Events & Activities

Event

AU Commission Chairperson in The Bahamas and Cuba on official visits

30 September 2015

Nassau, The Bahamas – 29 September 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has arrived in Nassau, in The Bahamas at the start of a two-day official visit that will also take her to Cuba. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Fred Mitchell received the AU Commission Chairperson and her delegation at the Lynden Pindling International airport in Nassau, upon arrival on Tuesday, 29 September 2015.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Dame Margueritte Pindling offered to the AU Commission Chairperson a luncheon at the Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam in Nassau, after a courtesy call with the Cabinet of Ministers.

During the luncheon, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Right Honourable Perry Gladstone Christie heartily welcomed the Chairperson, describing her as a true friend of The Bahamas. Congratulating the Chairperson for the remarkable work being done by the African Union, he commended her maintaining a strong relationship between Africa and the Caribbean.

Expressing her joy to be back after so many years, the AU Commission Chairperson took the opportunity to call for strengthened collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, particularly within the vision of delivering on Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The official visit to The Bahamas ends on Wednesday 30 September, and the AU Commission Chairperson and her delegation will continue to Cuba.

In Havana, Cuba, the AU Commission Chairperson will hold meetings with President Raúl Castro and his cabinet, with the discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between Africa and Cuba. Other highlights of the visit include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union and Cuba, and visits to the Latin American International Medical School. Dr Dlamini Zuma will meet with the Women’s Federation and African students in Havana. She will also deliver a lecture at the Cuban Institute of International Relations.

Relations between Africa and Cuba dates back a long way. The AU Commission’s Chairperson’s visit to The Bahamas and Cuba, her earlier visit to Jamaica and that of the AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha earlier this year are all aimed at strengthening relations and the bond between Africa and Central American and Caribbean countries.

/JEE

Media Queries contact:

Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +1 202 751 8517 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org

Event

AUC Chairperson joins world leaders to commit to gender equality and women's emp

29 September 2015

New York, USA – 27 September 2015: World leaders have voiced overwhelming support and committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment aimed at achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, joined global leaders and delegates to make commitments at a meeting co-organised by UN-Women and the People’s Republic of China in the margins of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

In her remarks, the AU Commission Chairperson said the AU places a central focus on achieving gender parity and women’s empowerment in its Agenda 2063. She pointed out that in Africa, the year 2015 is the year of women’s empowerment and development toward Agenda 2063. She noted that during the last Summit of Heads of State and of Government, a Gender Scorecard was developed to track progress made in achieving gender equality. Dr. Dlamini Zuma committed to refining this tool in the future by including more indicators.

The Chairperson noted that while Rwanda is leading the world with the highest number of women represented in Parliament, 22 countries have at least 30% of women in Parliament, while 14 countries have 30% of women ministers, with Cape Verde leading Africa with the highest representation of women ministers.

During the gathering, Chinese President Xi Jinping, among others, announced a donation of $10million USD to UN-Women to finance development and training projects aimed at promoting gender parity and women’s empowerment.

While leaders announced various contributions and donations, some of the world leaders expressed political will and determination in advancing the course for women’s empowerment and gender parity. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya said progress for women is progress for us all, and the whole world stood to gain from gender equality.

Holding 20 years after the Beijing declaration and platform for action to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, the meeting was attended by UN Member States, Non-Governmental Organisations, the private sector and partners.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Event

Burkina Faso expresses gratitude to the AU for reversing Coup d’État

29 September 2015

Burkina Faso expresses gratitude to the AU for reversing Coup d’État

New York, USA – 27 September 2015: The Foreign Minister of the Transition Government of Burkina Faso has conveyed the gratitude of his country to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in contributing to reverse the coup d’État of 17 September 2015.

The Foreign Minister and the AU Commission Chairperson met in New York, USA, on 27 September 2015 in the margins of the UN General Assembly. “The message of the African Union was very clear and unequivocal. It left no room for ambiguity.” The Foreign Minister told the AU Commission Chairperson.

The Foreign Minister briefed the AU Commission Chairperson on the current situation, including the dissolution of the Presidential Security Regiment that led the coup d’État in Burkina Faso. He was conveying a special message of Interim President Michel Kafando.

The AU Commission Chairperson reiterated the AU’s zero-tolerance for coups d’État and unconstitutional changes of governments. She pledged the AU’s support to see Burkina Faso through the transition process.

/JEE

Event

Africa actively and fully participated in SDGs, must own it

29 September 2015

Press Release Nº250/2015

New York, USA – 27 September 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and the United Nations Secretary General met in New York, USA, on 27 September 2015. They discussed issues of common interest including the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, and peace and security on the continent.

The Chairperson expressed delight in the active participation of African countries in the process leading up to the adoption of the SDGs. On his part, the UN Secretary General commended the critical contribution of Africa to the SGDs, as well as the formulation of Africa’s ambitious vision, Agenda 2063. He enjoined Africa to take ownership of the development agendas.

On the issue of peace and security, the AU Commission Chairperson informed the Secretary General that the Heads of State and of Government adopted the report of the South Sudan Commission of Inquiry, when they met during the Peace and Security meeting. The two personalities also exchanged on Darfur, Somalia and Libya.

Both the Chairperson and the Secretary General agreed to continue working hard toward reaching a final agreement on climate change during the conference planned in Paris at the end of the year.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Event

AU Commission Chairperson offers condolences to Hajj stampede victims

25 September 2015

Press Release

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 25 September 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on behalf of the Commission and its staff, the Union and the rest of the continent, expressed her grief on the passing of over 700 people in a stampede near the holy city of Mecca, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday 24th September 2015.

“The continent of Africa collectively joins me in praying for the souls of those who perished in this tragic accident during the holy pilgrimage. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families. We hope that their hearts find solace in this holy period. We also pray for the speedy recovery for all those injured,” said Dr. Dlamini Zuma after learning of unfortunate accident.

The stampede occurred on a street in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday 24 September 2015, where approximately two million Muslims were performing the annual hajj pilgrim, one of the pillars of the Muslim faith.

Event

AU Commission, UNECA Heads to officially welcome new AfDB President in Addis Aba

25 September 2015

New York, USA – 24 September 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Dr. Carlos Lopes will officially welcome the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, headquarters of both the AUC and the UNECA. Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Carlos Lopes told the new AfDB President when the three met in New York, USA, on 24 September 2015, in the margins of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.

Meeting for the first time since the new AfDB President assumed his functions on 1 September 2015, the three heads of Africa’s premier institutions took the opportunity to discuss energy, agriculture and migration as some of the strategic areas of focus that would help to overcome some of Africa’s current challenges, in order to leapfrog its transformation.

The AfDB President said the bank was going to increase its investment in the energy sector, and fast-track energy reforms. He called on other sectors to equally do the same. The scaling up focus and investment in energy, as well as the coordination was greatly appreciated.

“We will count on your wisdom on many issues, especially having an equitable distribution of wealth in society. Your experience in agriculture in Nigeria made a very big difference,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma said. She added that the issues of agriculture and energy are two issues critical for women, as well as to poverty alleviation.

Over the past 20 years, the three institutions have operated a joint secretariat to facilitate their strategic efforts aimed at strengthening continental development initiatives and efforts. They noted that these have been 20 years of accomplishments, but also of challenges.

The three were meeting for the first time since the new President took office on 1 September 2015. That was just before the AU Commission Chairperson and the ECA Executive Secretary had travelled to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on 28 August 2015, to officially bid farewell to Donald Kaberuka.

They agreed to produce great things, given that the three institutions were created to do big things. Hence, apart from energy and agriculture, these African institutions will step its collaborative effort to stem the times of African migrants leaving the continent in search of better economic and socio-political opportunities.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Event

Africa is urbanizing very fast, though it is the least urbanised… it must get

25 September 2015

New York, USA – 24 September 2015: “The AU has prioritized the development of an African Charter on Urban Development and Human Settlements to lay down key principles and minimum standards towards facilitating sustainable urbanization and human settlements development.” The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said during the Presidential Dialogue on the African Urban Agenda, on 24 September 2015, on the margins of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The AUC Chairperson noted that it is projected that, by 2025, the total number of African cities with over a million people would have reached 64, overtaking the US, Europe and India in the next fifteen years. Africa is urbanizing very fast, though it is the least urbanised.

Citing the Goal 11 of the proposed Sustainable Development Goal, the AUC Chairperson said we all must commit to make cities and human settlements inclusive, resilient, safe and sustainable.

Given the rate of urbanisation in Africa, Dr. Dlaimini Zuma said the nexus between urbanization, industrialization, social transformation and economic development must be tackled together. She also emphasized the need for education and training of urban planners and engineers to meet contemporary African needs, as well as the use of latest and appropriate technology.

Also speaking at the luncheon, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Goal 11 “places a high priority on the role of efficient urbanization as a tool for development.” He added that a profound change is required.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon added that, “the UN Conference for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development – Habitat III – which will take place in Quito, in Ecuador, next year in October 2016, is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the Urbanization in Africa.”

Also speaking at the Presidential Dialogue was the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Adesina Akinwumi who challenged Africa to get rid of slums on the continent.

/JEE

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Event

AU Commission Chairperson leads delegation to 70th UN General Assembly in New Yo

25 September 2015

New York, USA – 23 September 2015: The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has arrived in New York, heading an AU Commission delegation to attend the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will be taking place in New York, USA, at the end of September 2015.

UN Member States are converging in New York to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Organisation during which they will also deliberate on key development issues, such as the launching of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, being the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission and her delegation, comprising the Deputy Chairperson, Commissioners and other Senior Officials will among other engagements, participate in various high level meetings with Heads of State and Government of the African continent and the world to present and discuss Africa’s Agenda 2063 in light of the SDGs.

During these meetings, Dr Dlamini Zuma will underscore Africa’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s development framework’s link to the global agenda. “The Post-2015 Development Agenda is intrinsically linked to Agenda 2063, the African 50-year vision. One cannot be attained without the other. Successful implementation of Agenda 2063 will give impetus for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” Dr Dlamini Zuma said prior to her arrival in New York.

The AU Commission has been actively engaged in the negotiations leading to the design of the new Post-2015 Development Agenda and securing a Common African Position on the issue. During her address, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will underline priority projects in the first ten year implementation plan of Agenda 2063, which priorities include reduction of poverty, overcoming gender-based barriers to women and girls’, education and economic revolution in Africa, sustainable consumption and production as well as climate change.

The AUC’s delegation will partake in a number of side events organized by the AU Commission and Partners, such as Heads of State and Government Dialogue on the Africa Urban Agenda; UN Women-led session on “Transforming Economies: Empowering Women and Girls”; discussions on Maritime Security and Safety in the Implementation of the post-2015 Development Agenda; Open-ended Ministerial Committee on the International Criminal Court and an Africa-Japan meeting on 2016 TICAD.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma will also attend a number of bilateral meetings with various partners of the AU to exchange views and perspectives on current continental and global issues of critical importance.

Apart from commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN, member states will listen to an address by His Holiness Pope Francis. It will also be the first time that world leaders commit to common actions and undertakings on such a universal policy agenda.

Media Queries contact:

Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Information, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission Tel: +1 646 546 7776 E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

Bushy Sekhu, Communications Officer, Bureau of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +251 926 773 226 or +27 84 245 1574; E-mail: SekhuB@africa-union.org AND sekhub@gmail.com

Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +1 202 751 8517 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org

Directorate of Information and Communication

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Event

The African Union rejects as Null and Void the announcement by the military of t

17 September 2015

The AU stresses that the abduction and detention of the leaders of the Transition constitute a terrorist act

The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, continues to follow with deep concern the situation in Burkina Faso following the abduction yesterday, in Ouagadougou, of the President of Faso, Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida and some members of his Government, by elements of the Régiment de sécurité présidentielle (RSP), as well as today’s announcement of the appointment of "new authorities ".

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s strong condemnation of the unjustifiable abduction and the continued detention of the leaders of the Transition, which constitute an act of terrorism in all respects, as well as the unacceptable attempt to undermine completely the Transition ushered in Burkina Faso in November 2014. She stresses that these acts are all the more reprehensible as they come less than a month before the presidential and legislative elections, which would have marked the conclusion of the Transition. She welcomes the unanimous condemnation by the international community of these acts, which constitute a serious threat to peace, stability and security in Burkina Faso, the region and the rest of the continent. She calls on all the AU Member States and the international community as a whole to ensure that this attempt to undermine the Transition is defeated. The AU considers the announcement by the military of the "dismissal" of President Michel Kafando and the attempt of substituting him with “new authorities” as null and void.

The Chairperson of the Commission calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the leaders of the Transition and for the reinstatement in their functions. She stresses that the elements of the RSP involved in this situation shall be held accountable for their actions and for any attack on the physical integrity of the detained personalities.

The Chairperson of the Commission, recalling the relevant AU instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, will seize the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) of this matter tomorrow 18 September 2015, in order to enable the latter to take all the necessary measures called by this situation.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the imperative for the defense and security forces to operate under the control of the political authorities. She stresses that the repeated destabilization attempts by elements of the RSP since the beginning of the Transition highlight the need for security sector reform in Burkina Faso, as part of the efforts to deepen democracy and strengthen the rule of law in this country.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s commitment, working in concert with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations and the international community as a whole, within the framework of the International Support and Follow-up Group for the Transition in Burkina Faso (GISAT-BF), to continue to provide full support to the current transitional authorities and to the people of Burkina Faso, in order to ensure the completion of the Transition process initiated in their country within the agreed timeframe.

Event

AU Commission Chairperson to champion the cause of African women empowerment at

14 September 2015

AU Commission Chairperson to champion the cause of African women empowerment at the G7 Forum for Dialogue with Women

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 14 September 2015: The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will attend the G7 Forum for Dialogue with Women to be held in Berlin, Germany on 16th and 17th September 2015. The Forum, convened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is an outcome of the G7 Summit recently hosted at the Schloss Elmau in Germany. The Forum intends to ensure, amongst other priorities, that women are empowered and “women in developing countries are also … assured access to education and self-employment.”

Dr Dlamini Zuma will contribute in the thematic group, which will focus on Women’s Political Participation and be moderated by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. UNDP Head, Ms. Helen Clark, will also be present. “Women are the driving force of Africa, therefore the sustainable development agenda cannot be pursued without the active participation of more than 50% of the continents people”, Dr. Dlamini Zuma stated. “That is why we have declared 2015 the Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”, she added prior to her departure to Berlin. Agenda 2063, which was adopted by the AU Heads of State and Government, is Africa’s premier global platform of action to realise shared prosperity and lasting peace on the continent.

Consequently, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will highlight priority projects in the first ten year implementation plan of Agenda 2063, which include practical ways to empower women and girls, reduction of poverty and inequality amongst women, strengthening vocational training and economic autonomy of women and girls, as well as overcoming gender-based barriers to women empowerment.

The Chairperson will also take the time, on 15 September, to participate in the ONE Campaign Event titled “Poverty is Sexist” at the Hotel Aldon Kempinsky at 20H30, where she will offer remarks. ONE is an international campaign cofounded by human rights activist and multi award winner Bono. The advocacy camp includes 7 million global citizens who are taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases, particularly in Africa.

Following her mission to Berlin, the AU chairperson will undertake official visits to Norway (18 to 20 September) and Sweden (21 to 23 September) to strengthen relations with those Scandinavian nations in order to address women empowerment in particular; especially as they relate to the blue economy, agro business and industrialization.

For Media Queries please contact:

1. Vukani Lumumba Mthintso, Advisor to the Chairperson of the AUC on +251 932 089 829 or +27 82 325 2204 mail: Mthintsov@africa-union.org AND vukanilumumba@gmail.com

2. Bushy Sekhu, Communications Officer Beurea of the AUC Chairperson, +251 926 773 226 or +27 84 245 1574 mail: SekhuB@africa-union.org AND sekhub@gmail.com

Event

AUC Chairperson to address XIV World Forestry Congress

6 September 2015

AUC Chairperson to address XIV World Forestry Congress i

Durban, South Africa – 6 September 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will deliver a speech at the opening of the XIV World Forestry Congress that holds from 7-11 September 2015, in Durban, South Africa.

Hosted in Africa for the first time, the XIV World Forestry Congress, brings together the global forestry community, including government organizations, NGO, private companies, scientific or professional bodies, forestry societies, and individuals with personal interest, to review, analyse and define a vision and strategies for the sustainable future of forests and forestry.

The conservative management and sustainable use of forest resources being a top priority for the AU Commission Chairperson, she will discuss the critical importance of sustainable management of forest resources both for sustainable development and managing climate change.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma will encourage the conference delegates to come up with recommendations that will provide further insights and opportunities into the Sustainable Development Goals and the anticipated global agreement on climate change at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), landmark global agreements to be concluded by the end of this year.

Other high level delegates expected to speak at the opening conference include a H.E Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, HE Senzeni Zokwana, Minister of Agriculture of South Africa, HRH Prince Laurent of Belgium, Special Ambassador to the FAO for forests and the Environment, Dr. Jose Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the FAO, and Mr Edward Senzo Mchunu, Honourable Premier of the Kwazulu-Natal Province in South Africa.

The World Forestry Congress (WFC), an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, has been held every six years since 1926. It is an avenue for mobilizing the international forestry community to assess and analyse critical issues relating to forest use and discuss ways of addressing and solving problems; in addition to forming new partnerships.

The four day event, scheduled to last from the 7 -11 of September, will take place at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. It will begin with cultural performances intended to highlight the vast and rich cultural heritage of host nation, South Africa.

Event

Curtain Rises on Africa’s Premium Sporting Event as The African Union Owned Afri

5 September 2015

Brazzaville, Congo 5 September 2015- On September 4th in Brazzaville Congo, the curtain rose on what promises to be a memorable and historic event for the continent, the 11th Edition of the African Games. Brand new infrastructure, including the hugely impressive Kintele stadium and sporting complex, and bright banners (including those of the African Union), added to the anticipation of what was to come. The AU delegation to the games was headed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma accompanied by the Commissioner of Social Affairs Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko and the Commissioner of Human Resources Science and Technology Dr Martial de Paul Ikounga. President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo was honoured with the presence of his regional counterparts who joined him and his people to launch Africa’s premium sports tournament, owned by the African Union.

Brazzaville was abuzz with excitement. Spectators dressed variously in Congolese national dress, African Union t-shirts and caps, and other attires filled the stands, blowing vuvuzelas, horns and beating drums. These games are, in a sense, a homecoming. Exactly fifty years ago, in 1965, the first edition of the Games was hosted in Congo. Back then there were only 29 participating countries with 2,500 athletes. But on September 4, 49 participating countries with 6500 athletes took part in the opening ceremony.

The ceremony itself was marked by much fanfare. It included the raising of flags of each of the participating countries, singing of anthems (including the AU anthem), arrival of the Games Mascot and playing of the theme song, parade of participants, and salute of the head of state by the competitors. Able bodied and disabled athletes alike did one round around the stadium before taking up their place in the center. It was a grand view as wave after wave of athletes, wearing their national team colours and proudly waving their national flags, entered the stadium to the applause of their supporters. It was a grand African tapestry of green, yellow, white, black, gold, brown, blue and red; the dressing ranging from tracksuits to traditional wear and even the more formal wear of dress suits and trousers and waistcoat. The biggest applause was naturally, reserved for the host country team which brought in the rear, with hundreds of athletes who took their time round the stadium to soak in the atmosphere and salute their leadership and country men and women.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission said sport is one of the vehicles of achieving Agenda 2063. Dr Dlamini Zuma recalled that it was Congo which, in 1965, hosted the very first edition of the African Games, making this 11th edition, the 50th anniversary of the games. “Today the African games return to their birthplace. Sport has a place to contribute to the achievement of the African vision of prosperity, peace and integration”, said Dr Dlamini Zuma. On behalf of the African Union, which owns the games, the Chairperson thanked all the organisers and volunteers who have worked behind the scenes to put the games together. She wished all the athletes the best in their endeavours throughout the 11 day tournament.

Dr Dlamini Zuma then had the honour to introduce H.E Dennis Sassou Ngueso, President of the Republic of Congo to declare open the 11th Edition of the 2015 African Games, who after a few remarks officially opened the games. Thereafter the Chairperson of the African Union Commission handed over the flag of the African Union to the mayor of the city of Brazzaville. Representatives of the athletes and the officials were called upon to make vows on behalf of their constituents, to uphold the values and regulations of the games.

Thereafter the crowd was treated to entertainment, with a heavy infusion of African rhumba music and drum beats. Young Congolese put their martial arts skills on show, while a beautifully choreographed show promoted the virtues of conserving natural resources. The Games flame arrived; brought in by a runner. Spectacular fireworks brought the curtain down on an exciting day, their booming sound as they exploded reverberating across the Brazzaville night sky, and reminding those that did not attend the show, of the great significance of the day. From the 5th of September, the athletes took over, competing in 22 sporting codes. Africa’s premium sporting talent will be on display for the whole continent to watch and appreciate, till the 19th of September when the games will come to an end. WZM

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