Events
-
janvier 12, 2014Press Statement: Situation in South SudanThe Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, reiterates her earlier calls for a speedy and peaceful resolution of the violent conflict in South Sudan that has so far claimed more than 1,000 lives and also rendered more than 200,000 internally displaced people. She is encouraged by the on-going negotiations within the leadership of the Sudan’s People Liberation Movement (SPLM) taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the mediation of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The Chairperson, however, notes with grave concern the continued widespread violence and looting which jeopardize, not only the on-going negotiations, but also the provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected population.
The Chairperson implores the parties to immediately cease hostilities, in the interest of the whole nation. She urges them to ensure continued access for humanitarian relief materials, personnel and other forms of assistance to reach the affected populations in all parts of South Sudan. Both parties are also called upon to guarantee the entire humanitarian corridors in the country for a continued supply and access of humanitarian relief to all parts of the country.
Finally, the Chairperson calls on the parties to be fully cognizant of, and respect their responsibilities and obligations under International Humanitarian Law and urges a speedy attainment of a cease fire, as a first step to an ending and permanently resolving the conflict.
-
janvier 04, 2014The African Union Welcomes the Opening of Talks on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan
Addis Ababa, 4 January 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the beginning of talks between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and a delegation representing former Vice-President Riek Machar, today, in Addis Ababa. These talks, which had been called for by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), notably at its Banjul meeting of 30 December 2013, as well as by the Summit of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held in Nairobi, on 27 December 2013, come not a moment too soon.
Not a single day can be lost in the search for peace in South Sudan. Stopping the fighting in South Sudan is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a strategic necessity, in order to halt the rapid descent of Africa’s newest nation into collapse. The Chairperson of the Commission notes that the region and the continent as a whole cannot afford the devastating implications of a failed state.
An immediate end to hostilities and the beginning of political dialogue, in line with the relevant provisions of the PSC Communiqué of 30 December 2013, is not only Africa’s demand and that of the international community, but is also the plea of the people of South Sudan. Accordingly, the Chairperson of the Commission calls upon the leaders of South Sudan to abandon any attempt to seek military advantage prior to entering negotiations, and instead to declare a cessation of hostilities and engage in unconditional, inclusive and holistic political talks in good faith.
The Chairperson of the Commission expresses AU's full support for, and confidence in, the IGAD Special Envoys, Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin of Ethiopia and General Lazarus Sumbeiywo of Kenya, and its commitment to take all steps required to facilitate a successful conclusion of the negotiations. She calls upon the South Sudanese parties to cooperate fully with the IGAD Special Envoys.
-
décembre 31, 2013Seasonal Greetings from H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Seasonal Greetings from
H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, sends season’s greetings and her best wishes of happy holidays to everyone in the Union and the Commission.
As Christians all over the world have just celebrated the birth of Christ, Whom they call the Prince of Peace, Dr. Dlamini Zuma enjoins celebrants to enhance peace, love and reconciliation in their families, communities, the continent and the rest of the world.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma expresses her best wishes of good health, prosperity and successes for the New Year 2014.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2014!
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Chairperson,
African Union Commission -
décembre 21, 2013The African Union Stresses the Imperative and Urgency of an Inclusive Dialogue to Address the Current Crisis in South...
Addis Ababa, 21 December 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, continues to follow with deep concern the escalation of the political conflict in South Sudan into a violent confrontation that threatens to degenerate into an all-out civil war. She reiterates her call, and that of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), for the concerned South Sudanese stakeholders, both in Government and in opposition, to exercise the responsibilities of leadership and halt the slide towards civil war.
The Chairperson of the Commission is also deeply alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation that has already inflicted untold suffering on the civilian population, including killings, egregious violations of human rights and massive forced displacements. She calls for an immediate humanitarian truce for the Christmas season, as a sign of a commitment by all concerned to the well-being of the people of South Sudan.
Two and a half years ago, the AU welcomed the new nation of South Sudan into its ranks, with high expectations that this new country would become a beacon of peace, prosperity and hope. The Chairperson is profoundly dismayed at the recent turn of events that puts at risks countless human lives and jeopardizes the fundamental viability of the South Sudanese nation.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s wholehearted support to the efforts of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which also involve the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, as well as the UN Special Representative to the AU, to secure an immediate end to hostilities in South Sudan. In this respect, she urges the Government of South Sudan and the other belligerent parties to invite the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to monitor a cessation of hostilities and to undertake all necessary activities for the protection of civilians. She also calls upon the parties to the conflict to facilitate the free and unhindered movement of humanitarian personnel and supplies to affected people in South Sudan.
The Chairperson of the Commission is extremely saddened by the killing of innocent civilians and United Nations peacekeepers in Bor, in the Jonglei State of South Sudan. She condemns these killings as a war crime, and extends AU’s heartfelt condolences to their families and to the Government of India, as well as to the UN Secretariat. The Chairperson of the Commission expresses, once again, AU’s commitment to facilitate political dialogue involving the people and leaders of South Sudan, through the High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and in partnership with IGAD. She stresses that an inclusive dialogue on all relevant issues, based on the respect of human rights, the rule of law and constitutional legality and the rejection of the use of force, is the only way in which the South Sudanese can address their problems and resolve their differences.
-
décembre 06, 2013Africa is bereaved: Madiba Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Pan African hero, Former South African President is no more
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 6 December 2013
Africa is bereaved
MadibaNelson RolihlahlaMandela,Pan African hero, Former South African President is no more.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr.NkosazanaDlaminiZuma, on behalf of the Commission and its staff, and indeed, on behalf of the Union and the rest of the continent, expressed her grief on the passing of a Pan African iconand Nobel Peace Laureate, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Madiba, as he was fondly known, symbolises the spirit of Pan Africanism and solidarity in the struggles of humanity against apartheid, oppression and colonialism and for self-determination, peace and reconciliation.
Before his imprisonment in 1963 for twenty seven years, he visited countless African countriesthat without fail pledged and rendered unflinching support for the struggle of the South African people.
Mandela has fought a good fight, and bowed out with great reverence. Hispassing onis a great loss to his family, to our continent and indeed to humanity itself.
At thissad time of sorrow, our hearts and thoughts are with his widow, GraçaMachel, his ex-wife WinnieMadikizela-Mandela, his children, grand and great-grandchildren and the people of South Africa and Africa. Tata Madiba Mandela will forever be missed.
The African Union dips its banners and rededicates Africa to continue to honour his legacy. The Chairperson has instructed that flags at the AU will fly at half-mast and a Condolences book will be opened at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The African Union Commission will have a wall of remembrance on its website, and Africans are encouraged to deposit messages of condolences on the site
H.E. Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma
Chairperson, African Union Commission -
décembre 03, 2013AUC Chairperson met delegation from Global Power Network Women Africa
DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
Press Release Nº239/2013
AUC Chairperson met delegation from Global Power Network Women Africa
Brussels, Belgium, 3 December, 2013: The AU Commission Chairperson HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma received a delegation from the Africa region of the Global Power Women Network on Monday, 2 December 2013. Global Power Women Network Africa brings together women Ministers, Parliamentarians and Judges to address issues of HIV and AIDS and more generally women’s empowerment.
The Global Power delegation who met Dr. Dlamini Zuma was led by H.E. Professor Viola Adaka Onwuliri, Acting Foreign Minister of Nigeria and H.E. Mme Kaba Hadja Kougoi Barry, Minister for Diaspora Affairs of Guinea. Global Power Africa pledged their support to the Chairperson of the AUC, as the first woman to occupy this position, and look forward to working together to ensure women’s empowerment.
The meeting discussed areas of cooperation between Global Power Africa and the African Union Commission, including on such issues as HIV/AIDS, campaigns against gender-based violence, the celebration of twenty years since the landmark UN Women’s Conference in Beijing in 2015 and the mid-mark for the African Decade of Women.
Experiences on how to move forward women’s representation in Parliaments, Governments and the Judiciary were also shared, as well as the need for a greater focus on the economic empowerment of women. Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted the Africa Maritime Indaba, where women present were keen to ensure that as we revive the African Maritime sector, women play a critical role as owners and professionals.
Ministers Onwuliri and Barry also handed over the Global Power Abuja Commitment of 2013 to AUC Chairperson.
FPG/
-
novembre 28, 20131st Women in Parliament Global Forum hosted by European Parliament in Brussels
Press Release Nº 233/2013
1st Women in Parliament Global Forum hosted by European Parliament in Brussels
Brussels, Belgium, 28 November, 2013: The Opening session of the first ever Women in Parliament Global Forum kicked off in Brussels on 27 November 2013, with women Members of Parliament from all regions of the world attending.
Held under the theme, “The Spirit of Women in Parliament: Advancing society,” the session was addressed by the President of Liberia, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, H.E. Portia Simpson-Miller and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
The Keynote speakers congratulated New Zealand on the 120 anniversary of the women’s suffrage, with this country being the first to grant women the right to vote in a national election. President Sirleaf and Dr. Dlamini Zuma both hailed this as a celebration for women everywhere.
The first day of the Global Forum heard testimonies from women MPs and leaders about progress in increasing the number of women in their parliaments from across the world: Bolivia and Uganda, from the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, Ireland and Croatia, from Poland, Rwanda and Afghanistan.
In a very moving statement, the representative from the Philippines spoke about the impact of natural disasters linked to climate change, and specifically the recent tragedy in her country. Philippine women doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, she reported, were at the forefront of rushing to the assistance of millions of people affected by the tragedy.
The inputs and discussions during the first day drew attention to strategies to increase women representation in parliament and governments and the impact that women are expected to make. Dr. Dlamini Zuma, during her statement, quoted Emmeline Parkhurst, an early women suffragist, who stated in 1913 that “…we are women fighting for a great idea; that we wish the betterment of the human race, and that we believe this betterment is coming through the emancipation and uplifting of women.” This betterment of society through the emancipation and uplifting of women was a central theme of all sessions.
Speakers from across the world hailed the progress made by Africa in addressing gender equality in the political sphere, with Rwanda leading the world with nearly 64% representation of women in Parliament, and fourteen (14) out of the forty six country that have more than 25% representation of women in Parliament being African.
The first day concluded with an Award ceremony to different countries, for progress in ‘Bridging the Gender Gap’. The regional award for South and South East Asia went to the Phillipines; the winner of the African award was Lesotho and Iceland won the award in Europe and Central Asia. Rwanda was the overall award winner in the category of Political Empowerment, with Jamaica and Ireland receiving the Award for Women in Government.
-
novembre 26, 2013AUC Chairperson meets with the African Standby Force (ASF) Assessment Team
Addis Ababa, 26 November 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on Monday, 25 November 2013, met with the team of experts, led by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who are undertaking an assessment of the progress made towards the operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF, including its Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC), at the AU Headquarters. Dr. Zuma commended the team of experts for their commitment and underscored the importance of their mandate in the pursuit of peace and security in Africa.
The mandate of the Assessment Team is in line with the decision by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, at its 20th Summit held in January 2013, where it was decided that there is a need to assess the progress made towards the operationalization of the ASF.
The assessment of the ASF was launched during the inaugural meeting of the Assessment Team on 26 July 2013 at the AU Headquarters. Since then, the team has visited four Regional Standby Arrangements in East, West, South and North Africa, and they plan to meet with representatives of the ASF Planning Element from the Central African region in the next few days. They have also conducted an assessment of the AU as the strategic headquarters of the ASF. The team is expected to produce its report in December, 2013.
-
novembre 26, 2013Message by H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission on occasion of White Ribbon Day
Today marks the beginning of the 16days of activism to end violence against women also known as the White Ribbon Day in which progressive societies globally commemorate the 16days of activism. Women and men all over the world observe the 16days of activism during which they undertake advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on the increasing incidences of violence against women and girls which include and not limited to domestic violence, rape, incense, harmful traditions practices like early marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM) and all forms of violence against women. These are directed to intimate partners, vulnerable members of society including elderly women, young girls and children.
On behalf of the African Union Commission, I call on all men and boys everywhere and particularly in Africa to identify with this campaign and become champions of Gender Based Violence against women and girls, not just in the next 16days but every day of their lives. As champions for women’s Human Rights, they receive full support of the AU Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa which among others isolates this pandemic and calls on all Member States to implement provisions in this Protocol geared towards Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment in general with specific provision on ending Gender based violence.
On behalf of the Commission, I wish all Member States that launched this campaign fruitful outcomes and join members of Civil Society Development partners, Human Rights and Women’s Rights Activists in condemning violence against women everywhere.
H.E DR. NKOSAZANA DLAMINI ZUMA
CHAIRPERSON AUC -
novembre 25, 2013AUC Chairperson in Discussion with Cuban Foreign Affairs MinisterAddis Ababa, 25 November 2013- Mr Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrila, Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister today held a discussion with AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma during which the two leaders discussed various issues of interest.
Dr Dlamini Zuma praised relations between Cuba and Africa, which go back a long way and thanked Cuba for sending a representative to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity/ African Union held in May this year. She also briefed the Cuban Foreign Minister on preparations being made to finalise Agenda 2063. She said wide consultations were taking place with different stakeholders and these were being fed back to the Commission for inclusion in the framework. “We want this to be something that the public owns, and not just governments”, she added.
Mr Parrila expressed his gratitude to Africa for the support it has lent to his country against the sanctions it is facing. He also extended an invitation to the Chairperson to attend the summit of the Latin America countries to be held in January next year.
The two leaders also discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation on training of African youths in various fields so that they may more meaningfully contribute to the continent’s development.
Media contacts
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Communication and Information; DIC / African Union Commission
MusabayanaW@africa-union.orgWeb site: www.au.int
-
novembre 25, 2013Africa China Relations Gain Momentum with High Level Visit by Chinese Vice Premier to the African UnionAddis Ababa, 25 November 2013- African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has commended the relationship between China and Africa and expressed the desire for it to be enriched further in future.
“You have been with us over the past fifty years, you were with us during our 50th anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU in May this year and no doubt, you will be with us for the next fifty years”, Dr Dlamini Zuma told Ms Liu Yandong, the Vice Premier of the Chinese government when the two met at the AU Commission today.
Dr Dlamini Zuma was very appreciative of the fact that Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China made his first foreign visit to Africa and that he made time to meet with a group of African Heads of State during the visit. She also reiterated the AU’s gratitude for the construction of the Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The relations between African Union and China cover a broad range of socio economic and cultural fields. While appreciating the activities currently being implemented under the existing partnership agreement, the Chairperson said there was need to upscale the cooperation. She highlighted in particular, the fact that Africa needs skilled human resources at this stage of its development, in fields as diverse as agriculture, infrastructure development, health, education and many others. “We need a skills revolution on the continent”, she added by way of emphasis.
The AU is currently engaged in the drafting of Agenda 2063, a framework that will spell out Africa’s growth trajectory over the next fifty years, While explaining the agenda to Ms Yandong, the Chairperson expressed her hope that the remaining conflicts would not be a permanent feature, and that the continent needs to get on with the business of overcoming its developing challenges. In this respect she thanked China for the support it has lent to the African Mission in Somalia, while pointing out that the AU remains seized with resolving issues in Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Mali. She also highlighted that women in the Sahel region, who have expressed a desire to play their full role in the development and reconstruction of their countries, should be assisted to do so.
Ms Yandong welcomed the comments made by the Chairperson and underscored that her government would continue to work closely with the AU on peace and security and to build cooperation on economic development. “There is a lot we can do to improve people’s livelihoods”, she said, adding that a lot of work is already being done in terms of training as China is hosting a number of African students.
She pointed to four critical areas that the China AU relationship can focus on:
Bilateral relations - wherein there would be increased contacts between Chinese and AU officials, especially in light of the strategic dialogues that regularly take place between the two sides.
Deepening cooperation on development - this would cover such areas as agriculture, manufacturing, women’s development, science, technology transfer and other fields.Enhancing cooperation on peace and security - One of the serious issues to be discussed under this theme would be the Africa China partnership on peace in Africa. Ms Yandong also took the opportunity to announce that China would be extending further assistance to the tune of $50 million RMB to AMISOM which she said is now “at a critical stage”.
International Affairs - Ms Yandong said more cooperation between Africa and China would result in an international system that is more equitable and fair, and which would better serve the interests of developing countries. She added that China supports the call to increase representation of developing countries in the United Nations Security Council.
Ms Yandong was accompanied by the Chinese ministers of health and education as well as the Deputy Foreign Affairs minister.
Media contacts
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana
Deputy Head of Communication and Information; DIC/ African Union Commission
MusabayanaW@africa-union.orgWeb site: www.au.int
-
novembre 22, 2013Appointment of the leadership team of the African-led international support mission in the Central African Republic
Addis Ababa, 22 November 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, today, appointed the leadership team of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (AFISM-CAR), following consultations with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). In this regard, Major General (Rtd) Jean Marie Michel Mokoko, of the Republic of Congo, has been appointed Special Representative in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Head of AFISM-CAR. General Mokoko has a long and rich experience in the field of peace and security. He held the position of Chief of Staff of the Congolese Armed Forces, between 1987 and 1993, and that of Peace and Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of Congo. He also served as the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU in Côte d'Ivoire for the period 2006-2007. General Mokoko is a graduate of the Special Military School (ESM) of Saint-Cyr-Quoëtquidan and Staff College in France. Until this appointment, General Mokoko was the AU Deputy High Representative for Mali and the Sahel. The AFISM-CAR Deputy Special Representative will be appointed shortly.
Brigadier General Martin Tumenta Chomu, of the Republic of Cameroon, has been appointed Force Commander of AFISM-CAR. General Tumenta Chomu served as commander of Military Zone and held other important functions in the Cameroonian Army. He is a graduate of Staff College in the United States (Ft. Levenworth) and War College in France. The Deputy Force Commander will be Brigadier-General Athanases Kararuza of Burundi.Colonel of Gendarmerie Patrice Ostangue Bengone, of the Republic of Gabon, has been appointed Head of the AFISM-CAR Police component. Colonel Bengone graduated from the National School of Gendarmerie in Owendo, Gabon. He attended training and career development courses in various other schools, particularly in France and Morocco. The position of Deputy Head of the Police component will be occupied by Police Chief Superintendent Don Deogracias Ndong Nguema of Equatorial Guinea.
These appointments are part of the joint AU and ECCAS efforts towards the effective operationalization of AFISM-CAR. The AU and ECCAS are working closely together to ensure successful transition from the ECCAS Peace Consolidation Mission in the CAR (MICOPAX) to AFISM-CAR. The transfer of authority is scheduled for 19 December 2013.
The Chairperson of the Commission takes this opportunity to reiterate the AU’s appeal to the United Nations to extend all necessary support to AFISM-CAR to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate and to create conditions conducive for enhanced international support to the long-term stabilization and reconstruction of the CAR. She thanks the international partners who have already expressed their commitment to support AFISM-CAR.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates her appreciation to the leaders of the region, especially President Idriss Deby Itno, Chairman of ECCAS, and President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who chairs the ECCAS Follow-up Committee on the CAR, for their commitment to the promotion of peace, security and stability in the CAR.