Events
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January 08, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 8 January 2015. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma strongly condemns the horrific and barbaric terrorist attack in which 12 people were killed and several others wounded at the Head Quarters of the French Satirical Magazine, Charlie Hebdo, in Paris, France.
The AU Commission Chairperson described the tragic incident as a clear attack on press freedom and all other forms freedom of expression. This act of terrorism, as with all others that continue to be perpetuated around the world, must be condemned and fought against with unreserved energy by the international community.
She expresses her sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the speedy recovery of the wounded. The AU Commission Chairperson also conveys her support and solidarity, and that of the AU to the Government and the people of France.
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January 06, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 January 2015: The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Mr. Moon-hwan Kim, on Tuesday, 6 January 2015 presented his Letter of Credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
Following the presentation of the Letter of Credence, H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma and H.E. Moon-hwan Kim held a brief discussion around possible areas of common interest and collaboration. The AUC Chairperson highlighted some of the continent’s priority areas, amongst which are skills development focusing on science, technology and engineering; agriculture and agro-processing; industrialisation and infrastructural development.
Appreciating the increasing political stability and economic growth in Africa, Ambassador Moon-hwan Kim said Africa is a top priority for his country’s Foreign Policy, and that cooperation with the AU will focus on areas where they have comparative advantage.
The Chairperson congratulated H.E. Moon-hwan Kim on his appointment and expressed her readiness to work closely with him towards strengthening the existing relationship between the AU and the Republic of Korea.
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January 06, 2015AU Commission Chairperson in consultation with her Special Representative for Somalia, post AMISOM attack
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 January 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Tuesday, 6 January 2015 held consultations with her Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), H.E. Dr. Maman Sidikou.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Ambassador Maman Sidikou discussed ways of enhancing support for the AU Mission in Somalia, particularly following the 25 December 2014 attack against the Halane base camp of the AMISOM by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group).
“We felt bad about the attack, knowing how well AMISOM is doing,” the Chairperson said. She had, immediately after the incident, issued a statement in which she outrightly condemned the terrorist attack.
The Chairperson had also expressed her condolences for the victims of the attack, while saluting the courage and bravery of the AMISOM personnel and its leadership. Amb. Maman Sidikou confirmed that the Chairperson’s message was very well received by the staff of the Mission.
During the discussion with her Special Representative, the Chairperson raised the need to build a hall of remembrance, at AU Headquarters, in remembrance of all fallen AU peacekeepers, including those from other peacekeeping missions from the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and others.
“Peacekeepers contribution is unique to peace in Africa, and the rest of the world. Somalia had been written off, but it is back.” She added.
They also discussed ways of improving the AU’s support to the Government of Somalia notably by equipping AMISOM forces with professional such as those from the medical and engineering corps.
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December 31, 2014The African Union notes with concern the latest developments in the Gambia
Addis Ababa, 31 December 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is closely following the situation in The Gambia. She notes with concern the latest developments in the country and urges for calm.
The Chairperson of the Commission calls on all concerned to work towards development, preserving peace in the country, deepening democracy and promoting human rights, consistent with the relevant AU instruments, including the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. -
December 26, 2014The African Union Strongly Condemns the Terrorist Attack Against the Amisom Base Camp in Mogadishu
Addis Ababa, 26 December 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has learnt with shock and dismay of the attack carried out yesterday, 25 December 2014, by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group against the Halane base camp of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), close to Mogadishu International Airport.
The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this criminal and terrorist attack. She praises the AMISOM troops and police for their quick response and courage in neutralizing the assailants.
The Chairperson of the Commission commiserates with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives during the attack. She pays tributes to the troop and police contributing countries for their continued commitment and sacrifices in support of the Somali people and leaders.
The Chairperson of the Commission once again commends the AMISOM personnel and leadership for their sense of duty and bravery. She stresses that yesterday's attack will only strengthen the resolve of the AU, notably through AMISOM, working jointly with the Somali security forces, to completely defeat the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and create the required security conditions for the successful stabilization of Somalia and the lasting restoration of peace and reconciliation. -
December 18, 2014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 18 December 2014: African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates the Government and People of the Republics of Namibia, and Mauritius for conducting transparent, credible and peaceful elections, on 28 November and 10 December 2014 respectively.
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) initial findings contained in its Preliminary Reports concluded that both elections were conducted in line with African and International best practices and standards. The Chairperson of the Commission endorses the preliminary recommendations presented by the AUEOM to Namibia and Mauritius and encourages the both Governments to consider implementing the recommendations for greater democratic and governance gains in their respective countries.
The AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) deployed to Namibia, from 18 November to 3 December 2014, was headed by H.E. Ms. Fatuma Ndangiza, Chairperson of AU Peer Review Mechanism Eminent Persons, while that deployed to the Republic of Mauritius, from 4 to 14 December 2014, was headed by H.E. Dr. Aminata Toure, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma also commends the extraordinary hard work and commitment of both H.E. Ms. Fatuma Ndangiza, and H.E. Dr. Aminata Toure, for successfully leading the Missions.
The Chairperson encourages the Government and People of both Namibia and Mauritius to continue in the same path of democratic stability through popular participation, democratic institutionalisation and good governance. -
December 15, 2014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 15 December 2014: African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has announced a donation of USD 100,000.00 in support of, and in solidarity the Government and people of Cape Verde, following the volcanic eruption that took place on 23 November 2014 in Fogo Island, in Cape Verde.
The eruption is reported to have destroyed communities, buildings including a primary school, a hotel, crops and livestock. It has also caused people to evacuate and have been relocated in temporary housing centers, while others are at risk of displacement.
The Government of Cape Verde declared a state of emergency on 25 November and appealed for international assistance.
The Chairperson is encouraged by the humanitarian responses by the government, and from different national and international institutions since the calamity struck Cape Verde. She, however, calls for more humanitarian assistance to support the efforts of the Government and the people of Cape Verde during this challenging period.For further information contact
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December 14, 2014
Johannesburg, South Africa – 14 December 2014: The Africa Editors Forum (TAEF) former Chairperson, Mr. Mathatha Tsedu, on Saturday 13 December 2014 presented to the African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma the final report of the "Communication’s Audit” they were commissioned to undertake on behalf of the the African Union Commission in 2012.
The report was handed to the Chairperson and her Deputy, H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the AUC leadership was meeting with Regional Economic Commissions (REC) and the NEPAD Agency.
The main objective of the audit was to look at the capacity, structure, resourcing and staffing of the AUC’s current arrangement and its ability to fulfil the communications needs of the organisation and its regional and specialist agencies.
Receiving the report, the Chairperson, thanked Mr. Tsedu and the TAEF team for the significant contribution toward improving the communication of the the AU Commission. She expressed the hope that TAEF will remain available to assist the Commission during the implementation phase, particularly with Communications being a strategic pillar in the Commission’s 2014-2017 Strategic plan.
She further indicated that the role of the media will even become more relevant and important in the popularization of Agenda 2063 framework and the first 10 year Implementation Plan of Action.
Reacting to the Chairperson’s remarks, the former President of TAEF quipped that, "we have not stopped being African because we have concluded this project." Mr. Tsedu reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work with the AU and contribute their skills whenever they are called upon.
The audit was conducted by three experts from Ghana, Senegal and Algeria, with Mr. Tsedu tasked by TAEF as Project Director. It was financed through a private sector sponsorship.
JEE/
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December 08, 2014
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has learnt with profound sadness another tragic loss of an estimated 70 African migrants, mainly from Ethiopia in the Red Sea Coast of Yemen. According to Yemeni authorities, the boat sank on 6 December 2014, after encountering rough waves and violent winds.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma expresses her deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the bereaved. She further expressed grave concern regarding the recurrence of these preventable tragedies, and therefore urges the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents. She also calls on all Member States and other Governments to work together to reduce loss of lives among people making sea voyages across the Red Sea and other major sea frontiers.
The Chairperson is dismayed by the fact that statistically more migrants have died at sea this year than the past three years combined, with the majority of the victims being Africans. This latest incident coming almost 14 months after about 359 migrants lost their lives off the coast of Lampedusa is a poignant reminder of the challenges of irregular migration. Dr. Dlamini Zuma said all must be done to stop this.
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December 08, 2014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 08 December 2014: African perspectives must be considered whenever African issues are discussed at the United Nations Security Council. African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma raised this need during a meeting with the Spanish State Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ignacio Ybaňez. The two met on Monday 8 December 2014, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Spanish State Minister of Foreign Affairs had come to express appreciation for Africa's support to the election of Spain as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
During the meeting H.E. Mr. Ingacio Ybaňez assured the AUC Chairperson H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma that Spain will push and advocate for an African perspectives on African issues during its tenure at the UN Security Council. He said Spain will always remain close to African countries directly, but also through the representations in Addis Ababa and in New York.
Amongst issues, they discussed issues of women’s empowerment, peace and security, particularly the AU’s goal of “Silencing the Guns by 2020.”
Besides meeting with the Chairperson, the visiting Spanish State Minister and his delegation is also meeting with other AUC Departments including Departments of Political Affairs and Peace and Security.
Spain is joining the UN Security Council as from 1 January 2015, for a two-year period 2015-2016. Other four newly elected members are Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand and Venezuela.
JEE/
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December 08, 2014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8 December 2014: Newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, H.E. Mr. Yerlik Ali has on 8 December 2014, presented his Letter of Credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
H.E. Mr. Yerlik Ali brought special greetings from H.E. Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He informed the Chairperson that Ethiopia is Kazakhstan’s third Diplomatic representation in Africa, after Egypt and South Africa.
The newly appointed Ambassador pledged his country’s support to the AU to fight against the Ebola Virus Disease.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma congratulated H.E. Mr. Yerlik on his appointment and wished him a successful and fruitful tour of duty.
JEE/
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December 06, 2014
Addis Ababa, 6 December 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is closely following the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan and the efforts of the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). She notes the recent accusations levelled against UNAMID in the discharge of its mandate.
The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that UNAMID is operating in a difficult environment, characterised by sporadic clashes among the armed belligerents, inter-tribal fighting and huge logistical challenges compounded by the large size of the area of operation and the lack of adequate infrastructure. She stresses that, in spite of these challenges, UNAMID is making a tremendous contribution to the search for peace in Darfur. In this respect, she commends the Mission for the steps taken towards the protection of civilians, the facilitation of humanitarian assistance and support to peace-building activities on the ground.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's full support to UNAMID and her deep appreciation to the Mission's leadership and personnel for their commitment and untiring efforts. She reaffirms the AU's commitment to continue working with the Government of Sudan and other concerned actors to create the best possible conditions for the full implementation of UNAMID mandate, which will lead to its eventual exit from Sudan. She expresses AU's determination to fully play its role in the management of UNAMID, in line with the hybrid nature of the Mission.
The Chairperson of the Commission looks forward to the outcome of the ongoing strategic review assessment mission jointly conducted by the United Nations and the AU. She is confident that the assessment will facilitate efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the support extended to the Sudanese stakeholders in their quest for lasting peace and reconciliation.
The Chairperson of the Commission calls on the UN Security Council and other members of the international community to fully support UNAMID and to avail the resources it needs to complete the implementation of the important tasks entrusted to it. She stresses that UNAMID, which is the first ever hybrid operation between the AU and the United Nations, is a vivid example of the commitment of the two organisations to build an innovative and forward-looking partnership that is responsive to the complex peace and security challenges facing the continent.