Events
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September 15, 2014
Tanzania Civil Society Community commits to ECOSOCC.
Dar-es–Salaam, Tanzania, 15th September 2014 – Several civil society organizations in Tanzania attended the ECOSOCC Sensitization and Motivation Campaign held in Kebby’s Hotel and Conference Centre in Dar-es-Salaam today.
In his Welcome Address to the gathering, Mr. Ngunga Tepani, Executive Director, Tanzania Association of NGOs (TANGO), observed that Tanzania has about 8000-registered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in addition to large number of unregistered organizations that were also in active operation and doing valuable work. CSOs in Tanzania had challenges but participation in ECOSOCC would be a fruitful way to address and overcome such challenges. It would enable more constant and productive interaction with Governments and policy makers at various levels and create avenues for developmental inputs and channels for increasing institutional and funding support.
The main obstacle that Tanzania CSOs would encounter is the eligibility requirement that 50 percent of the funding must be internally derived. He lamented the situation of the continent in which governments and the private sector were niggardly in providing support for CSOs leaving them at the mercy of external donors. Thus CSOs should seek to use the provision to challenge governments and their internal constituencies on the need to provide effective funding support for CSOs.
He urged the AU mission to provide clarity on the processes of ECOSOCC, the role, functions and performance of the organ and its varied uses as well as the processes and procedures for application and how ECOSOCC would function in the aftermath. It would be important to relate these to the activities of CSOs as they are at present so that they can adapt to ECOSOCC and add value to its processes as they grow.
In turn, Amb. Lazarus, the Advisor to the AU Chairperson, elaborated on the objectives of the mission that were clearly designed to respond to the needs and requirements underlined by the Executive Director of TANGO.
“The purpose of this mission here today is to ensure the faithful implementation of the decision of our executive organs on ECOSOCC in close collaboration with Member States of the Union in general and the civil society community in particular. This is a mission that involves cooperation with governments but is not primarily directed at Governments. It is an outreach program for the people at the grassroots that is designed and implemented in the spirit of the people –driven focus and people driven agenda of the African Union. The mission is truly reflective of the ECOSOCC agenda. ECOSOCC is an organ that seeks to connect he people at the grassroots in Africa directly with the continental governance structures”
In the keynote and official opening address, Ambassador Yahya Simba, the Director for the Middle East who was representing the Director for African Affairs in the Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also recalled the genesis and origin of ECOSOCC as a vehicle for achieving the people-oriented and people driven character of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. Tanzania, he added, has been consistent in its engagement with the ECOSOCC process from the time of its establishment to its subsequent progress. He recalled the fact the 1st Permanent ECOSOCC General Assembly was launched in Tanzania under the leadership of the current President of the Republic, HE Jakaya Kikwete while he was the Chairperson of the African Union.
“The visit by the AU mission today is not because Tanzania was not represented in the first Permanent General Assembly but rather to give new impetus to as many civil society organizations to take part in the forthcoming ECOSOCC election process in a manner that will surpass all expectations. Your (CSO) presence here in large numbers here is assurance that we will be able to achieve these goals end ensure that Tanzania continues to play a significant role in the affairs of the AU. I therefore, call on you all to listen closely, understand the process and take subsequent steps to register and participate appropriately.”
The opening session was followed by the main presentations on the sensitization program. Mr. Chilengi, the member of the 1st ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly provided a detailed insiders view of the functions, role and history of ECOSOCC, it performance, achievements and challenges in its first two phases of its existence as an interim Assembly under Prof. Wangari Maathai and later as a Permanent General Assembly. He saw the experience as a learning process that would orient ECOSOCC to greater heights in its subsequent incarnations.
Dr. Jinmi Adisa, the Director, Citizens and Diaspora Directorate that also serves as the Secretariat of ECOSOCC then took the participants through the history of the electoral process and the process of decision making that led to the current sensitization exercise and its imperative demands. In an interactive session, he guided the participants through the application processes and procedures and noted that the application forms may be completed in about one hour. He provided a checklist for CSOs to use in reviewing their own applications to be sure that they have met all the requirements. He ended with a word of counsel to the gathering. “ It has been said that ECOSOCC has an advisory role but an advisory role is defined by its quality, efficacy and purpose. If an advisory role is handled with care, commitment and dedication, it would become much more. An office has latency, it is as big as the person who occupies it.”
Another lively, intensive interaction session followed in which participants offered comments and observations and requested further clarification of certain issues. The discussion touched on a series of issues including the issue of observer status for CSOs that were not eligible for election in the wider AU structures and within ECOSOCC, the role and circumstances of cultural organizations in the ECOSCC set up, the operation of sectorial cluster committees, accountability and responsibility of elected ECOSOCC representatives to their national, regional or continental constituencies, the distinction between national, regional and continental CSOs and levels of applicability, the 50 percent funding criteria, the sharing of reports of the sensitization exercise, campaign opportunities in the ECOSOCC election process, the nature of the ECOSOCC electoral college and the recent AU resolution regarding the immunity of Heads of States or political leaders while in office.
The meeting ended with a number of conclusions. First, was a clear commitment by CSOs at the meeting to register and participate in the ECOSOCC process. TANGO will serve as the rallying point for this process and those present will carry the message to others that are absent. The CSOs also agreed on the need for a national ECOSOCC cluster as a mechanism for consultation, accountability. and to provide direction to national representatives. There was also a preference for the inclusion of provisions for recall in the ECOSOCC Statutes when it is revised and amended to support the processes of accountability.
The CSOs also advised on the need for extensive applications by Tanzania CSOs to enlarge the AU database of CSOs and give it comprehensive coverage in Tanzania. Tanzania CSOs also committed to work extensively within the ECOSOCC cluster committees. In conclusion, the gathering expressed appreciation for the work of the AU mission as it has offered closer intimacy with the operations of the AU and its people-centered agenda. It was imperative for the AU to continue with its sensitization exercise including and beyond ECOSOCC to build up an affective constituency for the activities of the continental organization.
For any further information please contact:
Mr. Michael Fikre, Directorate of Information and Communication, Email: MichaelF@africa-union.org, m_fikre@hotmail.com, cell: +255 755 695 211
Or visit: http://pages.au.int/ecosocc
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 15, 2014
Tanzania Civil Society Community commits to ECOSOCC.
Dar-es–Salaam, Tanzania, 15th September 2014 – Several civil society organizations in Tanzania attended the ECOSOCC Sensitization and Motivation Campaign held in Kebby’s Hotel and Conference Centre in Dar-es-Salaam today.
In his Welcome Address to the gathering, Mr. Ngunga Tepani, Executive Director, Tanzania Association of NGOs (TANGO), observed that Tanzania has about 8000-registered Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in addition to large number of unregistered organizations that were also in active operation and doing valuable work. CSOs in Tanzania had challenges but participation in ECOSOCC would be a fruitful way to address and overcome such challenges. It would enable more constant and productive interaction with Governments and policy makers at various levels and create avenues for developmental inputs and channels for increasing institutional and funding support.
The main obstacle that Tanzania CSOs would encounter is the eligibility requirement that 50 percent of the funding must be internally derived. He lamented the situation of the continent in which governments and the private sector were niggardly in providing support for CSOs leaving them at the mercy of external donors. Thus CSOs should seek to use the provision to challenge governments and their internal constituencies on the need to provide effective funding support for CSOs.
He urged the AU mission to provide clarity on the processes of ECOSOCC, the role, functions and performance of the organ and its varied uses as well as the processes and procedures for application and how ECOSOCC would function in the aftermath. It would be important to relate these to the activities of CSOs as they are at present so that they can adapt to ECOSOCC and add value to its processes as they grow.
In turn, Amb. Lazarus, the Advisor to the AU Chairperson, elaborated on the objectives of the mission that were clearly designed to respond to the needs and requirements underlined by the Executive Director of TANGO.
“The purpose of this mission here today is to ensure the faithful implementation of the decision of our executive organs on ECOSOCC in close collaboration with Member States of the Union in general and the civil society community in particular. This is a mission that involves cooperation with governments but is not primarily directed at Governments. It is an outreach program for the people at the grassroots that is designed and implemented in the spirit of the people –driven focus and people driven agenda of the African Union. The mission is truly reflective of the ECOSOCC agenda. ECOSOCC is an organ that seeks to connect he people at the grassroots in Africa directly with the continental governance structures”
In the keynote and official opening address, Ambassador Yahya Simba, the Director for the Middle East who was representing the Director for African Affairs in the Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also recalled the genesis and origin of ECOSOCC as a vehicle for achieving the people-oriented and people driven character of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. Tanzania, he added, has been consistent in its engagement with the ECOSOCC process from the time of its establishment to its subsequent progress. He recalled the fact the 1st Permanent ECOSOCC General Assembly was launched in Tanzania under the leadership of the current President of the Republic, HE Jakaya Kikwete while he was the Chairperson of the African Union.
“The visit by the AU mission today is not because Tanzania was not represented in the first Permanent General Assembly but rather to give new impetus to as many civil society organizations to take part in the forthcoming ECOSOCC election process in a manner that will surpass all expectations. Your (CSO) presence here in large numbers here is assurance that we will be able to achieve these goals end ensure that Tanzania continues to play a significant role in the affairs of the AU. I therefore, call on you all to listen closely, understand the process and take subsequent steps to register and participate appropriately.”
The opening session was followed by the main presentations on the sensitization program. Mr. Chilengi, the member of the 1st ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly provided a detailed insiders view of the functions, role and history of ECOSOCC, it performance, achievements and challenges in its first two phases of its existence as an interim Assembly under Prof. Wangari Maathai and later as a Permanent General Assembly. He saw the experience as a learning process that would orient ECOSOCC to greater heights in its subsequent incarnations.
Dr. Jinmi Adisa, the Director, Citizens and Diaspora Directorate that also serves as the Secretariat of ECOSOCC then took the participants through the history of the electoral process and the process of decision making that led to the current sensitization exercise and its imperative demands. In an interactive session, he guided the participants through the application processes and procedures and noted that the application forms may be completed in about one hour. He provided a checklist for CSOs to use in reviewing their own applications to be sure that they have met all the requirements. He ended with a word of counsel to the gathering. “ It has been said that ECOSOCC has an advisory role but an advisory role is defined by its quality, efficacy and purpose. If an advisory role is handled with care, commitment and dedication, it would become much more. An office has latency, it is as big as the person who occupies it.”
Another lively, intensive interaction session followed in which participants offered comments and observations and requested further clarification of certain issues. The discussion touched on a series of issues including the issue of observer status for CSOs that were not eligible for election in the wider AU structures and within ECOSOCC, the role and circumstances of cultural organizations in the ECOSCC set up, the operation of sectorial cluster committees, accountability and responsibility of elected ECOSOCC representatives to their national, regional or continental constituencies, the distinction between national, regional and continental CSOs and levels of applicability, the 50 percent funding criteria, the sharing of reports of the sensitization exercise, campaign opportunities in the ECOSOCC election process, the nature of the ECOSOCC electoral college and the recent AU resolution regarding the immunity of Heads of States or political leaders while in office.
The meeting ended with a number of conclusions. First, was a clear commitment by CSOs at the meeting to register and participate in the ECOSOCC process. TANGO will serve as the rallying point for this process and those present will carry the message to others that are absent. The CSOs also agreed on the need for a national ECOSOCC cluster as a mechanism for consultation, accountability. and to provide direction to national representatives. There was also a preference for the inclusion of provisions for recall in the ECOSOCC Statutes when it is revised and amended to support the processes of accountability.
The CSOs also advised on the need for extensive applications by Tanzania CSOs to enlarge the AU database of CSOs and give it comprehensive coverage in Tanzania. Tanzania CSOs also committed to work extensively within the ECOSOCC cluster committees. In conclusion, the gathering expressed appreciation for the work of the AU mission as it has offered closer intimacy with the operations of the AU and its people-centered agenda. It was imperative for the AU to continue with its sensitization exercise including and beyond ECOSOCC to build up an affective constituency for the activities of the continental organization.
For any further information please contact:
Mr. Michael Fikre, Directorate of Information and Communication, Email: MichaelF@africa-union.org, m_fikre@hotmail.com, cell: +255 755 695 211
Or visit: http://pages.au.int/ecosocc
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 11, 2014
Rwanda Civil Society captures the magic of the ECOSOCC sensitization program.
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September 10, 2014
AU calls on the Congolese civil society to take active part in the elections of the ECOSOCC 2nd Assembly
Brazzaville, 11 September 2014 - A delegation of the African Union Commission (AUC) led by Mr. Jalel Chelba has embarked on the ongoing sensitization campaign of the ECOSOCC for the Central African Region to hold from 7 to 24 September 2014.
The campaign started with the Republic of Congo from 7 to 10 September 2014. The other members of the AU sensitization and motivation team: Mrs. Fatima Karadja, Vice President of the first General Assembly of ECOSOCC, Mr Baba Sogodogo from the Office of the Chairperson of the AU Commission and Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Information Division in the Directorate of Information and Communication of the AUC, were received in audience on 8 September 2014 by HE Mr. Jacques Obindza, Director General of Africa and acting Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Congo. The meeting focused on the preparations to ensure a greater mobilization of the Congolese civil society.
The Representative of the AU Commission was given an opportunity to announce the objectives of the AU mission on the national TV and radio news channels. He highlighted the great attention paid to the issue by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in line with the Decision of the Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Malabo in June 2014.
AU calls on the Congolese civil society for greater interest of the ECOSOCC
The representatives of the African Union (AU) called on all the stakeholders of the Congolese civil society to participate massively in the next election of ECOSOCC as the deadline for applications is scheduled for 30 September 2014. The urge was made during the meeting with the Congolese civil society on 10 September 2014 in the conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Congo Republic, in the presence of Mrs. Chantal Maryse Itoua Apoyolo, Ambassador and Deputy Secretary General of the Ministery, Mr. Yves Bernard Mahoungou Massila, Coordinator of the Civil Society Associations and Networks of Congo (CARISCO), members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests.
During the official opening ceremony, Mr. Jalel Chelba noted that the presence in Brazzaville of the AU sensitization team explains the great interest of the AUC on the need to establish direct relationships with the African citizens. "We came in Brazzaville to implement the Decision EX.CL/849 (XXV), adopted by the Summit in Malabo in June 2014 by the Executive Council, which mandated the Commission to undertake a continental awareness campaign of the African civil society to encourage them to participate in large numbers in the elections of the ECOSOCC " he said. (See complete speech on the AU website: www.au.int)
Representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, Ambassador Chantal Maryse Itoua Apoyolo, and head of the Department of Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry noted that, the Republic of Congo was among the AU member countries that have not submitted candidates for the ECOSOCC elections. She noted that this is not due to lack of organization of the Congolese civil society given that, over the years, "the political will to help the Congolese civil society to better organize itself has become an essential component of the national policy. "This development, we must recognize, was made possible thanks to the climate of the ongoing dialogue and confidence-building, promoted by the President of the Republic, HE Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso," she underscored.
Ms. Apoyolo invited all the actors of the Congolese civil society to join in the momentum of the ECOSOCC so as to take ownership of the shared vision which is that of a united Africa as stipulated in 2063 development agenda of the AU. (See complete speech on the AU website : www.au.int)
Mr. Yves Bernard Mahoungou Massila, representing on organizations of Congolese civil society on his part, welcomed the initiative of the AU to deploy a sanitization and motivation team to interact with the focal points of the Congolese civil society. He promised to help relaying the information to other organizations in the country.
AU interacts with Congolese civil society
During the interactive session with Congolese civil society, the head of the AU delegation pointed out that the election process of the second General Assembly of the ECOSOCC was initiated since 2012 but could not get a quorum for its implementation. "This is why the AU Commission was mandated by the Malabo Summit last June, to carry out this continental campaign for the civil society organizations (CSOs). We have mostly focused on member states that do not have a sufficient number of eligible candidates for the elections of ECOSOCC". He underlined, adding that,
"The candidates you will choose will have to take part in the decision-making processes and orientation of the continent. They will work with other stakeholders to achieve our joint project. They will also have the responsibility to report to you on their actions and ensure the liaison with grassroots organizations for the welfare of our society, "he noted.To carry out this campaign, the head of the AU delegation invited the media to play their role as mediators and amplifiers of messages in view to disseminate the information as much as possible to the public. He recalled that their contribution and commitment is essential as the African Union relies on the media to inform its citizens.
This forum was an opportunity for the Congolese civil society to exchange their views with the AU delegation and get clarification to enable active participation in the processes of the ECOSOCC.
During the interactive session, the Vice President of the Assembly of ECOSOCC Mrs. Karadja and Mr. Sogodogo presented the history, objectives and process of elections ECOSOCC respectively, while the Head of the Division of Civil Society of the AUC outlined the conditions and eligibility of candidates.
Ms. Karadja emphasized on the interest of the African civil society as the main actors and player in setting the direction of the destiny of the continent.
The AU team distributed an information kit containing the necessary guidelines to enable the civil society to be better organised and modalities to present their candidatures for the elections.
Present in the meeting were: representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affair and Cooperation of the Republic of Congo, the Congolese Civil Society organizations (women's groups, children and youth), associations of professionals and volunteers as well as the media.
It should be noted that, after the Republic of Congo, the AU delegation will travel to Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and finally Sao Tome and Principe, where she will complete their mission for the Central African region.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Division of Civil Society | Department of Citizenship and Diaspora / CUA | E-mail: Jalelc@africa-union.org
Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Information | Department of Information and Communication AUC | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
contacts:
Directorate of Information and Communication | Commission of the African Union | E-mail: dinfo@africa-union.org
Web Site Site: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 09, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Botswana for the 2nd ECOSOCC General AssemblyAU Campaigning in Botswana for the ECOSOCC General Assembly Election
Gaborone, Botswana, 9th September 2014: The African Union Commission (AUC) convened a sensitization and motivation meeting on the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) for civil society organizations based in Botswana. The meeting took place on Tuesday, 9th September 2014, at Cresta President Hotel, Gaborone, Botswana.
Mr. John Thomas Dipowe, Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in his welcome remarks, he appreciated the role the African Union is playing in contributing towards the implementation of the critical steps identified in the roadmap for the overall ECOSOCC election process.
Mr. Thomas stressed the need to work together to achieve the objectives through fostering and consolidating partnerships between the African Union Commission, member states and the CSOs, followed by the effective sensitization of its members and the general public at large in order to benefit from extensive feedback.
Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, AU Liaison Officer to SADC and Representative of the African Union Commission said on his part that the 23rd AU Assembly directed the AUC to undertake a sensitization and motivation campaign after the election process was constrained by lack of eligible candidates in several Member States. The African leaders mandated the AU to ensure that it worked constructively with the African civil society groups to facilitate the establishment of the next ECOSOCC General Assembly by the end of 2014.
Beyond fostering interest in the purposes of electioneering, Dr. Sarjoh said that the meeting aimed for the African civil society to buy into ECOSOCC and make it their own so that the framework of partnership that would support the integration and development project of the continent would be truly people-centered and people-driven.
He also noted that the African Union ECOSOCC is a unique institution that has no existing parallel. It not only provided the civil society with direct presence at the portal of decision-making, but it is also elected and managed by civil society, and in which they share visibility, privilege, power and responsibility in active interaction with other stakeholders in the African policies and programmes processes.
The Representative of the CSOs community Dr. Bookie Kethusesile thanked the AU for providing this superb opportunity to Batswana CSOs to get acquainted to the election process of ECOSOCC. She said this event was a sign that the transformed Union really wanted to see the African CSOs engaged and involved vigorously in the activities of the continental organization, and encouraged all the participants to apply for a seat in the General Assembly as the country should be represented in this important organ.
The Head of the Delegation, Mr. Filipe Furuma, made a thorough presentation on the history, role, functions and importance of ECOSOCC. He stressed on the need of all eligible CSOs to submit their candidature towards the next 2nd General Assembly as a commitment to voice out the concerns of the national CSOs. By taking part in this organ, it would be an opportunity to improve the Statutes and the engagement of other organizations into the Sectoral Clusters, he added.
Focusing on the ECOSOCC election process, Mr. Bright Mando, the Representative from the Office of the Legal Council explained to the gathering the details of the application procedure and process. In his presentation, he highlighted on the earlier steps taken till the present phase.
Emphasizing on Africa’s need of all its children in government and in civil society for renaissance and development, he called the civil society community of Botswana to participate in ECOSOCC and the affairs of the African Union.
Organized by the AU Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate, the meeting is part of the AU sensitization and motivation campaign in preparation for elections of the ECOSOCC 2nd General Assembly.
The consequent discussion reflected on broad range of issues related to ECOSOCC election. These included the requirement for registration and the need for continental ECOSOCC to be complemented and interlinked to correspondent regional structures at RECs level. Some CSOs also stressed the need to balance obligations arising from participation in policy-making processes with normal watchdog responsibilities of CSOs.
The campaign was held in compliance with Decision EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea fro, 24-27 June 2014. The Decision called on the AU Commission to conduct a sensitization campaign among Member States that did not have a sufficient number of eligible candidates for elections into the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Botswana civil society community and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Labour and Home Affairs of the Republic of Botswana.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org,
afraht@hotmail.comFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 08, 2014
Uganda Civil Society Embraces ECOSOCC
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September 08, 2014
Uganda Civil Society Embraces ECOSOCC
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September 05, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Mozambique for the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly, 5 September 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Mozambique to Encourage Participation in the Elections for the ECOSOCC 2nd General Assembly
Maputo, Mozambique, 5 September 2014: A number of civil society organizations in Mozambique actively interacted and discussed with the African Union Sensitization and Motivation Campaign team on the election for the 2nd General Assembly of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), today 5th September 2014, in Maputo. The event was in the context of the Mission of the AU Campaign in Mozambique.
The deliberation began with the opening remarks by the Mozambican CSOs Representative, who urged the national CSOs to put its effort towards the upcoming General Assembly. He stressed out the difficulties in fulfilling the requirements, especially the Article 6 of the ECOSOCC Statutes. On the other hand, he stated that it was very crucial for the country to be represented in the organ as it was an opportunity to actively participate in the AU activities.
Mr. Filipe Furuma, Head of Delegation urged the government and people of Mozambique to work very closely in partnership with ECOSOCC to achieve the main objectives of the sensitization and motivation campaign to give added value as the country was well represented in the 1st General Assembly. He expressed the gratitude of the African Union for the efforts made by Mozambique representatives in ECOSOCC and wished once again quality organizations to be also elected.
Mr. Bright Mando, the Representative from the Office of the Legal Council focused on the ECOSOCC election process, explained to the participants the purpose of the sensitization and motivation program and details of the application procedure, process and the way forward.
The meeting provided an opportunity for CSOs in Mozambique to share their concerns and views on a number of issues related to their participation in the African Union and the continent. The Representative of the Mozambican CSOs had, on behalf of the NGO Platform, expressed great satisfaction for the CSOs having had this great opportunity to learn more on ECOSOCC and AU at this event and had expectations that the CSOs will submit their applications..
The African Union Sensitization and Motivation Campaign is in compliance to the decision adopted by the 23st Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, held in Malabo, in June 2014. The decision called the AU Commission to conduct a campaign to encourage greater participation and gathering sufficient candidatures from the African CSOs, in particular the least represented countries for ECOSOCC election.
For any further information please contact:
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.comFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 03, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Madagascar for the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly, 3 September 2014AU CAMPAIGN MOTIVATES MALAGASY CIVIL SOCIETY FOR
THE ECOSOCC ELECTIONAntananarivo, Madagascar, 2nd September 2014 – Representatives of various civil society organizations in Madagascar converged in Madagascar ,Antananarivo, to discuss and interact on the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC). This comes in context of the AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign for the election of the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly.
The meeting began with opening remarks by Mr. Mahamoudou Ndriandahy, National Executive Secretary of the Malagasy National CSOs Platform, who welcomed all the participants. He thanked the African Union Commission for bringing the delegation to Antananarivo to sensitize and motivate the members of the local CSOs. He stressed the need for the participants to participate in the ECOSOCC election process as an opportunity to actively participate in the activities of the Union.
Mme. Onintsoa Ramahatafandry, Director for Partnerships and Promotion of the Civil Society in the Ministry for Population and Promotion of Women, in her opening remarks highlighted the need to enhance the partnership amongst the CSOs, Member States and the Commission, as the contribution coming from the non-state actors is seen as complementary to what the African Governments provide to their citizens.
Welcoming the delegates, Mme. Hawa Ahmed Youssouf, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission noted that it is important that the civil society in Madagascar should take up the challenge of effective representation in ECOSOCC. She stressed the need for the Madagascar CSOs to participate in the ECOSOCC election process with enthusiasm in a manner that will surpass all expectations by submitting their candidatures.
The Campaign featured presentations on the history, role, functions and importance of ECOSOCC and the Malabo Summit Decision on ECOSOCC by Mr. Filipe Furuma, Head of the Delegation. He recalled the first three calls on CSOs to submit their applications for the Second General Assembly. The presentation took all participants through on membership, elections and structures of ECOSOCC and the way forward.
Focusing on the ECOSOCC election process, Mr. Bright Mando, the Representative from the Office of the Legal Council explained to the gathering the purpose of the sensitization and motivation program and details of the application procedure and process.
The presentations were followed by a very active and intense interactive session in which CSOs asked questions and made comments and observations. The questions focused mostly on Article 6 of the ECOSOCC Statutes and also the issue of Audit Report which most of the CSOs saw an a bottleneck due to its very high cost. All questions were addressed appropriately by the Staff from the African Union Commission.
Organized by the Citizenship and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AU Commission, the Campaign comes in compliance with the Decision EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted by the 23st Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 20-27 June 2014, which called AU to conduct a sensitization and mobilization campaign with the aim of encouraging greater participation and gathering sufficient candidatures from the African CSOs in Member States for the election for the ECOSOCC 2nd General Assembly.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org,
afraht@hotmail.comFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 26, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Cap-Vert for the 2nd ECOSOCC General AssemblyECOSOCC: THE CIVIL SOCIETY OF CAPE VERDE MOBILIZES FOR THE ELECTIONS.
Praia, Cape Verde – 26 August 2014 - The African Union (AU) delegation on tour in four Member States of the Union, as part of the awareness and motivation campaign of the civil society for the election of the 2nd Assembly of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), completed its African trip on Tuesday, 26 August 2014, which led it successively to Lome (Togo), Dakar (Senegal) , Cotonou (Benin) and finally to Praia (Cape Verde).
The meeting at the national head office of the NGO Platform in Cape Verde, Praia, gathered fifteen organizations, foundations and associations working in the social, humanitarian and environmental areas.
In his opening speech, Mr. Jose Eduardo Barroso, National Director for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the African Union for organizing the sensitization meeting at the headquarters of the Platform of the Organizations in Praia for a stronger and more vibrant civil society. "This meeting will enable us to address the issue of our representation in ECOSOCC” , the national Director said, and added that the AU had excelled in setting up the body.
"We are grateful to the AU for this pioneering act that will serve as an example to all the others," Jose Eduardo Barroso said and called on the civil society of the country to better organize for future elections in order to occupy its rightful place in the ECOSOCC and contribute to add the voice of Cape Verde to those of other African countries. He finally reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide all possible support for the fulfilment of the undertaking.Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of the Civil Society Division and Head of the AU delegation, highlighted the commitment of the civil society of Cape Verde and urged them to work more in close collaboration and in partnership with the ECOSOCC and the African Union Commission for the benefit of the African people by organizing and becoming more involved in the election process. "I hope that at the end of the campaign many of you will answer the call of duty and many of you will take part in the upcoming ECOSOCC elections so that the Civil Society of Cape Verde would be well represented within the next ECOSOCC Assembly," Mr Chelba emphasized.
Previously, the Representative of the Civil Society, Madam Anna Silva, had, on behalf of the NGO Platform, expressed great satisfaction for hosting the important preparatory meeting and paid tribute, in that regard, to the African Union Commission which initiated the campaign that is likely to strengthen the work of civil society players by empowering them to have access to ECOSOCC meetings and make their contribution.
Organizations present at the interactive working session expressed fears of being unable to meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria, particularly those on the African financial contribution. "The large majority of us do not enjoy financial autonomy. We depend on the financing of cooperation projects and receive no government contribution,” the representatives of many NGOs stressed and explained that the amount of their contributions is very low.
They however expressed their commitment to participate in the process and enable their civil society to occupy the seats of Cape Verde which had hitherto remained vacant within the ECOSOCC.
The decision was therefore taken to charge the NGO Platform, which has branches in the whole country and a great capacity for mobilization, to support the process. The mission which will be accomplished with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will include the dissemination of information and distribution of documents. The NGO Platform will, in this regard, act as a facilitator of the process at the national level.
The kickoff of the continental campaign, initiated in accordance with the Executive Council decision (EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, was on 12 August in Lusaka, Zambia. The campaign will continue until September and will eventually cover the five regions of Africa.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Chef de Division de la Société Civile, CUA| Direction de la Citoyenneté et de la Diaspora| E-mail : Jalelc@africa-union.org
Mme Habiba Mejri Scheikh| Directrice de l’Information et de la Communication| Direction de l'Information et de la Communication AUC| E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.orgContact us:
Directorate of Information and Communication |African Union Commission |
E-mail: dinfo@africa-union.org
Web Site Site: www.au.int
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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August 25, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Lesotho to Encourage Participation in the Elections for the ECOSOCC 2nd...SPREADING THE ECOSOCC GOSPEL IN LESOTHO: AU MOTIVATION AND SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN
Maseru, Lesotho, 25 August 2014 - About sixty civil society organizations from across the length and breadth of the Kingdom of Lesotho attended the ECOSOCC Sensitization and Motivation Campaign held in Lehakoe Club, Maseru, Lesotho today 25th August 2014.
In his Welcome Address to the gathering, HE Julius Tebello, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho, noted that the sensitization mission of the African Union is designed to implement the Decision of the recent AU Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and that " The Kingdom of Lesotho was a party to that decision in the same way that we were party to the Decision to create the African Union." " Our country," he added, " takes great pride in our membership of our continental organization, the African Union."
The Principal Secretary stated that the decision to make the African Union people-centered was a conscious one arising from the re-orientation of the OAU from decolonization towards development and integration within the framework of the African Union. CIDO and ECOSOCC reflected this preoccupation in the design of AU institutional structures. Two main features set ECOSOCC aside from similar organs in other international organizations including the UN. It is elected and led by civil society and it participates directly in the policy decision making process.
Mr. Tebello observed that " Lesotho is too important to be left out of this vital process" and called on the civil society community to ensure that Lesotho has effective and legitimate representation in the AU ECOSOCC." We want Lesotho civil society to go into ECOSOCC and be part of its leadership and to work closely with government and AU institutions to ensure Africa's development".
The challenge was recognized and embraced in the opening statement of Mr Motsamai, the Director of the Lesotho Council of NGOs. Mr Motsamai acknowledged the need for CSOs to organize themselves to play their anointed roles within the framework of the the AU and ECOSOCC and linked it to the the mission statements and objectives of CSOs in Lesotho in general. He saw the challenge of ECOSOCC as consistent with the objectives and principles that underlined CSO activities and in congruence with the objective desires of CSO activism in the pursuit of liberty, happiness and fulfillment in Africa.
Ambassador Lazarus Kapambwe, the Advisor to the AU Chairperson, added that the mission to Lesotho was a crowning stage of the first step of AU efforts to ensure that all Member States are fully represented in ECOSOCC as the civil society parliament of the Union. CSOs in Lesotho should act in concert with the AU to ensure the success of this mission."Too often in the past, African civil society were not fully taken into account in determining the future and destiny of Africa. In this ECOSOCC process, they have been charged with co-responsibility." He urged CSOs to take heed of the Zambian proverb that only those who partake of a meal can take part in subsequent discussions about how tasty and delicious the food is. You have to be in the kitchen to determine the flavor of the palate.
After the opening ceremony, Mr Chilengi acquainted the audience with the history, experience and record of ECOSOCC while Dr Jinmi Adisa, the Director of CIDO underlined the purpose and content of the sensitization program, expectations from Civil society organizations and application processes. He guided the audience through the application procedures. The application forms, he explained, has three main parts. The first requested information on the Organizations, address, contact details, designated representatives, date and country of registration and registration authorities. The second focused on objectives, mission and character of the Organization, whether it is national regional or continental, the category of the organization in the framework of the ECOSOCC statutes , membership charges, if any, the leadership and executive body to see whether it is truly African and affiliates and tributaries associated with the organization. The third part relates to funding sources and expenditure.
Dr. Adisa observed that several disqualifications occurred because though the forms were easy to fill, mistakes were often made in the process. Some relevant details were omitted, applications were sometimes signed by officers that did not appear competent or high enough to commit organizations. In some cases also, the organization was not specific about whether the application was for national, regional or continental spots. Thus some level of patience and diligence would be required to ensure that the applications were properly completed.
A vigorous and active interaction session followed. Comments, observations and questions focused on the experience and lessons of previous ECOSOCC Assemblies, the relative advantages and disadvantages of civil societies operating in an adversarial manner other than as stakeholders in the policy process. Participants concluded that both roles can be effectively combined and the choice of approaches would be dictated by which one would produce effective results. There was a recognition of the need for CSOs to understand the context of policy demands and the cultural and political sensitivities of the policy making environment in which they were operating. Strategies and tactics must be adapted to the situation.
Issues were also raised about how ECOSOCC can tackle wider responsibilities relating to social justice, economic development and international partnerships and dealings with global financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF and treatment of the Ebola virus. There were also comments on the requirement for 50 per cent internally derived revenue for CSOs in ECOSOCC with some alleging double standards because some states also had more than 50 per cent of their revenue coming form external sources. Even so, it was also recognized that the situation of states was distinct from that of civil society. States had several things that could be traded for financial support while CSOs that were fully funded by external sources were much more amenable to pressure and control.
Finally, the CSOs stressed that the lesson of the current sensitization exercise for ECOSOCC was that it had played a critical role in image building for the AU. It can therefore, not be a one-off event. The sensitization exercise must be continuous and the AU as whole has to take a much more active role in sensitizing the African public about its purpose, activities and the process of its development. The AU must now venture into image building and use ECOSOCC as a beachhead for this enterprise. ECOSOCC meetings should be rotated among various countries in the continent and each ECOSOCC meeting should but preceded by a one day sensitization meeting with civil society groups in the country in which the meeting is taking place. In addition, ECOSOCC should convene quarterly sensitization meetings in different regions of the continent as part of its normal schedule of activities.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.com
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August 22, 2014ECOSOCC: Benin Civil Society to Participate in the Next ElectionsECOSOCC: BENIN CIVIL SOCIETY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT ELECTIONS
Cotonou, Benin - August 22, 2014 – After Togo and Senegal, the awareness and motivation campaign of the African civil society on the elections of the 2nd General Assembly of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), initiated by the Directorate of Civil Society and Diaspora Organizations (CIDO) of the African Union Commission (AUC), in keeping with the decision of the Executive Council, got underway on Friday 22 August 2014, in Cotonou, Benin.
Before an audience of representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) gathered in their large numbers in the “Fleuve jaune” conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to acquaint themselves with the rules for the nomination of candidatures and make their voices heard and share their experiences as agents of development, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Beninese Abroad, Dr Bako Nassirou-Afari, in his opening speech delivered by the Secretary General of the Ministry, Ambassador Eusebius Agbangla, said that "ECOSOCC was established with the advent of the African Union to build the partnership which should be institutionalized between Governments and all segments of the civil society for the building of the new African Peoples Union."
The Minister added that the AU advisory body is a platform which should enable the African Civil Society to play an active role in planning the continent’s future through its contribution to the definition of the Union’s principles, policies and programs and monitoring their implementation. On behalf of the Government of Benin, he extended his sincere thanks to the AU Mission which, he said, is perfectly in line with the implementation of the Executive Council decision on the organization of a civil society sensitization campaign.
"This awareness is especially intended for you, so that you will be better represented in the ECOSOCC as an AU advisory body whose role is paramount in the attaining of the Union’s objectives,” the Minister emphasized in his message to the representatives of the Benin civil society, adding that the Republic of Benin will be duly and fully represented at the Conference of the 2nd General Assembly of the Pan-African body.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of the Civil Society Division and leader of the AU delegation stated that ECOSOCC embodies the principle of democracy at its highest level and is responsible to lead grassroots civil society organizations to the portals of decision-making, and enable them to assume their share of responsibility in the building of the integration project and the sustainable development of the continent.
He underscored the need to mobilize African civil society organizations and encouraged them to participate in large numbers in ECOSOCC elections, adding that the Commission hopes to finalize the election of new members during the last quarter of 2014 and subsequently put the ECOSOCC Assembly in place before the end of the year.
Speaking on behalf of the Benin civil society, Mr. El Hadji Abu Yekini, Secretary General of the Civil Society Board of Administration, Member of the National Bureau, Representative of the President of the National Consultation Framework of CSOs in Benin, highlighted the importance of the event, which he said, is crucial for the adequate preparation of Benin civil society’s participation in ECOSOCC elections. "The Benin civil society is a development player engaged in a daily battle and grappling with huge challenges,” he said.
In the ensuing debate that followed the presentations made during the interactive working session, issues relating among other things to the eligibility requirements deemed “ restrictive” by the small associations, especially those working with rural women, were raised. While welcoming the initiative and expressing their willingness to redouble their efforts to participate in the elections, many of them called for "a possible relaxation of the eligibility criteria," citing more particularly the clause which says that to be eligible for membership, 50% of the basic resources of the civil society in question shall be derived from contributions of the members of the organization, and the prohibitive external audit cost.
Dr. Nassirou Bako-Arifari received the members of the African Union delegation yesterday evening in his office at the Ministry and seized the occasion to give some titbits to the delegation on how to ensure the success of the campaign which he considered essential in preparing the Benin civil society for the ECOSOCC elections.
On the recommendation of the Minister, Mrs. Habiba Mejri Cheikh, Director of Information and Communication of the African Union Commission and member of the delegation appeared on the National Television of Benin (ORTB) as guest of the 20h00 TV news, during which she explained the objectives of the sensitization campaign and enlisted the participation of Benin CSOs in ECOSOCC activities. She also urged them to take the necessary steps to increase their chances in the upcoming elections.
The continental sensitization campaign, initiated in accordance with the Executive Council decision (EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the AU in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, kicked off on 12 August in Lusaka, Zambia and will continue until September, covering the five regions of Africa.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Division of Civil Society, AUC | Directorate of Citizenship and Diaspora | E-mail: Jalelc@africa-union.org
Habiba Mejri Sheikh | Director of Information and Communication | Directorate of Information and Communication AUC | E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.orgContact us::
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | E-mail: dinfo@africa-union.org
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