Events

INVITATION

PRESS CONFERENCE OF COMMISSIONER LAMAMRA

Within the framework of the 20th AU summit, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, will on Monday 28 January 2013 at 16h30, hold a press conference at the Small Conference Hall 4 of the new AU Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

During the press Ambassador Lamamra will address the following issue:

- Status of peace and security in Africa

Journalists are invited to take part in the press conference

PRESS RELEASE N0. 20 / 20th AU SUMMIT

Summit Ends with Strong Decisions and Declarations by AU Heads of States on Crucial and Topical Issues on the Continent

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 28 January 2013- The 20th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit holding on the theme: “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance” ended Monday 28 January 2013 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with commitment by the AU Heads of State and Government to ensure implementation of the Assembly Decisions and Declarations arrived at during their deliberations.

In his closing remarks, the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union, Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, expressed satisfaction at the active participation of all the Heads of States and Government in the discussions on various issues of interest to the continent. “Your valuable comments and contributions have no doubt enriched our debate and informed the decisions that we have adopted on a myriad of issues. (See complete speech of the AU Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int ).

The following decisions were adopted among others:

On refocusing the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to support the transformation agenda of the African Union, the Heads of States urged the Secretary-General of the United Nations to provide the required support to ECA to enhance its work in accordance with Africa’s priorities.

On the creation of the African Observatory on Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) to be hosted by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Heads of State endorsed the project.
They called on Member States and Development partners to avail the necessary technical and financial support for sustaining the AOSTI and its programmes.

The Heads of State also decided to create the Pan-African Intellectual Property Organization (PAIPO). They requested the Commission to convene a meeting of all stakeholders dealing with intellectual property in the implementation of the Decision by May 2013 Summit.

On the coordination of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and Africa’s preparation for cop 19/CMP 9

The Heads of States acknowledged the need for further refine and streamline the coordination mechanism for CAHOSCC. They endorsed the coordination function of CAHOSCC as follows:

i) Coordination of CAHOSCC rotates for a period of two (2) years for two Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);

ii) Country of the host of the Presidency of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) to serve as the Coordinator at the Summit level to enhance linkage between the AMCEN processes to CAHOSCC in addition to providing the necessary support given the nature of expectations at this level; and

iii) The President of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) to serve as Coordinator at the Ministerial level;

iv) Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) experts elected at the UNFCCC forum serves as Coordinator at the Experts’ level.

On the establishment of an “international constitutional court”
The Heads of States requested the African Union Commission on International Law to examine the proposed establishment of an International Constitutional Court and make recommendations to the 22nd Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (January 2014) on the said proposal

On the integration of the new Africa- Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP) into African Union structures and processes
The Assembly requested the Commission to take the necessary steps towards the integration of the New Africa-Asia Strategic Partnership (NAASP) into the African Union structures and processes.

On the representation of local communities in organs of the African Union
The Assembly requested the Commission to submit a comprehensive report on the opportunity, feasibility, relevance and implications, including financial ones, of the proposal at the January 2014 Summit.

On the reduction of maternal, newborn and child mortality and morbidity in Africa
The Assembly requested that the Ministers of Health of the African Union examine the progress made regarding the state of maternal, newborn and child health, map out concrete and innovative strategies at a larger scale in order to adequately address the health needs of African women and children and submit a report to the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly. It decided to place this item on the agenda of the next Assembly.

On the establishment of the African Union institute for statistics

The Assembly approved the establishment of the African Union Commission Institute for Statistics that will be based in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia.

On the promotion of critical knowledge for the accelerated and sustainable development of Africa
The Assembly took note of the proposal of Burkina Faso on the promotion of critical skills for Accelerated and Sustainable Development in Africa. The Heads of States approved the initiative of Burkina Faso.

On the hosting of a special follow-up summit on the Abuja 2001 African Union Summit on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other related infectious diseases in the third quarter (july/august) of 2013
The Assembly welcomed and endorsed the offer by the Federal Republic of Nigeria to host a Special Follow-Up Summit on the Abuja 2001 African union summit on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other related infectious diseases in the third quarter of 2013.

On the south-south and triangular coalition in support of Africa-post 2015
The Assembly took note of the proposal by the Republic of Guinea relating to the creation of a South-South and Triangular Coalition in support of Africa Post 2015; it approved in principle the creation of a South/South and Triangular Coalition to assist Africa within the framework of its Post 2015 Agenda.

On the report of the Committee of Ten on UN Reform
The Assembly reiterated that the Committee of ten remains seized of this matter until Africa achieves its objectives on the reform of the UN Security Council and requested the Committee to present a report to the Twenty-first Ordinary Session of the Assembly in July 2013.

On the election of the Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology and the Commissioner for Economic Affairs of the African Union
The Assembly, appointed the following persons as Commissioners of the AU Commission:

Name and Country
Portfolio
a) Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga (Republic of Congo). - Human Resources, Science and Technology
b) Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping (Lesotho) - Economic Affairs

On election of the five members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union
The Assembly appointed the following five (5) Members of the Peace and Security Council for a three (3)-year term as of March 2013:

1. Equatorial Guinea Central Region
2. Uganda Eastern Region
3. Algeria Northern Region
4. Mozambique Southern Region
5. Nigeria Western Region

On the election of one judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The Assembly, appointed Mr. Kimelabalou Aba ( Togo) as Judge of AfCHPR for a year and a half (1½ year) term.

On the election of the eleven members of the Advisory Board on Corruption
The Assembly, appointed the following Members of the Advisory Board on Corruption for a two (2)-year term:

No. Name Country
1. Mr. Jacques III Achiaou Cote d’Ivoire
2. Dr. Tony Aidoo Ghana
3. Ms. Akossiwa Ayena Togo
4. Ms. Angele Barumpozako Burundi
5. Mr. Salem Ben-Gharbia Libya
6. Mr. M’pere Diarra Mali
7. Mr. Jean Baptiste Elias Benin
8. Mr. Edward Gamaya Tanzania
9. Mr. Ali Sulaiman Mohamed Ethiopia
10. Mr. Pierre Nzobabela Republic of Congo
11. Mrs. Julie Onum-Nwariaku Nigeria

On the election of five members of the African Union Commission on International Law
The Assembly, appointed the following Members of the AUCILfor a five (5)-year term:

No. Name Country
1. Mr. Rafaa Ben Achour Tunisia
2. Mr. Daniel Makiesse Mwanawanzambi D.R.C
3. Mr. Boniface Obinna Okere Nigeria
4. Mrs. Naceesay Salla-Wadda Gambia
5. Mr. Kholisani Solo Botswana

On the Declaration of solidarity with Algeria following the terrorist attack on Gazier site in Amenas, the Assembly condemned with utmost firmness the “cowardly and vicious act of aggression against a member state of the African Union.

On the Declaration on Palestine, the Assembly welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s decision granting the State of Palestine “Observer non-member” status in the UN. It urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with the United Nations’ resolution and previous agreements signed by with Palestine.

On the other hand, it was announced during today’s closing ceremony of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union that, the next AU Summit will take place on 19th to 27th May 2013.

All the decisions and declarations will be posted on the AU website www.au.int as soon as they are ready:

PRESS RELEASE Nº17 / 20th AU SUMMIT

20th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AU ASSEMBLY OPENS WITH A FOCUS ON PANAFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 27 January 2013- “Today we look to the future calmly, confidently and courageously “said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), while addressing the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union today, 27 January 2013 at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Summit, bringing together Heads of State and Government or their accredited representatives is holding under the theme: “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”. A minute of silence was observed at the opening ceremony in memory of late President John Atta Mills of Ghana and late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.

Referring to the theme of the Summit and the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) created on 25 May 1963, the AUC Chairperson explained that, the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the ideals of the African Renaissance has delivered and will propel its citizens towards an integrated, people-centred, prosperous Africa at peace with itself. She added that it is this spirit and ideals that inspired the adoption of the Lagos Plan of Action in 1980, the Abuja Treaty in 1990 and NEPAD in 2001. According to Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, “the African dream is not only achievable but it can be done in a shorter time.”

To secure decent livelihoods and the free movement of people, goods and services, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said, “we must accelerate integration and connectivity”. She expressed satisfaction with the progress on the implementation of the priority infrastructure projects of PIDA in the areas of transport, energy and ICT. The Chairperson of the AUC further underscored the need for the Union to enhance youth and women’s development alongside education. “The Pan African University and the general expansion of our higher education sector will equip our young people with critical abilities to drive innovation, sciences, entrepreneurship, research, social development and industrialization”, she underlined. (See complete speech of AUC Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int .

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) recalled in his speech, that Africa is the world’s youngest continent. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to help the people of Mali “This is a moral imperative for all in the international community…..I am personally committed to ensuring that the United Nations stands ready, once the regrettably necessary combat operations are over, to undertake a major system-wide effort for peace-building, governance and security sector reform, physical reconstruction, and regional cooperation” he emphasised.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said the United Nations is proud to support the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative. “I hope all African countries will continue to contribute to progress on climate change and my Sustainable Energy for all Initiative as this can open the way for enormous gains” he underscored. she underlined.
(See complete speech of UN SG on the AU website: www.au.int .

Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of Palestine National Authority (PNA) and Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation Executive Committee congratulated the AU for the achievements by many countries in the promotion of governance and democracy which has led to economic growth.
He also commended the Union’s efforts in the consolidation of peace and security as well as conflict resolution on the continent.

He expressed gratitude at the adoption of the request of the Palestinian State to have observer status at the UN General Assembly. “The most pressing issue for the Palestinian National Authority now is how to alleviate the suffering of refugees from Syria”, he said.

Address by H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Chairperson of the African Union Commission

on the occasion of the

28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government
Orientation Committee

Addis Ababa, 26 January 2013

His Excellency Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin and Chairperson of the African Union

His Excellency Hailemarium Deselegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee

Excellencies, Members of the NEPAD Heads of State and
Orientation Committee

Commissioners of the African Union

Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency

Representatives of Regional and International Organisations

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is indeed my singular honour and privilege for me to make a statement at this official opening of the 28th Meeting of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) in my new capacity as Chairperson of the African Union Commission. May I take this opportunity to welcome you all to the headquarters of the AU where the Commission spends a lot of hours, and to wish you a very happy new year.

Of course, we cannot sit in this meeting and not think of the late Prime Minister Zenawi, and his dynamic leadership and commitment to NEPAD. May his soul rest in internal peace.

My special thanks also go to the members of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee for the constant support given to the African Union Commission and the NEPAD Agency.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I commend the efforts that have been made and continue to be made by the Agency and the Commission to improve the harmonisation of their work, particularly through the elaboration of policies and strategies and work programmes, with a view to avoiding duplication of efforts.

It is also my pleasure to report that the implementation of the approved organisational structure for the NPCA is proceeding smoothly based on AU rules, regulations and practices.

In the last six months, synergy between the NEPAD Agency and the Commission was strengthened in the area of agriculture, food security and nutrition and infrastructure. The Agency, together with the Commission, established, within the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), in the fisheries sub-sector, a Joint Working Group with a view to elaborating an Integrated Pan-African Strategy. The Strategy will guide reforms in the sub-sector at the national and the regional levels.

In the area of infrastructure, the Agency worked closely with the Commission to determine the modalities for the operationalization of the Institutional Architecture for Infrastructure Development in Africa and the capacity building needs of the Regional Economic Communities and continental institutions, with a view to facilitating the implementation of the priorities of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), as well as clarify the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders.

It will be recalled that the 18th Assembly of Heads of State and Government in January 2012 adopted a Declaration Assembly on the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). In adopting the PIDA, AU Heads of State and Government committed, among others, to “undertake to contribute financially to the Special Fund of the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility…” which is the main Project Preparation Facility to help develop the PIDA projects. Partners also contribute to the fund.

Regarding the mobilization of finance to prepare and implement the PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP) projects, the expected capital costs of delivering the selected 51 projects and programmes amounts to about $68 billion. Of that amount, approximately US$ 200 million is required over the next four years. This is equivalent to US$ 50 million/year, assuming that 100% of this amount will be derived from African domestic resources. A Strategy, prepared by the key PIDA Stakeholders (AUC, AfDB and NPCA), was presented at the 27th Session of the NEPAD HSGOC but its implementation of course may take time.

We would also like to say we are pleased that the champions of PIDA are dedicating a substantial amount of time and money to these projects. We encourage more countries to do the same.

Within the context of knowledge management and the development of policies and strategies, the NEPAD Agency and the Commission intensified their work towards achieving higher levels of coordination, consistency and synergy in the planning, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of regional programmes.

The NEPAD Agency is also involved in the development of the AUC Strategic Plan for 2014-2017, on the basis upon which the Agency will also develop its own. Further, the Agency is working closely with the Commission on the development of the AU-wide Strategic Framework, where other African institutions are also involved.

Despite NEPAD’s accomplishments to date, a lot still needs to be done in order for the ordinary man and woman across the continent to feel the impact of NEPAD’s deliverables in a consistent and concrete manner. This requires, among other things, addressing the challenges facing the NEPAD Agency. These challenges include inadequate financial resources to implement in a timely manner continental and regional projects and inadequate human capital to facilitate the implementation of programs and projects.

While appreciating the support from the development partners, we will need to do more about mobilizing domestic resources for NEPAD. We would also like to request that the organizational structure approved that has been approved be implemented. However, in order for us to implement, we need more money. For, the longer we delay in doing this, the less effective the Agency will be. We therefore humbly request that we be supported in this regard. We also want the NPCA to work with us to work with us in the OAU 50th anniversary in May 2013. This will enable the NEPAD Agency to showcase its achievements since its establishment, as part and parcel of the OAU/AU’s accomplishments.

1. In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to the Deputy Chairperson and all the Commissioners of the African Union Commission for their contribution to NEPAD.

2. Finally, I wish to commend Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, the Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Agency for his leadership as well as the results he and his team have achieved so far.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Statement by H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson
African Union Commission

Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government on the Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)
Africa Cares: No Woman Should Die While Giving Life
27 January 2013

- Your Excellencies, Heads of State & Goverment,
- Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations
- Excellencies Heads and Representatives of UN Agencies,
- Honourable Ministers
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp,
- Distinguished Participants
- Ladies and Gentlemen

As a woman and a mother, I am happy to address this gathering on reinforcing the campaign on accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA).

My sincere appreciation to H.E. President Boni Yayi and the UNFPA for the support to the Commission to make this important luncheon possible.
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) remains a critical index of our development as a continent. We cannot record any sustainable and meaningful development, if the health of our women that constitute more than half of the population of the continent is not accorded the deserved priority. Though I must acknowledge that the health status of women and children in Africa, though has improved over the last few years, it remains a far cry from the targets that are set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

When here in Addis Ababa in 2009, CARMMA was launched by the African Union Ministers of Health, it marked the commencement of a determined and sustained effort by the leadership of our Union to address the unacceptably high maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

At the 15th Assembly of the Union, with the theme – “Maternal, Newborn and Child Health”, the Heads of State and Government adopted a set of Actions, underscoring the need to make concerted effort to deliver on results. The Heads of State were unambiguous that the time for declarations and commitments was over and it was time for action!

It is gratifying to note that you, our leaders are taking action, as evidenced by the progress recorded so far. Till date, 37 Member states have launched CARMMA and undertaken targeted actions to deliver on commitments. CARMMA has become an example of a successful continental initiative with national ownership!

However while we celebrate our progress, we must also reassess our challenges and redouble our efforts in order to ensure that our collective aspirations as Africans become a reality. There can’t be and shouldn’t be any complacency.

In order to optimize results delivery, we need to adopt an integrated approach to reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality within the overall continuum of care. The impact of our combined efforts shall be much greater than the sum of our individual efforts.

Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me therefore to highlight some initial steps that need to be taken:
• The AUC and UNFPA should explore the possibility of establishing a joint secretariat to continue to coordinate our efforts on CARMMA in order to make the Campaign sustainable and to facilitate the delivery of results;
• An effective and sustainable financing mechanism for MNCH programmes needs to be evolved;
• An Accountability mechanism all levels, from service providers and care givers to policy makers and political leaders including Civil Society, ensuring that duty bearers are accountable for the responsibilities reposed in us and resources committed to our care;
• A strong social mobilization involving all segments of the society - men, religious and traditional leaders amongst others for the advancement of women health;

In Africa we celebrate motherhood, with child birth as a natural and normal process. Let’s remember that maternal deaths is not random, it is preventable. An investment in the health of women is an investment in economic development.

Africa Cares; No Woman Should Die While Giving Life.

Thank you.