Events
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March 26, 2015AU Commission Chairperson visits BurundiAddis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26th March 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, begins, on Thursday 26th March 2015. a two-day working visit to Burundi. The aim of the visit is to support Burundi as it prepares for general elections and handles national reconciliation and development. Elections in Burundi are scheduled from 26th May to 24th August 2015.
During the visit, the AU Commission Chairperson is expected to meet with H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi, other Government officials and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma will hold meetings with political parties, civil society, including youth and women’s groups, as well as religious leaders. She will also meet with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Burundi.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson
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March 24, 2015AU maintains its principled position for right to self-determination and decolonization of Sahrawi Republic
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 24 March, 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, H.E. Salem. O. Salek. They exchanged opinions on a range of topical issues relevant to the Western Sahara issue.
During their meeting, they laid special emphasis on the implementation of the UN Peace Settlement Plan, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and OAU/AU decisions and declarations, aimed at providing for the self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
The Foreign Minister maintained the right of Sahrawi people to self-determination and the decolonization of their territory. He especially lamented the grave human rights abuses committed against the Sahrawi citizens and the illegal exploitation of their natural resources.
The Chairperson assured the Foreign Minister that the AU will take the necessary steps, as a guarantor of the process, to ensure that the UN and the Security Council take the necessary decisions to ensure progress, and facilitate a resolution that will provide for self-determination of the Saharawi people, based on the UN Charter and international legality.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson -
March 18, 2015The African Union strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack in Tunisia
The AU underlines the need for enhanced inter-African cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism
Addis Ababa, 18 March 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has learned with dismay of the terrorist attack perpetrated today at the Bardo Museum, in Tunis, which killed several people and injured many others.
The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this heinous and cowardly act. She presents AU’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of Tunisia. She wishes speedy recovery to the injured.
The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the AU’s solidarity with Tunisia in this tragic moment and its full support to the ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism. She urges the people and leadership of Tunisia to persevere in their endeavor to consolidate democracy and promote tolerance in their country.
The Chairperson of the Commission stresses that the attack that struck Tunisia illustrates once again the need for renewed efforts to strengthen inter-African cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. She underlines the relevance of the AU’s normative and institutional framework, as well as that of the communiqué adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its Summit meeting held in Nairobi on 2 September 2014, on the issue of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa.
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March 17, 2015AU Commission Chairperson congratulates new PM of Lesotho following peaceful conduct of elections
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 17 March 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, congratulates the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, H.E. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, for assuming his new responsibilities on Tuesday, 17 March 2015. The Chairperson applauds the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for the peaceful, transparent and credible polls, as well as the coalition parties for forming the Government following the conclusion of National Assembly Elections held on 28 February 2015.
The Chairperson encourages the new coalition Government and all Lesotho political leaders to draw lessons from the recommendations made by the AU Election Observer Mission. She urges them to embark on needed reforms to ensure sustained political stability through, among others, constitutional, security and public sector reforms.
The Chairperson expresses her gratitude to H.E. the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, for heading the AU Election Observer Mission in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Specifically, the Chairperson wishes to thank the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the crucial role it played in facilitating political dialogue and agreements among Lesotho parties, that led to the election. She also appreciates the role of AU Member States and international partners for their contribution toward political stability in Lesotho after the event of August 2014 that led to the prorogation of parliament and the scheduling of snap elections.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson,
African Union Commission -
March 17, 2015
Africa – Arab Partnership Meetings
Cairo, 17, March,2015 - Today a three-day Technical Consultative Meeting started at the premises of the of the League of Arab States, in Cairo, Egypt, between the African Union Commission and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. The objective of the meeting is to review the draft Concept Notes and Terms of References of the 4 Joint Sectoral Working Groups on Transport, Trade and Investment, Communication, Energy. This Joint Meeting was also attended by AUC/LAS Focal Points in the field of Migration to review the joined program and the Roadmap of their planned meeting in the Month of May.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Department of Africa And Africa Arab cooperation of the League of Arab States and the African Union Permanent Delegation to the League of Arab States.
At her Opening remarks, Mrs Hadia Sabry, Co-chair of the meeting on the Arab Side, welcomed the African Union Delegation to the meeting and emphasized the importance of the meeting which is called to finalize the working document or the creation of the Joint Sectoral Working Groups and wished productive deliberations to the meeting.
On his Part, Mr Nadir Fath Elalim, Co-chair of the meeting on Behalf of H.E Ambassador Abdelhamid Bouzaher the Head of the African Union Permanent Delegation to the League of Arab States, extended his gratitude and thanks to the League of Arab States for hosting the meeting during this busy time of the year, just before the Arab Summit, and appreciated the usual cooperation of the League of Arab States with the African Union.
After a general debate, the meeting decided to form five joint teams to examine the draft Terms of References of the Working Groups.
At the end of their deliberations, the Working Groups made presentations at the plenary sessions and the documents were finalized with the input from participants.
The draft Terms of References will be presented to the 8th Senior Officials Meeting of the Coordination Committee planned to be held in Addis Ababa in August 2015.
For any inquiry please contact
Mrs. Eglal Abd El Halim, Cultural and information Officer, African Union I Permanent Delegation to the League of Arab States I
Tel: +201143333288,
E-mail: EglalA@africa-union.org -
March 16, 2015Report of AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan not yet released - AU Commission Chairperson reassures public
Report of AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan not yet released - AU Commission Chairperson reassures public
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16 March 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma notes with concern the recent circulation of what is purported to be the report of the African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan. The Chairperson wishes to state categorically that the so-called ‘report’ that is said to have been leaked is NOT that of the Commission of Inquiry.
The Chairperson further wishes to reassure the public, especially, the South Sudanese citizens, that the report of the Commission of Inquiry has not been released to anyone. During the 24th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) held on 29 January 2015 at which the final report of the Commission of Inquiry was submitted. The AUPSC deferred the consideration of the report to a later date.
The Chairperson, therefore, wishes to emphasise that as soon as the AUPSC considers the report and makes a decision on its release to the public, the report of the Commission of Inquiry will be released accordingly.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson,
African Union Commission -
March 14, 2015Chinese Ambassador presents Credentials to AUC Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13 January, 2014: “Today marks an historic point in the relationship between the African Union and the People’s Republic of China. Both the AU and China are looking forward to broadening and deepening our relations.” The African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said on Friday, 13 March, 2015 while receiving the Letter of Credence from Mr. Kuang Weilin, the newly appointed Ambassador to the African Union from the People’s Republic of China.
China established a dedicated mission and appointed an Ambassador to the African Union to facilitate the implementation of the MoU signed with the AU on 27 January 2015, on the margins of the 24th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government. The MoU will allow the construction of railways, airways, highways and industralisation to accelerate Africa’s integration within the framework of Agenda 2063.
“With the growing population and availability of resources, cooperation with the People’s Republic of China will serve as a driving force for many other development projects in the future,” said Dr. Dlamini Zuma, emphasizing the main objectives of the MoU.
On his part, the new Chinese Ambassador said the event was a milestone, given the historic opportunities available to both Africa and China. “While China is working very hard to upgrade its industries, China and Africa can work together to take advantage of these opportunities. We will work together to convert our friendship into benefits for the continent.” Mr. Kuang Weilin said.
Speaking during a media briefing, both the AU Commission Chairperson and the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador announced that a technical team from the AU will soon travel to China to get firsthand experiences of Chinese infrastructure and industries.
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February 16, 2015AUC Chairperson welcomes release of two Al Jazeera Journalist
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 16 February 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has welcomed the release on bail of the remaining two Al-Jazeera journalists while awaiting their retrial.
The three Al Jazeera journalists: Baher Mohamed, Mohamed Fahmy and Peter Greste, were arrested and jailed in 2013 by the Egyptian authorities on charges of helping the Muslim Brotherhood, reportedly "a terrorist organization".
Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy were released on Friday, 13 February 2015, less than two weeks after their colleague Peter Greste was released and deported on Sunday 1 February 2015.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission commends the Government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt for allowing the journalists to regain their freedom while allowing the completion of the judicial process.
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February 16, 2015The African Union strongly condemns the barbaric murder of Egyptian nationals in Libya
Addis Ababa, 16 February 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is deeply appalled by the beheading, in Libya, of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians who were kidnapped in the past months, as shown in a propaganda video released Sunday by terrorist elements of the Islamic State (IS) in Libya. She strongly condemns this barbaric terrorist act, and demands that the perpetrators be urgently brought to justice.
The Chairperson of the Commission expresses her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and reiterates AU's full solidarity with the people and Government of Egypt.
The Chairperson of the Commission stresses, once again, the need for renewed efforts to combat terrorism on the continent, on the basis of the relevant African and international instruments. She expresses the Commission's determination to spare no efforts in supporting Member States' efforts and enhancing inter-African cooperation in the prevention and combating of terrorism.
The Chairperson of the Commission underlines the urgency of effectively addressing the serious political crisis facing Libya and ending the violence prevailing on the ground. She notes that the collapse of state authority has enabled terrorist groups to establish safe havens in parts of Libya, posing a serious threat for the entire region. She calls on all Libyan stakeholders to demonstrate the required political commitment and spirit of compromise to end the current conflict, complete the transition, achieve national reconciliation, and restore law and order over the entire Libyan territory.
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February 16, 2015The African Union concerned by the recent incidents in the Abyei Area
The AU calls for restraint and for the early convening of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee
Addis Ababa, 16 February 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is deeply concerned by the incidents that took place in the Abyei Area in the past few weeks, including killings and abductions, as well as raiding of livestock in various villages.
The Chairperson of the Commisison urges the Abyei communities to exercise utmost restraint and to desist from any action likely to heighten tension in the Area. She appeals to the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to make renewed efforts towards the early establishment of the Abyei Police Service, as well as of the administrative bodies agreed to within the framework of the “Temporary Arrangements on the Administration and Security of Abyei” of 20 June 2011, in order to prevent such security incidents and effectively manage them when they occur. She reiterates AU's full support to the United Nations Interim Security Force for the Abyei Area (UNISFA) in its continued efforts to maintain stability, including through engagement with local community leaders.
The Chairperson of the Commission looks forward to the early convening of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC), and praises the efforts being deployed to this end by the AU AJOC Facilitator. She encourages the AJOC to seize the opportunity of its planned meeting to agree on the immediate commencement of the inter-communal dialogue.
The Chairperson of the Commission reaffirms AU's commitment to continue working with the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan, through the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), in the search for a lasting solution to the challenges at hand.
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February 13, 2015AUC Chairperson expresses deep regret over the disappearance of 300 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma expresses her deep regrets and sorrow following the disappearance, on 10 February 2015, of over 300 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, off the Lampedusa Island. The accident occurred while they were they were migrating to Europe.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission said the shocking tragedy demonstrates, once again, the urgent need for African States to strengthen measures to combat human trafficking. She urges countries to deploy every effort in combating human trafficking, including by creating incentives to discourage Africans, particularly, the youths from embarking on this most dangerous migratory route.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma calls for the urgent identification and dismantling of criminal networks exploiting the desperation of the potential migrants for their selfish economic gains.
Extending her condolences to the bereaved families and friends, the Chairperson of the AU Commission also calls on concerned parties, including those in and out of the continent, to engage more with each other in more pragmatic dialogue and consultation, and work together toward achieving a more durable solution to the challenge of human trafficking and smuggling.
JEE/
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February 13, 2015AUC Chairperson congratulates Maj. Gen. Dr. J.F. Oketta, ASEOWA Head of Mission, for "Distinguished Service Order...
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 13 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates Major General Dr. Julius Facki Oketta, the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak to West Africa (ASEOWA) Head of Mission, who was awarded a "Distinguished Service Order" (DSO). H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia awarded him the Decoration of "Distinguished Service Order" (DSO) on Wednesday, 11 February 2015, during the 58th Armed Forces Day Celebration in Liberia.
Congratulating him for the recognition, the AU Commission Chairperson praises his spirit of selflessness and full dedication with which he leads the life-saving mission in the three countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease.
In his acceptance speech to H.E. Johnson Sirleaf, Gen. Oketta said, “This award belongs not just to us. We do not stand here alone. On behalf of all my colleagues decorated, Africa Union – ASEOWA, the Liberian, the United Nations families, in every corner of the globe, who made contributions, sacrifices and, have in many instances risked or given their lives in the cause of eradicating Ebola, by promoting solidarity and voluntary services, for the common good of humanity, we are hearty grateful.”
The 58th Armed Forces Day Celebration in Liberia was held under the theme: "Enhancing the Capability of the Armed Forces of Liberia to Conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations." Alongside Maj. Gen. Oketta, other recipients included three American Generals, two Colonels from Ghana and a Nigerian serving under the Ministry of Defence.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson