilizing domestic resources for NEPAD. We would also like to request that the organizational structure approved that has been approved be implemented. However, in order for us to implement, we need more money. For, the longer we delay in doing this, the less effective the Agency will be. We therefore humbly request that we be supported in this regard. We also want the NPCA to work with us to work with us in the OAU 50th anniversary in May 2013. This will enable the NEPAD Agency to showcase its achievements since its establishment, as part and parcel of the OAU/AU’s accomplishments.

1. In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to the Deputy Chairperson and all the Commissioners of the African Union Commission for their contribution to NEPAD.

2. Finally, I wish to commend Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, the Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Agency for his leadership as well as the results he and his team have achieved so far.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Dates: 
January 26, 2013
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Introductory Remarks of H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Chairperson to the meeting of the Peace and Security Council of 25 January 2013

Excellencies;

Ladies and gentlemen;

Looking at Africa’s political and security landscape, we have made significant strides in addressing the peace and security challenges on the continent. The marked improvement in the situation in Somalia, the consolidation of peace in a number of countries that emerged from conflict and the promising process leading to peaceful resolution of the crisis in the Central African Republic are cases in point, which deserve acknowledgement. We also seem to be making some progress in the resolution of the institutional crises in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, while some North African countries that experienced tumultuous popular uprisings in 2011 are gradually stabilizing.

As we meet here today, and while we acknowledge these successes, we ought to reflect on the outstanding of peace and security challenges still facing the continent and devise appropriate strategies to overcome them, including addressing its root causes.

In Central Africa, the renewed insecurity situation since mid-2012 in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo should preoccupy our attention, while the Lord’s Resistance Army continues to pose a threat to security and stability in the affected countries.

Now, let me turn my focus on two specific situations on the agenda for this meeting, namely the situation between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, and the situation in Mali.

The situation in Sudan and South Sudan poses a particular set of challenges to Africa – how to celebrate diversity while pursuing the goal of a united Africa, how to promote good neighbourliness and mutual viability between two states whose people are closely linked by geography and an often painful history, how to manage natural resources to the benefit of ordinary Africans, and how to build state capacity, institutions and infrastructure in situations where very little exists.

When South Sudan attained independence on 9 July 2011, there were a number of issues outstanding in defining its post-secession relations with Sudan, in particular security arrangements and the demarcation of their common border, the question of oil and economic arrangements, the final status of Abyei, and nationality and the status of citizens of one country resident in the other. The situation was further complicated by the outbreak of armed conflict in the Two Areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile of Sudan around the time of South Sudan’s independence, between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-North. The AU High Level Implementation Panel, with the support of Ethiopia as Chair of IGAD, as well as invaluable support from its Partners, has been working with the two governments to finalize agreement on outstanding issues in their post-secession relations.

In April 2012, long-simmering tensions along their undemarcated border led to the outbreak of fighting, and threatened to escalate into all-out war between the two states. It was in this context that this Council met on 24 April 2012, and adopted a Roadmap toward the reduction of tension and the resumption of negotiations between the two Parties to end the conflict and finalize all outstanding post-secession issues. In a very welcome move underscoring improved relations between the AU PSC and UNSC, the UN Security Council endorsed the Roadmap in its entirety. This was an example of total unity of purpose in the international community.

The High Level Implementation Panel is continuing to engage with the two states toward the full implementation of all elements in the AU Roadmap. On 27 September 2012, it succeeded in brokering a series of agreements between the two states on most outstanding matters. However, it is of great concern that the implementation of the signed Agreements is facing difficulties. It is my hope that this Council will call on the two states to urgently and unconditionally implement all aspects of the agreements which were mutually acceptable comprimises on both sides. President el Bashir and President Kiir have been courageous in reaching these agreements, and it is vital that we encourage them to remain steadfast in their search for peace, security and stability, in the interests of their citizens.

I would like to once again reiterate my profound gratitude, and the gratitude of the entire continent, to the tireless efforts of Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Pierre Buyoya, as well as their staff, for their work in the last year. I would also like to thank Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn of Ethiopia for his vital support to the AUHIP’s efforts. I must also thank the AU’s partners, in particular the United Nations, for their unwavering support for the efforts of the AUHIP.

Excellencies

On the situation in Mali, I’m sure you are aware of the grave developments in the security situation in the country since early this month. On 9 January 2013, armed terrorist and criminal groups in northern Mali launched attacks against Malian government positions. This was a stark reminder of the dangers faced by the Malian state and the region as a whole in the continued activities of armed, terrorist and criminal groups in this region.

I issued a press release strongly condemning this renewed violence by armed groups and called on AU Member States, in line with the relevant decisions of the PSC and of the UN Security Council resolutions, to extend the necessary logistical, financial and capacity-building support to the Malian Defence and Security Forces. I wish to reiterate this call.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me at this point to express my gratitude and that of the Commission to ECOWAS for its unrelenting efforts in facilitating dialogue with armed groups with a view of resolving the Malian crisis peacefully. The AU has vigorously supported these efforts. I also thank ECOWAS Member States and other African countries that have or are making efforts for the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), which has been necessitated by the grave developments in northern Mali. The AFISMA operation was approved by the AU PSC on 13 November 2012 and subsequently mandated resolution 2085 (2012) of the UN Security Council. It is important to complement the ongoing efforts on the ground by a political process aimed at generating the broadest possible consensus among the Malian stakeholders on the key challenges facing their country.

Of course we are very grateful to France and the international community, that have stood with Mali at this trying moment. This timely intervention in Mali helped arrest the southward advance of armed groups and is still weakening their capabilities. The United Nations and the European Union merit also thanks for their efforts, both on-going and what we expect of them in the immediate, medium and long-term future. The same appreciation goes to all our other bilateral and multilateral partners.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Alongside the grave developments on the security front, some positive developments have been recorded in the resolution of the institutional crisis in Bamako. These developments are worth encouraging. Indeed, the appointment, by interim President Diouncounda Traoré, of a new Prime Minister, in the person of Mr. Diango Cissoko, and the formation of an inclusive government of national unity, on 15 December 2012, appears to have brought much needed coherence in the work of the transitional government. But enormous challenges still remain, including a clear and credible roadmap for the completion of the transitional process.

You may recall the various appeals by the PSC and ECOWAS, and UN Security Council resolutions calling on Member States and various organisations to contribute actively towards the mobilization of adequate support for the Malian Defense and Security Forces and AFISMA. Both need significant and urgent financial, logistical and technical support. In resolution 2085 (2012), adopted on 20 December 2012, the UN Security Council requested the Secretary-General to establish a Trust Fund through which Member States can provide support to AFISMA, and to the Malian Defense and Security Forces.

Based on the strong belief that we, the African Union and African peoples, need to be at the forefront of efforts to assist Member States in need of our help, the AU Commission is holding a pledging conference on 29 January to solicit contributions and mobilise financial, logistical and capacity building support for both the Malian Defense and Security Forces and AFISMA. We have extended invitations to all Member States as well as to a number of our international partners. We hope that Member States, as well as the international partners will contribute generously for this critical mission.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

These are some of the challenges that the continent faces and which require our determined and collective efforts in order to overcome them. It is imperative for the success of our efforts in all other fields, be it economic development or integration, health care, education or the promotion of science and technology. This is equally imperative for us to reach our lofty goal of freeing all the billon of Africans from fear and from want.

Dates: 
January 25, 2013
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PDF icon Discours de S.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Présidente de la CUA (EN)
PDF icon Discours de S.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Présidente de la CUA (FR)
English

Statement by Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the Tenth AU-RECs-ECA-AfDB Coordination Committee Meeting

Statement by H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,

Chairperson of the AU Commission,

at the Tenth AU-RECs-ECA-AfDB Coordination Committee Meeting

23 January 2013, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Your Excellencies, Chief Executives of Regional Economic Communities,
Your Excellency, Executive Secretary of UNECA,
Your Excellency President of the African Development Bank,
Your Excellencies Commissioners,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour and privilege to welcome you to Addis Ababa - and this being my first time to attend this important meeting - I wish to thank you for the work in support of our collaboration.

This forum provides an opportunity to examine the progress so far achieved, discuss the key challenges facing the integration of our continent and share some thoughts on moving the process forward.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
Since we are about our core agenda of integration and development as continental institutions. We must address the central question of the Abuja Treaty: how “to increase African self-reliance and promote an endogenous and self-sustained development.” This is very true even today, to develop an endogenous and self-sustained development, because we have seen how many models of growth globally has come apart, so it is important that we find our own models of development.

We must help give direction as to how to move more swiftly to ensure that Africa becomes prosperous, integrated, peaceful and indeed a global growth-pole over the next few decades. This means that we cannot anymore be satisfied with small, incremental improvements, but we have to think and act bolder.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is an opportune moment, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU. This is an opportune moment to look at our achievements, to learn from the past, what we we could have done better. As the three organisations we have complementary mandates and therefore define our common agenda for the next fifty years. The RECs as building blocks for integration and development are critical in this process.
Given the scale and scope of global changes, it is therefore important that Africa reenergizes our momentum for integration and development, guided by its leadership in order to claim its renaissance in a very competitive, insecure and unequal world that we see today.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this context, I am pleased to inform you that on 11 and 12 January this year, I had the honour and privilege of holding extensive discussions, with Dr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary, UNECA, and Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the AfDB on a range of topical issues.
Among other things, we reiterated the need to coordinate our activities in setting the agenda to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in May this year. We affirmed the spirit of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, which inspired the political revolution of the continent in the last 50 years, and is now critical for realization of Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
We also reflected on the key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Africa going forward, drawing on the past 50 years. We noted that Africa’s economic growth and development challenges require the need to focus on equity, inclusiveness, the preservation of natural capital and creation of decent jobs, especially for the youth and women. To support the vision of Africa’s leaders to transform the continent over the next 50 years, we re-affirmed the commitment by the three (3) Pan-African institutions to collaborate closely with RECs and other partners to foster the agenda of an integrated and prosperous continent with a view to realize Africa’s renaissance.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me at this juncture, set out and suggest the context or framework, within which we need to approach our important relationship, as we gather here today.
In my view, the framework has two important elements. One should be a frank acknowledgment of the many challenges we continue to face in fostering our integration agendas, and those that may arise, moving forward. Second, is the obvious need for a stronger commitment to manage these challenges in a straight-forward and constructive way, with the eye for the longer-term.
We also need to continue to deal with, as a matter of priority, issues related to global public goods including climate change, peace and security as well pressing challenges regarding youth and women unemployment. The way forward is to keep urging the leaders of our Member States on the need to accelerate the implementation of agreed decisions and actions.
Outside the provisions of our Protocol requesting us to formally meet twice a year, I think that the emergencies generated by our changing environment force upon us the need to often meet to agree and have common positions on specific agendas before meeting the external world and our partners. I would like also take this opportunity to invite you to fully participate in the elaboration of o the next AU Strategic Plan which is ongoing preparation.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am aware that a number of RECs represented here at this meeting have made substantial progress in a range of areas, but a great deal of work remains to be done. Among others, shortcomings in the removal of unnecessary barriers for movement of goods, services and labour, have root of the challenges. As a matter of priority, we need to tackle these surmountable challenges head-on, to realize of our dream for a united and deeply integrated continent.
May I recall that the central pillar of Africa’s integration process should be anchored on her people. Ordinary citizens should enjoy the benefits associated with regional integration, and in this connection, free movement of our citizens should be made a reality. Therefore, a central challenge of our everyday work should be to set favourable conditions that allow the skills and capabilities of our labour force, especially, the youth and women, to be fully exploited.
Excellences, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
On a more optimistic note I must emphasize that, among other positive developments, the establishment and continued strengthening of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area should give us a large of confidence, on what can be achieved, when we agree to synergize our limited resources and rich experiences. In this vein, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage other RECs represented here, to learn and emulate the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA initiative that I just alluded to.
In conclusion, I wish to once again to applaud you for the tireless effort you continue to extend to the AU Commission, and the important relationship all of us have developed and nurtured over the years, in support of our integration agenda.
I have no doubt that there are many opportunities that can be seized which will enable us to reap the benefits of continental integration and sustainable economic prosperity for our people.
I encourage the members of the media present to interact and get information from the RECs.
I thank you for your kind attention.

Dates: 
January 23, 2013
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PDF icon Discours de S.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Présidente de la CUA (EN)
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