Events & Activities

Event

Donors' Conference on Mali, 29 January 2013 @9:00 EAT

29 January 2013

Media Advisory

DONORS’ CONFERENCE ON MALI

In the communiqué adopted at its 341st meeting, held on 13 November 2012, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) requested the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in close consultation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), to contribute actively towards the mobilization of necessary support for the Malian Defense and Security Forces, especially through the speedy convening of a donors’ conference. 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 earmarked and/or non‐earmarked financial support to the Africa‐led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA), and/or to the training and equipping of Malian defense and security forces.

As a follow‐up to the PSC communiqué and the UN Security Council resolution, the donors’ conference will be held in Addis Ababa on 29 January 2013, from 09:00 a.m. to 14:00. The conference will be held in the Plenary Hall of the AUC new Conference Complex.

Media representatives are requested to carry their 20th AU Summit badges to access the AU premises.

Programme

DONORS’ CONFERENCE ON MALI

AU NEW CONFERENCE COMPLEX (PLENARY HALL)

09:00‐09:20: Opening Remarks (3 minutes maximum each)

‐ AU

‐ ECOWAS

‐ UN

‐ EU

‐ Government of Mali

09:20‐09:30: Presentation on the needs of the Malian Defence and Security

Forces and AFISMA

09:30‐12:30: Announcement of pledges (3 to 5 minutes per participant)

12:30‐13:00 : Expression of political support

13:00‐13:30 : Summary of conclusions

13:30‐14:00 : Press Conference

Contact: Ms. Yaye Nabo Séne

Directorate of Information and Communication

E-mail: seney@africa-union.org, epsilone10@gmail.com

Cell : +251 913 45 31 13

Event

Press Conference of Commissioner LAMAMRA

28 January 2013

INVITATION

PRESS CONFERENCE OF COMMISSIONER LAMAMRA

Within the framework of the 20th AU summit, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, will on Monday 28 January 2013 at 16h30, hold a press conference at the Small Conference Hall 4 of the new AU Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

During the press Ambassador Lamamra will address the following issue:

- Status of peace and security in Africa

Journalists are invited to take part in the press conference

Event

Press Conference of Ambassador DIARRA and Ambassador ANNADIF

28 January 2013

NVITATION

PRESS CONFERENCE OF AMBASSADOR DIARRA AND AMBASSADOR ANNADIF

Within the framework of the 20th AU summit, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, Special Representative of the Chairperson for the Great Lakes Region and Head of the AU Office in Burundi, and Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Special Representative of the Chairperson in Somalia, will on Monday 28 January 2013 at 11h00, hold a press conference at the Briefing room1 of the new AU Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

During the press Ambassador Diarra and Ambassador Annadif will respectively address the following issues:

- Briefing on the situation in Somalia

- Briefing on the situation in the Great Lakes Region

Journalists are invited to take part in the press conference

Event

Summit Ends with Strong Decisions and Declarations by AU Heads of States on Cruc

28 January 2013

PRESS RELEASE N0. 20 / 20th AU SUMMIT

Summit Ends with Strong Decisions and Declarations by AU Heads of States on Crucial and Topical Issues on the Continent

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 28 January 2013- The 20th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit holding on the theme: “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance” ended Monday 28 January 2013 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with commitment by the AU Heads of State and Government to ensure implementation of the Assembly Decisions and Declarations arrived at during their deliberations.

In his closing remarks, the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union, Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, expressed satisfaction at the active participation of all the Heads of States and Government in the discussions on various issues of interest to the continent. “Your valuable comments and contributions have no doubt enriched our debate and informed the decisions that we have adopted on a myriad of issues. (See complete speech of the AU Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int ).

The following decisions were adopted among others:

On refocusing the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to support the transformation agenda of the African Union, the Heads of States urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations to provide the required support to ECA to enhance its work in accordance with Africa’s priorities.

On the creation of the African Observatory on Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) to be hosted by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Heads of State endorsed the project.

They called on Member States and Development partners to avail the necessary technical and financial support for sustaining the AOSTI and its programmes.

The Heads of State also decided to create the Pan-African Intellectual Property Organization (PAIPO). They requested the Commission to convene a meeting of all stakeholders dealing with intellectual property in the implementation of the Decision by May 2013 Summit.

On the coordination of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and Africa’s preparation for cop 19/CMP 9

The Heads of States acknowledged the need for further refine and streamline the coordination mechanism for CAHOSCC. They endorsed the coordination function of CAHOSCC as follows:

i) Coordination of CAHOSCC rotates for a period of two (2) years for two Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);

ii) Country of the host of the Presidency of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) to serve as the Coordinator at the Summit level to enhance linkage between the AMCEN processes to CAHOSCC in addition to providing the necessary support given the nature of expectations at this level; and

iii) The President of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) to serve as Coordinator at the Ministerial level;

iv) Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) experts elected at the UNFCCC forum serves as Coordinator at the Experts’ level.

On the establishment of an “international constitutional court”

The Heads of States requested the African Union Commission on International Law to examine the proposed establishment of an International Constitutional Court and make recommendations to the 22nd Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (January 2014) on the said proposal

On the integration of the new Africa- Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP) into African Union structures and processes

The Assembly requested the Commission to take the necessary steps towards the integration of the New Africa-Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP) into the African Union structures and processes.

On the representation of local communities in organs of the African Union

The Assembly requested the Commission to submit a comprehensive report on the opportunity, feasibility, relevance and implications, including financial ones, of the proposal at the January 2014 Summit.

On the reduction of maternal, newborn and child mortality and morbidity in Africa

The Assembly requested that the Ministers of Health of the African Union examine the progress made regarding the state of maternal, newborn and child health, map out concrete and innovative strategies at a larger scale in order to adequately address the health needs of African women and children and submit a report to the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly. It decided to place this item on the agenda of the next Assembly.

On the establishment of the African Union institute for statistics

The Assembly approved the establishment of the African Union Commission Institute for Statistics that will be based in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia.

On the promotion of critical knowledge for the accelerated and sustainable development of Africa

The Assembly took note of the proposal of Burkina Faso on the promotion of critical skills for Accelerated and Sustainable Development in Africa. The Heads of States approved the initiative of Burkina Faso.

On the hosting of a special follow-up summit on the Abuja 2001 African Union Summit on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other related infectious diseases in the third quarter (july/august) of 2013

The Assembly welcomed and endorsed the offer by the Federal Republic of Nigeria to host a Special Follow-Up Summit on the Abuja 2001 African union summit on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other related infectious diseases in the third quarter of 2013.

On the south-south and triangular coalition in support of Africa-post 2015

The Assembly took note of the proposal by the Republic of Guinea relating to the creation of a South-South and Triangular Coalition in support of Africa Post 2015; it approved in principle the creation of a South/South and Triangular Coalition to assist Africa within the framework of its Post 2015 Agenda.

On the report of the Committee of Ten on UN Reform

The Assembly reiterated that the Committee of ten remains seized of this matter until Africa achieves its objectives on the reform of the UN Security Council and requested the Committee to present a report to the Twenty-first Ordinary Session of the Assembly in July 2013.

On the election of the Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology and the Commissioner for Economic Affairs of the African Union

The Assembly, appointed the following persons as Commissioners of the AU Commission:

Name and Country

Portfolio

a) Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga (Republic of Congo). - Human Resources, Science and Technology

b) Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping (Lesotho) - Economic Affairs

On election of the five members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union

The Assembly appointed the following five (5) Members of the Peace and Security Council for a three (3)-year term as of March 2013:

1. Equatorial Guinea Central Region

2. Uganda Eastern Region

3. Algeria Northern Region

4. Mozambique Southern Region

5. Nigeria Western Region

On the election of one judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

The Assembly, appointed Mr. Kimelabalou Aba ( Togo) as Judge of AfCHPR for a year and a half (1½ year) term.

On the election of the eleven members of the Advisory Board on Corruption

The Assembly, appointed the following Members of the Advisory Board on Corruption for a two (2)-year term:

No. Name Country

1. Mr. Jacques III Achiaou Cote d’Ivoire

2. Dr. Tony Aidoo Ghana

3. Ms. Akossiwa Ayena Togo

4. Ms. Angele Barumpozako Burundi

5. Mr. Salem Ben-Gharbia Libya

6. Mr. M’pere Diarra Mali

7. Mr. Jean Baptiste Elias Benin

8. Mr. Edward Gamaya Tanzania

9. Mr. Ali Sulaiman Mohamed Ethiopia

10. Mr. Pierre Nzobabela Republic of Congo

11. Mrs. Julie Onum-Nwariaku Nigeria

On the election of five members of the African Union Commission on International Law

The Assembly, appointed the following Members of the AUCILfor a five (5)-year term:

No. Name Country

1. Mr. Rafaa Ben Achour Tunisia

2. Mr. Daniel Makiesse Mwanawanzambi D.R.C

3. Mr. Boniface Obinna Okere Nigeria

4. Mrs. Naceesay Salla-Wadda Gambia

5. Mr. Kholisani Solo Botswana

On the Declaration of solidarity with Algeria following the terrorist attack on Gazier site in Amenas, the Assembly condemned with utmost firmness the “cowardly and vicious act of aggression against a member state of the African Union.

On the Declaration on Palestine, the Assembly welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s decision granting the State of Palestine “Observer non-member” status in the UN. It urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with the United Nations’ resolution and previous agreements signed by with Palestine.

On the other hand, it was announced during today’s closing ceremony of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union that, the next AU Summit will take place on 19th to 27th May 2013.

All the decisions and declarations will be posted on the AU website www.au.int as soon as they are ready:

Event

Assembly elects Members of key AU Institutions

28 January 2013

Press Release Nº19/20th AU Summit

ASSEMBLY ELECTS MEMBERS OF KEY AU INSTITUTIONS

The 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, on 28 January adopted five (5) decisions on the appointment of Members and Judges elected during the 22nd Ordinary Session of Executive Council, as follows:

- Two (2) Members of the Commission

• Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga (Republic of Congo) -

Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology

• Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping (Lesotho) –

Commissioner for Economic Affairs

- Five (5) Members of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for a three (3) year term

• Equatorial Guinea Central Region

• Uganda Eastern Region

• Algeria Northern Region

• Mozambique Southern Region

• Nigeria Western Region

- One (1) Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) for a one and half year term

• Mr. Kimelabalou Aba from the Republic of Togo

- Eleven (11) Members of the Advisory Board on Corruption

• Mr. Jacques III ACHIAOU Côte d’Ivoire

• Mr. Tony AIDOO Ghana

• Ms. Akossiwa AYENA Togo

• Ms. Angèle BARUMPOZAKO Burundi

• Mr. Salem BEN-GHARBIA Libya

• Mr. M’Pèrè DIARRA Mali

• Mr. Jean-Baptiste ELIAS Benin

• Mr. Edward GAMAYA Tanzania

• Mr. Ali Sulaiman MOHAMED Ethiopia

• Mr. Pierre NZOBABELA Congo

• Mrs. Julie ONUM-NWARIAKU Nigeria

Five (5) Members of the African Union Commission on International Law

• Mr. Rafâa Ben Achour Tunisia

• Mr. Daniel Makiesse Mwanawanzambi D.R.C

• Mr. Boniface Obinna Okere Nigeria

• Mrs. Naceesay Salla-Wadda Gambia

• Mr. Kholisani Solo Botswana

Event

20th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly opens with a focus on PanAfricanism and

27 January 2013

PRESS RELEASE Nº17 / 20th AU SUMMIT

20th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AU ASSEMBLY OPENS WITH A FOCUS ON PANAFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 27 January 2013- “Today we look to the future calmly, confidently and courageously “said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), while addressing the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union today, 27 January 2013 at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Summit, bringing together Heads of State and Government or their accredited representatives is holding under the theme: “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”. A minute of silence was observed at the opening ceremony in memory of late President John Atta Mills of Ghana and late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.

Referring to the theme of the Summit and the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) created on 25 May 1963, the AUC Chairperson explained that, the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the ideals of the African Renaissance has delivered and will propel its citizens towards an integrated, people-centred, prosperous Africa at peace with itself. She added that it is this spirit and ideals that inspired the adoption of the Lagos Plan of Action in 1980, the Abuja Treaty in 1990 and NEPAD in 2001. According to Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, “the African dream is not only achievable but it can be done in a shorter time.”

To secure decent livelihoods and the free movement of people, goods and services, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said, “we must accelerate integration and connectivity”. She expressed satisfaction with the progress on the implementation of the priority infrastructure projects of PIDA in the areas of transport, energy and ICT. The Chairperson of the AUC further underscored the need for the Union to enhance youth and women’s development alongside education. “The Pan African University and the general expansion of our higher education sector will equip our young people with critical abilities to drive innovation, sciences, entrepreneurship, research, social development and industrialization”, she underlined. (See complete speech of AUC Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int .

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) recalled in his speech, that Africa is the world’s youngest continent. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to help the people of Mali “This is a moral imperative for all in the international community…..I am personally committed to ensuring that the United Nations stands ready, once the regrettably necessary combat operations are over, to undertake a major system-wide effort for peace-building, governance and security sector reform, physical reconstruction, and regional cooperation” he emphasised.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said 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 as this can open the way for enormous gains” he underscored. she underlined.

(See complete speech of UN SG on the AU website: www.au.int .

Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine National Authority (PNA) and Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation Executive Committee congratulated the AU for the achievements by many countries in the promotion of governance and democracy which has led to economic growth.

He also commended the Union’s efforts in the consolidation of peace and security as well as conflict resolution on the continent.

He expressed gratitude at the adoption of the request of the Palestinian State to have observer status at the UN General Assembly. “The most pressing issue for the Palestinian National Authority now is how to alleviate the suffering of refugees from Syria”, he said.

Event

Media Advisory: The Twentieth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Un

26 January 2013

MEDIA ADVISORY / 20th AU SUMMIT

THE TWENTIETH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE AFRICAN UNION OPENS ON SUNDAY 27 JANUARY

Dates: 27 - 28 January 2013

WHO: Heads of State and Government of the African Union

Venue: Plenary hall of the New African Union Conference Center (AUCC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Time: 10.00 - 12.15 hrs

Theme: The Heads of State will exchange views on the theme of the 20th AU Summit: “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”.

Proceedings: According to the agenda of the AU Heads of State and Government will consider the recommendations of the Executive Council on the report of the Commission on the implementation of previous Decisions of the Executive Council and the Assembly; the report of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa, including the activities of the Panel of the Wise.

The African Presidents will further consider the report of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC). They will deliberate on the report of Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the Committee of Ten on the UN Reforms as well as the report of the Coordinator of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) on the Climate Change Negotiations at the 18th Conference of Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP 18).

The Presidents and Heads of Delegations will also be briefed by Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia and Co-Chair of the United Nations High-Level Panel (HLP) on the post 2015 development agenda on the ongoing consultative process regarding the work of the Panel and another briefing from Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, on the hosting by South Africa of the 5th BRICS Summit in March 2013.

On the other hand, the African Leaders will exchange views on the progress report of the Commission on the Transformation of the African Union Commission into t he African Union Authority as well as the report of the High Level African Trade Committee (HATC) on “Boosting Intra-African Trade and the Establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area”.

For more information, consult the African Union website: www.au.int and visit the 20th Summit web page of the AU at the following link: http://summits.au.int/en/20thsummit/

Journalists are invited to cover the official opening and closing ceremonies of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union 27 and 28 January 2013.

Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com

Event

NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC)

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.

Event

Media Briefing on High Level Event on Campaign on the Acceleration of Reduction

25 January 2013

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.

Event

“Whenever Africa takes the lead in solving a problem on the continent with the

25 January 2013

Press release n°15 / 20th AU Summit

“Whenever Africa takes the lead in solving a problem on the continent with the support of the International Community, it’s often a success” says AU Director for Peace and Security

Addis Ababa, 25th January 2013 – Mr El Ghassim Wane, Director of the Peace and Security Department (PSD) of the African Union Commission (AUC) held a press briefing on 24 January, on the efforts of the AU towards the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

At the onset, Mr. Wane informed about a recent meeting between AU and ECOWAS aimed at expediting the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA). Many countries from the region and beyond have pledged to deploy troops. In parallel, the AU will convene a Pledging Conference on Mali on 29 January 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in order to mobilize logistic support and help the force move quickly. Prior to this event, a meeting of the PSC at presidential level on the situation in Mali and on the relations between Sudan and South Sudan will be held on 25th January at the margins of the 20th AU Summit.

Mr Wane further gave a detailed description of the provisions of the Protocol Establishing the Peace and Security Council (PSC) as part of African efforts to enhance the capacity to deal with conflicts. He further touched on the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), the Panel of the Wise, the African standby Force (ASF – which should reach its full operational capability by 2015), the Peace fund and the mechanisms with the Regional Economic Communities (REC’s) provided for by the Protocol in a bid to monitor situations, prevent crises and implement peace agreements.

The PSC has been fully operational since 2004. It has many success to its credit despite some shortcomings said Mr Wane. Indeed, since its establishment, the PSC dealt with most of if not all the conflict situations in Africa. As recalled by Director Wane, the Council authorized, in 2004, the deployment of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) which accounted for the decreased violence and which prepared the ground for the deployment of the joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping operation in Darfur (UNAMID). He further cited the cases of the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and more recently, the AFISMA to name but a few. “Whenever Africa takes the lead in solving a problem on the continent with the support of the International Community, it’s often a success” acknowledged Mr Wane. However, he recognized that funding, especially for peace-keeping operations is still a challenge.

Event

Ouverture de la 22ème Session Ordinaire du Conseil Exécutif

24 January 2013

Ouverture de la 22ème Session Ordinaire du Conseil Exécutif

Event

Updates on the just concluded Year of Shared Values: Press Conference of Commiss

23 January 2013

Press Release N°10/20th AU Summit

Updates on the just concluded Year of Shared Values

Addis Ababa, 23rd January 2013 – Dr Aisha Laraba Abdulahi, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs briefed the media attending the 20th AU Summit on the just concluded Year of Shared Values. “Shared Values are the norms, principles and practices acquired or developed throughout African history, and which are embedded at the individual, societal, regional, continental and global levels”, the Commissioner said. These values include freedom, democratic governance, popular participation of the people and rule of law amongst others. The values are reflected in the AU legal instruments and are considered as shared because “they have been the basis of collective actions and solutions in addressing the social, economic and political challenges faced individually and collectively by African Union Member States”.

Mindful of the above, the activities undertaken during the year 2012 dedicated to Shared Values, were informed by the need to overcome the poor rate of ratification of continental legal instruments, and to monitor and evaluate their implementation at national level. The AU, therefore focused on the universal ratification of three critical instruments: the Convention on Preventing and Combatting Corruption (adopted in 2003), the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007) and the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. Furthermore, to shift from norms setting to policy implementation, the AU developed the Human Rights Strategy for Africa and the draft Framework on Transitional Justice. Amongst other achievements, the African Governance Platform was also launched to enhance the monitoring, periodic review and assessment of the implementation of Member States’ commitments towards shared values. Lastly, to create awareness about the shared values, a dedicated website, blogs, Facebook and twitter accounts were created.

YNS/WM