Events
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February 11, 2015The AU exchanges views with the UN High-Level Panel on Peace OperationsThe AU stresses the need for an enhanced and forward looking partnership with the UN
in the promotion of peace and security in Africa
Addis Ababa, 11 February 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, met and exchanged views with the United Nations (UN) High-Level Panel on Peace Operations, on 10 February 2015 in Addis Ababa. The UN High-Level Panel, established by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to undertake a review of peace operations to ensure that they are able to address the challenges facing the world, is chaired by former East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta, and is visiting Addis Ababa to undertake consultations with the AU and other African stakeholders.
In her exchanges with the High-Level Panel, the Chairperson of the Commission reaffirmed that all African interventions towards the maintenance of peace and security are guided by the principle of the primacy of the UN Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. She outlined that, in the years since the establishment of the AU in 2002, the world has witnessed significant changes in the international political order, and the AU has become an important player in African peace and security affairs. In this context, a division of responsibility is beginning to emerge, in which the AU intervenes as a first responder in the stabilization of conflict situations, laying the groundwork for the UN to deploy peace operations at a later stage.
The Chairperson of the Commission stressed the importance of strengthening this emerging partnership, which represents an asset both to the UN and to the people of Africa. She stated that the most important way in which to strengthen the partnership would be to ensure regular consultation between the two organizations from the earliest stages of crisis and conflict, and highlighted in particular the need for regular consultations between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), as the mandating bodies of their respective organizations.
The Chairperson of the Commission also stressed that peacekeeping on its own was only one element in the restoration of peace and security to countries in conflict. A long-term strategy would have to address the underlying causes of conflict, including socio-economic marginalization, the issue of natural resources, the management of diversity, and governance. Such a strategy would also have to pay particular attention to the role of women in the resolution of conflicts, and identify ways in which to promote the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000). The High-Level Panel commended the Chairperson of the Commission for the appointment of an AU Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security.
The Chairperson of the Commission informed the High-Level Panel that, in line with the decision adopted by the 24th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, held from 30 to 31 January 2015, the AU would be preparing an African Common Position on peace operations that it would submit to the Panel for its consideration. Upon the specific request of the High-Level Panel, the Chairperson made the commitment that the African Common Position would include specific concrete recommendations on ways in which to advance the implementation of Resolution 1325 (2000). She stressed the importance of the work of the Panel and looked forward to future cooperation with it.
It should be noted that the High-Level Panel also had extensive discussions with the relevant Departments of the Commission. Furthermore, it exchanged views through video link with the PSC, which is currently on a field visit to Mali as part of a joint mission with the European Union Peace and Security Committee.
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February 11, 2015Head of ICRC Delegation to the AU presents Letter of Credence to AU Commission Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 11 February 2015: Newly appointed Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation to the African Union and international Organizations in Africa, Mr. Felipe Donoso, on Wednesday 11 February 2015, presented his Letter of Credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
Presenting his Credentials, Mr. Felipe Donoso expressed his delight to begin his assignment at a time when the African Union’s annual theme focuses on Women’s Empowerment and Development toward Agenda 2063. He assured the Chairperson of the ICRC’s support and his humanitarian experience during his tenure.
The AU Commission Chairperson welcomed and congratulated him, giving assurance of very cooperative partnership with the African Union. The Chairperson wished him a successful tour of duty. -
February 11, 2015Agenda 2063, an opportunity to rationalise AU, RECs role to foster integration
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 11 February 2015: The adoption of a continental framework for Africa’s transformation Agenda, Agenda 2063, provides an opportunity for the rationalization of the roles and responsibilities of the African Union, visa-a-visa the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States.
These views were shared by the African Union Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Mr. Sindiso Ndema Ngwenya, when they met on Wednesday, 11 February 2015, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
While agreeing on the need to take practical steps towards accelerating Africa’s integration agenda, the AU Commission Chairperson and COMESA Secretary General were in unison on the opportunity provided by the recent adoption of Agenda 2063 framework to foster integration.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterated a call made in her opening statement at the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government: that the Regional Economic Communities must have a strong say in the affairs of the African Union. In this light, she will be convening a meeting to further discuss these with the RECs. They will begin the process of discussions to delineate roles and responsibilities aimed at better serving the continent’s integration agenda.
“Whatever we do, it is to advance the African integration agenda.” The COMESA Secretary General remarked.
Also expected to attend the meeting with the RECs are the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the Africa Capacity Building Foundation.
As part of his meeting with the AUC Chairperson, the Secretary General extended an official invitation to the Chairperson to attend its upcoming Summit due to hold at the end of March in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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February 09, 2015AU Chairperson congratulates AFCON 2015 Champions, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 9 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates the President of Cote d’Ivoire, H.E. Alassane Ouattara, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and the Ivorian people for the outstanding victory in the 2015 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament (AFCON 2015). She applauds the Black Stars of Ghana, the runner up for putting up an equally brilliant performance until the very end.
“African football has over the years improved exponentially and the talent showcased by the two African football giants in the final, was nothing short of the brilliance and great talent of African sports men and women.” The AU Commission Chairperson remarked.
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma also hailed the Democratic Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea for emerging in 3rd and 4th place respectively out of the 16 teams that qualified for the prestigious football tournament. She commended their commitment and hard work that resulted in their surpassing many of the favourites.
The AU Commission Chairperson re-echoed her gratitude to the President of Equatorial Guinea, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the Government and people of Equatorial Guinea for successfully hosting the tournament after only two months of preparations, brushing aside the Ebola scare. That show of solidarity, she indicated, forms part of Africa’s determination to defeat the Ebola Virus Disease.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma further Congratulates and appreciates the untiring efforts of Confederation of African Football (CAF) for having once again delivered on the successful organisation of the tournament, that has for years served as one of the uniting factors for the continent
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson
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February 08, 2015African Union Commission Chair calls for calm following the postponement of elections in Nigeria
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 8 February 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has called for calm following the announcement, on Saturday 7 February 2015, postponing the elections by six weeks. The impending Presidential and National Legislative Elections which were originally planned for 14 February have been shifted to 28 March 2015. The Gubernatorial and State Legislative Elections planned for 28 February will now hold 11 April 2015.
In view of the reasons that informed the INEC’s decision to postpone the elections, the AU Commission Chairperson urges the people of Nigeria and political actors to respect the decision by the INEC. The Chairperson also calls on all national, regional and international stakeholders to lend maximum cooperation and support to the INEC. She implores to the Nigerian Security Forces, even as they battle the Boko Haram insurgents to ensure security in the north east of Nigeria, to make every effort to provide security of the election material, personnel, observers and voters in assisting INEC conduct peaceful, democratic, transparent and credible elections.
The Chairperson continues to follow closely the preparation for the national and state elections in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and commends the leaders for the wider consultations carried, especially with all major stakeholders, before the decision to postpone the elections was reached.
In the meantime, the AU Long Term Observers who have been on ground since 28 January 2015, will remain on the ground to closely follow up and monitor the process.
The Chairperson will continue to follow the situation and avails the support of the AU to the authorities in Nigeria.JEE/
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February 08, 2015Africa and Russia to strengthen ties further
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 6 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma received a special message from the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir Putin, confirming Russia’s interest to further strengthening its ties with Africa. The letter was delivered by the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and countries of Africa and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mikhail Bogdanov, during a meeting with the Chairperson on the margins of the 24th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government.
In his message, President Vladimir Putin commended the constructive role of African countries. “We support the efforts of the African Union in facilitating mutually beneficial integration processes, ensuring sustainable social and economic development of the continent and resolving local conflicts.” President Putin wrote, as he wished the Assembly fruitful deliberations.
President Putin wrote about the strong positive relationship between Africa and the Russian Federation, citing the meaningful political dialogue and active collaboration in international affairs. He also noted the measures taken by Russia to write off a significant part of the debt of African countries and the preferential treatment of most of the traditional African export goods in Russia that has opened up new opportunities for trade, economic and investment cooperation. “The number of scholarship offered by the Russian Government,” his letter stated, “is on the rise, and Russian experts are participating in the training of African peacekeepers.”
The AU Commission Chairperson expressed gratitude for the solidarity message from President Putin. She also indicated the readiness of the AU to further strengthen ties with the Russian Federation. In this light, she will be pursuing an earlier Decision to open an AU Representational Office in Moscow, as well as areas of cooperation.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov also discussed the situation in South Sudan, which remains a challenge for everyone, the BRICS meeting, as well as her planned visit to Moscow in April 2015.
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February 07, 2015AU staff children party, 07 February 2015 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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February 06, 2015Delegation from Morocco meets with African Union Commission Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 6 February 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on Friday, 6 February 2015 received a delegation of the Authenticity and Modernity Party of Morocco. The delegation of senior party members who met with the Chairperson at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was led by Mr. Ilyas Omari, Deputy President of Moroccan Authenticity and Modernity Party, and Deputy President of House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco
During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues of common concern, including the prevention and combatting of terrorism, women empowerment, socio-economic development on the continent, Morocco’s relations with the AU, and the situation in Western Sahara.
On the issue of Western Sahara, the Chairperson of the Commission expressed the need to find a lasting solution to the impasse that would be acceptable to both parties. In this respect, she reiterated the AU’s readiness and availability to assist the parties in overcoming the current stalemate, within the context of the relevant decisions adopted by the Union’s policy organs.
The Chairperson of the Commission told them that the AU's and her offices doors were open to all stakeholders for continued engagement on those issues of mutual concern.
JEE/
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February 05, 2015AU Commission Chief of Staff steps down
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 6 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has accepted the resignation of the Chief of Staff in the Bureau of the Chairperson, H.E. Jean-Baptiste Natama from his position.
The Chairperson of the Commission expresses her sincere gratitude to H.E. Natama and wishes him well in his future endeavours and career.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma appointed Amb. Jean-Baptiste Natama as her Chief of Staff shortly after assuming functions as the AU Commission Chairperson in October 2012. -
February 04, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 4 February 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma welcomed the release of Al-Jazeera English service journalist who was jailed by Egyptian authorities on charges of helping the Muslim Brotherhood, reportedly "a terrorist organization".
The journalist, Peter Greste, of Australian origin, was released on Sunday 1 February 2015. Together with two other colleagues, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy, they were jailed for between seven to 10 years on the same charges.
Welcoming the decision by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, the Chairperson of the AU Commission urges the Government to expedite any processes that would liberate the other two journalists.
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February 04, 2015The African Union Concerned by the Situation in Burkina Faso
Addis Ababa, 4 February 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is following with concern the latest developments in Burkina Faso.
The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the AU's strong condemnation of any act likely to undermine the current transition and weaken the institutions established by the Burkinabe stakeholders, with the support of the international community. She reaffirms the need for all defense and security forces to scrupulously respect the transitional institutions and Charter, in line with the legitimate expectations of the people of Burkina Faso.
The Commission is in contact with other international actors, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations. It will continue to closely monitor the developments in the country.
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February 04, 2015AU Executive Council Chair pays courtesy call on AU Commission Chair
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 3 February, 2014: The newly elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Simbarashe Simbanenduku Mumbengegwi, has paid a courtesy call on the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to discuss the programme of work between the Executive Council and the Commission.
The courtesy call followed the election of H.E. Robert Mugabe as the Chairperson of the AU during the 24th Ordinary Session of the Assembly.
The Chairpersons of the Executive Council and AU Commission exchanged ideas on the immediate implementation of the 24th AU Summit decisions.
As Chairperson of the AU, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Representative to the AU will, respectively, chair the Executive Council and the Permanent Representative Committee in 2015.