Events
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mai 12, 2015The Former President of Poland, H.E. Mr. Lech Walesa, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr....Adama (Ethiopia) 12th May 2015 - H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), inaugurated yesterday, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Lech Walesa, former President of the Republic of Poland, an agricultural tractor assembly plant of the company URSUS, established in Adama, about a hundred kilometers from Addis Ababa. Adama is the third largest city of Ethiopia in terms of population.
This project fits into the implementation framework of the 2015 objectives of the African Union. 2015 having been proclaimed the year of Empowerment of the African woman by the 25th Summit of the African Union held in Addis Ababa last January. Thus, H.E Dr. Dlamini Zuma has been following up the activities of this agricultural tractor production factory, which will help to improve the living conditions of the rural population and, in particular, empower women in rural areas.
Indeed, women are key development actors in Africa, representing 70 percent of labour in the agricultural sector and the largest number of smallholders, and contribute about 80% of agricultural production to feed 900 million people on the continent.
Yet, they have neither access nor control when it comes to land and productive resources, and even less, access to credit. They are subjected to working in deplorable conditions, as well as using archaic agricultural production implements such as the hand-hold hoe.
With a view to empowering the African woman, several initiatives are being launched across the continent by women, women networks and women organisations so that the theme of the AU Summit: “Empowerment and development of women to achieve Agenda 2063” can be realised.
The inaugural ceremony of the agricultural tractor assembly plant in Adama is one of those initiatives. It is expected that it will contribute to the much needed empowerment in rural areas and that the factory will not only increase substantially women’s revenue but will also enhance the national and the regional or even continental economies.
During this event, H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma was accompanied by an emblematic Polish figure, H.E. Mr. Lech Walesa, 6th President of the Republic of Poland and Nobel Peace Laureate in 1983.
Addressing the gathering, the AUC Chairperson expressed her delight to see that Agenda 2063 is already on the move through this Ethiopian-Polish partnership, which underlines the importance of technology transfer, job creation and training as well as the enhancement of the quality and volume of agricultural production, thus contributing to the well-being of the final users, notably women and the entire population.
Indeed, the URSUS factory has increased its annual tractor production, which has risen from 1,000 to 32,000. The factory employs 200 people, all of them Ethiopians, who periodically receive training from Polish experts.
The General Manager of the Polish company URSUS expressed his satisfaction with this fruitful collaboration. Those tractors were the product of the two countries. In his opinion, this assembly plant is the most modern in Africa.
Speaking in turn, the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture declared that this private sector project will help Ethiopia move from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture, thus adding value to the agricultural sector.
For his part, H.E. Mr. Lech Walesa stressed the importance of peace as the foundation of development. He himself had contributed to peace in his own country and continues to do so throughout the world.
The ceremony was hosted by URSUS CEO and METEC Director General, representing respectively the Polish and Ethiopian companies which signed a partnership agreement for the construction of the factory.
Several distinguished guests also attended the ceremony, namely H.E. Mr. Jacek Jankowski, Ambassador of Poland in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture, staff members of the Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission as well as high-ranking officials of the Government of Ethiopia.
Contact Media:
Mrs. Christiane Yanrou-Matondo - Principal Communication Officer, Bureau of the Chairperson
Email: yanroucx@africa-union.org - Tel: +251-911201634 -
mai 09, 2015The African Union dispatches a High-Level Delegation to Burundi
The AU reiterates its appeal for dialogue and restraint in order to find a consensual solution to the crisis
Addis Ababa, 9 May 2015: As part of the efforts by the African Union (AU) to help find a peaceful solution to the current crisis in Burundi and as a follow-up to the relevant decisions of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has dispatched a high-level delegation to Bujumbura, as of today. This mission will enhance the AU’s support to the regional efforts, through the East African Community (EAC), within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture.
Led by Mr. Edem Kodjo, former Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), former Togolese Prime Minister and member of the AU Panel of the Wise, and including Professor Ibrahima Fall, former Minister of Affairs Foreign of Senegal and former United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General, the delegation will meet with the relevant Burundian authorities, as well as with other stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations and religious leaders. It will also meet with the representatives of the international community in Bujumbura, and will work closely with the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, within the spirit of the AU-UN partnership in the area of peace and security.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s urgent appeal to all concerned stakeholders to exercise restraint and to embark upon a genuine and constructive dialogue, in order to overcome the serious challenges at hand, in order to preserve the important achievements made since the signing of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi, strengthen democracy and the rule of law and create conditions conducive to the holding of transparent, free, fair and inclusive elections, in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. She reiterates the imperative to reject all forms of violence and to ensure the scrupulous respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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mai 08, 2015AU Commission Chairperson Congratulates China on the Opening of a Dedicated Mission to the African Union
Addis Ababa, 7 May 2015- African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma today congratulated the People’s Republic of China on the opening of a dedicated Mission to the African Union, the second of its nature.
Speaking at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa today, Dr Dlamini Zuma told the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr Zhang Ming that the opening of the mission was “a clear sign of China’s commitment to further strengthen its strategic partnership with the African continent”.
To mark the opening of the mission, both the AUC Chairperson and Mr Zhang unveiled the plaque for the Mission.
In an earlier meeting today attended by the AU Commission’s Deputy Chairperson Mr Erastus Mwencha and Commissioners, the two leaders discussed specific areas of cooperation between Africa and China. These included: the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, whose priority is on the development of rail and industrialisation, especially taking forward the Pan African High Speed Rail Project.
They also discussed further cooperation in the area of health, with Dr Dlamini Zuma expressing gratitude to China and other international partners for their support to the Ebola affected countries and to the deployment of the ASEOWA (African Union Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa) health workers.
Peace and security issues were on the agenda, as was the issue of the African position on the need for the United Nations Security Council to democratise and reflect the current realities of the world.
Finally, the two leaders discussed the issue raised by China, of the AU opening a representative office in Beijing, a matter that will be referred to the AU’s policy organs. WZM
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avril 29, 2015The African Union renews its appeal for dialogue and restraint in Burundi
Addis Ababa, 29 April 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, continues to follow closely the evolution of the situation in Burundi. She expresses concern at the serious threat that the developments of the past few days pose to the long-term stability of Burundi and the hard-won gains made over the past years towards peace, security and stability, as well as to regional stability. She deplores the loss of life, conveys the AU’s condolences to the bereaved families and wishes speedy recovery to all those who were injured during these most unfortunate incidents. She also expresses her deep concern over the increasing number of refugees arriving in Rwanda, due to the prevailing situation on the ground.
The Chairperson of the Commission underscores the need for dialogue among the Burundian stakeholders, in order to resolve their differences peacefully and create conditions conducive for the holding of peaceful, inclusive, free, fair and transparent elections.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s urgent appeal for all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action likely to further complicate the current situation and efforts towards its early resolution. She echoes the call by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the urgent disarmament of all militias and illegal armed groups, and its strong condemnation of acts of violence. She stresses the need to ensure the respect of fundamental freedoms, in line with Member States commitments under the AU’s instruments on democracy and human rights.
The Chairperson of the Commission underlines, once again, that Burundi is at a critical juncture. All stakeholders must rise to the challenges at hand, to enable the country to peacefully overcome the current problems and deepen democracy and the rule of law.
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avril 27, 2015The African Union deeply concerned by the attacks on UNAMID peacekeepers
Addis Ababa, 27 April 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is deeply concerned by the deadly incidents which took place on 23 and 24 April 2015 in Kass, South Darfur. Peacekeepers from the AU–United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) protecting water points were attacked by gunmen.
The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns these attacks on UNAMID, which is deployed solely to assist in stabilizing the Darfur area, including through the provision of security to civilians. She deeply regrets the loss of life recorded during those incidents.
The Chairperson of the Commission stresses the need to pursue transparent and fair investigation into the incidents, in order to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. She welcomes the commitment of UNAMID to cooperate fully with the Government, using the agreed upon mechanisms, to facilitate an effective stabilization of the area, in order to avoid a recurrence of such incidents. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Commission urges the local communities to exercise utmost restraint and to desist from any action likely to heighten tension in the area.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's full support to UNAMID in its continued efforts to maintain stability, including through engagement with local communities. She also reaffirms the AU's commitment to continue working with the Governments of Sudan and UNAMID in the search for a lasting solution to the crisis in Darfur.
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avril 26, 2015AU calls for restraint in Burundi
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26 April 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is following very closely the situation in Burundi, particularly following the nomination, on 25 April 2015, of H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza as the ruling party's candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections planned for May 2015 in Burundi.
The AU Commission Chairperson calls on the authorities in Burundi to exercise the highest restraints and protect the population in its reaction to the third-term candidacy announcement. She urges those protesting to conduct their demonstrations in a peaceful and orderly manner within the confines of the laws of Burundi. The Chairperson calls for the political actors to use appropriate channels to seek redress in any grievances, including disputes around elections.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterates the call she made on 27 March 2015, during her working visit to Burundi, in which she called on all stakeholders to strictly respect the 2000 Arusha Agreement, the Constitution and the Electoral Law.
Concerned about the reported deaths as she follows the situation on the ground, the AU Commission Chairperson insists on the need for everyone to work toward preserving Burundi's hard-earned peace, enhancing reconciliation, respecting human rights and promoting shared prosperity, as Burundi holds a series of elections in 2015.
Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, Cell: +251934996893, Email: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org -
avril 26, 2015AUC Chairperson Expresses Condolences to Nepal Victims
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 26 April 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on behalf of the Commission, expresses her sincere condolences to the government and people of Nepal and India for the over 2,500 lives lost during the strong earthquake experienced on Saturday 25 April 2015.
The Chairperson wishes the wounded victims a speedy recovery and hopes that the death toll can be contained. She calls on the international community to continue to work together to assist the country and affected families on their road to recovery and reconstruction.
Natural disasters may be hard to prevent, but the Chairperson has expressed the hope that early warning systems can be more effectively applied to prepare for, and mitigate the degree of loss experienced during such disasters.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson -
avril 21, 2015The African Union releases the key findings and recommendations of the report of investigations on Sexual Exploitation...
Addis Ababa, 21 April 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today, formally released the key findings and recommendations (attached) contained in the report of an Independent Investigation Team established to investigate allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by personnel of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The allegations were contained in a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), titled “The Power These Men Have Over Us – Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by African Union Forces in Somalia” and released on 8 September 2014.
The Team of experienced investigators was drawn from Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, which are all non-Troop/Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) to AMISOM. The Team conducted its investigations both inside and outside Somalia between November 2014 and February 2015.
The Team investigated the twenty one (21) allegations contained in the HRW report. It found that two of these allegations are indeed proven cases of SEA perpetrated by AMISOM soldiers.
On the basis of its findings, the Team made a number of observations and recommendations to strengthen existing mechanisms that the AU Commission and the T/PCCs to AMISOM have put in place to address SEA.
In line with its “zero tolerance policy” and its commitment to address SEA, the Commission is, in this particular instance, engaging with the concerned countries, which have the primary responsibility for the requisite prosecutorial action to be urgently undertaken in order to ensure that the victims get justice and assistance, as maybe required. Furthermore, the Commission will be convening a meeting with the T/PCCs and Somalia, with a view to identifying the concrete steps to be taken to implement the recommendations contained in both the HRW and the Investigation Team report.
The Commission seizes this opportunity to reiterate its commitment and that of the Member States to continue to respect the dignity of all Somali women and girls and to uphold the religious and cultural values of Somalia, as AMISOM continues to implement its mandate to restore peace and stability in the country.
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avril 21, 2015AU Commission Chairperson’s condolence message following deaths in the Mediterranean seas
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 21 April 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has expressed her deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of hundreds migrants who are reported to have drowned in the Mediterranean over the last two weeks. She is also dismayed at the continuous loss of lives in the Mediterranean where these migrants mostly from Africa are dying while trying to reach Europe.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma reiterates her call to Member States and partners to enhance their efforts in seeking a solution to these preventable tragedies as well as prosecute those involved in the unacceptable acts of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, while underscoring that the problems of human trafficking and irregular migration cannot be solved by one country alone. It requires urgent regional and global action and the solutions must be comprehensive, durable, and holistic and must be situated in the context of poverty eradication, and sustainable development.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma appreciates all those involved in saving migrants’ lives, particularly the Italian government, and adds her voice to the clarion call for more dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Africa in addressing the legal and illegal migration in the short, medium and long-term.
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avril 20, 2015
Addis Ababa, 20 April 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has learned with utmost shock about the killing of a number of innocent African nationals, reportedly from Ethiopia, by terrorist elements affiliated to the Islamic State (Daesh) in Libya, which appeared in a propaganda video clip released on Sunday, 19 April 2015.
The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this barbaric and cowardly act. She stresses that such despicable act only underlines the urgency for an enhanced international action in addressing the prevailing situation in Libya, marked by the collapse of law and order and the increasing presence of terrorist groups, some of which have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s commitment to continue working with all relevant African and international stakeholders towards the restoration of effective state institutions and security in Libya, as well as the elimination of the terrorist groups that are operating in that country.
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avril 19, 2015
Warsaw, Poland - 19 April 2015: Strengthening political and economic cooperation and diplomatic relationship between Africa and Poland is the focus of the African Union Commission Chairperson's visit to Poland. Since arriving on Thursday 16 April 2015, the AU Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has held meetings with Poland's political leadership, including the President of the Republic Bronislaw Komorowski, Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz, Foreign Affairs Minister Grzegorz Schetyna and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Elzbieta Radziszewska.
"Meeting you, Madam Chairperson, was so important that I had to cut short my political campaign to do so." President Bronislaw Komorowski said, stating the importance of the visit of the AU Commission Chairperson, Dr. Dlamini Zuma. President Komorowski said through his personal conviction and as government policy, Polish activities in Africa will continue to increase.
With the adoption of Africa's transformation Agenda 2063, the AU Commission Chairperson took the opportunity to present investment opportunities available in the continent's agenda across every meeting. She highlighted priority as being skills development, building infrastructure for transport, energy, ICT, industries as well as investing in agriculture and agro-processing.
With Poland's "Go-Africa" foreign policy and its experience in most of these areas, particularly in the last 25 years of transformation, there is great scope for economic cooperation and investments.
"It is a win-win opportunity to invest in Africa where the return on investment is currently very attractive and high. We will transform our raw materials in Africa, add value to products, create jobs for our people, while the investors get good returns." Dr Dlamini Zuma pointed out.
Poland and other Central Eastern European countries will find in Africa's Agenda 2063 plenty of long term investment opportunities. This is the message the AU Commission Chairperson will convey when she addresses the over seven thousand of delegates attending the European Economic Congress on Monday 20 April 2015 in Katowice, in Poland.
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avril 16, 2015
Washington DC, USA - 15 April 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has described the attacks of foreign nationals in the province of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa as “unacceptable,” calling an immediate halt while expressing once again her deep concerns regarding the attacks on foreign nationals.
“Whatever the challenges we may be facing, no circumstances justify attacks on people, whether foreigners or locals. It is unacceptable.” She lamented.
While calling for an immediate halt to the attacks, the AU Commission welcomes the interventions from the South African government, including the deployment of the Inter-Ministerial committee to KwaZulu Natal to engage with those affected and with local communities, as well as the deployment of more police to provide protection and keep law and order.
The AU Commission Chairperson decried the incidents as particularly unfortunate, as celebrations of Africa month approaches. “On 25 May we remember the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which played such a critical role in mobilizing international solidarity for the end of Apartheid.” She added.
The challenges faced by South Africa, poverty and unemployment, are challenges faced by all countries on the continent and we must work together to address these, and build a better future for all Africans.
The AU Commission Chairperson appealed for dialogue in and amongst communities, to address the challenges and find peaceful solutions.
Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, Cell: +1 202 751 8515, Email: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org;