Events

THE AFRICAN UNION STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE DASTARDLY TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST INNOCENT CIVILIANS IN NAIROBI

Addis Ababa, 21 September 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, condemns in the strongest possible terms the dastardly terrorist attacks today against innocent civilians in a Nairobi shopping mall, which caused the loss of many lives.

The Chairperson of the Commission states that this cowardly attack, for which the al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab group has claimed responsibility, once again underlines the imperative for renewed and reinvigorated efforts to combat terrorism throughout the continent. She reiterates the AU’s commitment to continue working with its Member States and partners to this end.

The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the solidarity of the AU with the government and peoples of Kenya. She presents the AU’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s commitment to sustain its efforts to counter terrorism throughout the continent, as well as to pursue its efforts to stabilize the situation in Somalia and the fight against Al Shabaab, through its Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Galvanizing Support for increased US Trade and Investment in Africa

Washington DC, USA – 19 September, 2013: In her series of high level meetings in Washington DC, United States this week, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has been making the case for increased United States trade and investment in Africa. She is engaging critical stakeholders in the US Congress and Senate to forge a more diversified relationship ranging from peace, and security, promotion of opportunities for trade and investment, and sustainable development.

A critical element in these engagements is getting concrete support to further strengthen the AU-US partnership through the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year. It also involves acting on the agreements reached during the meeting between the AUC Chairperson and President Barack Obama in June 2013.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the flagship of US Trade policy with Sub-Saharan Africa. Given its positive impact thus far for both African countries and the US, it features prominently in the conversations with members of the key US policy making bodies across the political divide. Democratic Senator Christopher Coons, Chairman of the Senate Sub-Committee on African Affairs, threw his support for any initiative that would enhance Africa-US relationship. He underlined that “support for Africa is one of few areas of consensus between Democrats and Republicans.”

Senator Johnny Isakson, the most Senior Republican, Ranking Member of the Sub-Committee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness shared his recent experience visiting Liberia. He found women cooperatives running successful initiatives and wished that the media did not only cover tragedies, but also report such amazing activities. “I would be very happy to support any work that can move this forward,” he remarked.

Senator Isakson and Dr. Dlamini Zuma were in unison on overcoming current challenges faced in AGOA in order for it to have wider and lasting impact in the region. There is a strong demand to extend the time period over 15 years, as strongly recommended by the Ministerial meeting held last August in Addis Ababa. This would be an important measure of ensuring predictable, reliable and a legally secure basis to inspire investor confidence. Current US investment in Africa slated below one percent (1%) the total US investment worldwide.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma briefed her hosts on ongoing consultations with citizens to conceive Agenda 2063, Africa’s ambitious vision for the next 50 years. “We are very excited seeing how the citizens are engaging in the process. We should get a framework by January 2014, which the Governments will present back for the citizens to further refine. A final version will be adopted in July 2014, during the Heads of State and Government.”

She also shared light on plans to fund this agenda and Africa’s priority areas, particularly through overcoming the odds in generating funds from within the continent. Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted the African Development Bank’s (AfDB), Africa 50 fund.

The AUC Chairperson expressed the wish to have USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation increase their support to diverse regional and sub-regional initiatives, which would greatly enhance the AU’s economic integration agenda. Local supply chain systems, she indicated, will be encouraged as trade is facilitated. International trading partners, including the US, will also increase cooperation with African countries, which will grow the trade and global competiveness.

Specific country cases were highlighted with either challenges in compliance compared to expected standards of the Act, or perceived challenges in the democratic process. Congressman, Ed Royce, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives expressed his unhealthy skepticism in the last electoral process in Zimbabwe. He said though he was unable to observe the elections on the ground, he thought, “If both the AU and SADC cannot speak out, no one else can.”

Putting the elections in perspective, the AUC Chairperson pointed out the difference between the just concluded elections and earlier ones. With a team of Long-term and Short-term Observers on the ground, the AU reported the outcome of its observation. “There were issues, but not sufficient to discredit the elections.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma repeated the outcome of the AU’s Observation Mission.

Nevertheless, there was an understanding of the need to balance between pursuing investment projects and punishing countries. A framework on which to negotiate around continued good governance in investment projects is highly recommended. “Sometimes the most effective ways of doing that is through the people. The people need to understand what is right and what is wrong. They can be the arbiters as long as they understand.” The AUC Chairperson said in one of the meetings.

AUC Chairperson in the US for meetings and engagements ahead of 68th UN General Assembly meeting

Washington DC, USA – 17 September, 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma is in the United States from September 17 to 26, 2013, for a series of engagements ahead of the 68th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting. Ambassador Amina Ali, Permanent Representative of the African Union Mission to the United States in Washington DC, welcomed the Chairperson and her delegation, highlighting the timeliness of the Chairperson’s visit.

“The Chairperson comes to Washington DC at the right moment to consolidate the new momentum imparted to the AU-US strategic partnership following her meeting on June 29, 2013 in Johannesburg, South African with President Barack Obama,” Ambassador Amina pointed.

During the June meeting, President Obama pledged increased collaboration with the African Union, noting his readiness “to work with the African Union for the best engagement of the United States with Africa.” The AUC Chairperson will build on this pledge as she closely engages key US partners, particularly the US Congress.

In one of her strategic appointments as Guest of Honour, Dr Dlamini Zuma will speak to the theme: “Conservation in Africa: Security, Democracy and Development,” to an audience of over 500 guests including members of the US Congress, US Cabinet, Heads of State, Foreign Ambassadors World Business leaders, American celebrities and leaders from the international NGO community at the annual US Congressional International Conservation Gala in Washington.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma will also deliver keynote addresses at the “2013 Africa Braintrust” at the Washington Convention Centre, “African Union: 50 years of Unity and a Future of Progress,” and another in New York on the theme, “Africa opportunities and realities of the rising continent,” hosted by Rt. Hon. Lord Paul Boateng of the Planet Earth Institute and Member of the BritishHouse of Lords. Through these addresses, she will bring home to the Diaspora her Agenda 2063.

The AUC Chairperson will also hold discussions with the US Chamber of Commerce, members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, in charge of African Affairs.

Akin to last week’s staff celebrations of the OAU-AU 50th anniversary at the Commission in Addis Ababa, the Chairperson will engage with staff of the Washington office in a bid to better understand operations of the mission in the US.

Still in Washington DC Dr. Dlamini Zuma will attend a ceremony to unveil the Statue of Nelson Mandela, whose work and legacy is enormous to all Africans and those that love peace and freedom in the World. She will also accept a Leadership award at the “2013 Africa Leaders Awards Dinner.”

During her participation at the UN General Assembly meeting the following week in New York, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will participate in High Level Meetings, including: of the AU Peace and Security Council chaired by H.E. Allassane Dramane Ouattara of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire; on the Post 2015 Development Agenda, Chaired by the President of Liberia, and Roll Back Malaria partnership, and Co-Chair with the UN Secretary General a meeting of the Great Lakes 11+4 Mechanism. She will hold side meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, the newly appointed UN Women Executive Director, as well as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Media Contact:
Jacob Enoh Eben,
Ag. Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission
Email: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org
Cell: +1 202 751 8517

Josepha M. Musabyemarya
Office of the Ambassador,
African Union Mission to the United States
2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 4th Flr. East,
Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: (202) - 507-5735
Fax: (202)-507-5742
Email: josepha_musa@yahoo.co.uk

African Union to Deploy its Long Term Elections Observation Mission in the Republic of Madagascar

Addis Ababa, 16 September 2013: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has approved the deployment of African Union Long Term Elections Observation Mission to the first round Presidential Election scheduled to place in the Republic of Madagascar on 25 October 2013.
The deployment of the African Union Long Term Observers will take place from 24 September to 09 November 2013. The African Union Long Term Elections Observers are expected to be joined Short Term Elections Observers one week before the Election Day.
The African Union Elections Observation Mission draws its mandate from various African Union instruments, most importantly:

• The African Union Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions (2002);
• The OUA/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002);
• African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (1981);
• African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007); and
• African Union Long-Term Observation Framework (2012).
The Mission will remain in constant contact with the African Union Commission and submit weekly reports to the Chairperson through the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit, Department of Political Affairs before and after the 25 October 2013 Election.
For more information please contact: Mr. Guy Cyrille Tapoko (Tapokog@Africa-union.org) and Mr. Samuel Mondays Atuobi (atuobis@africa-union.org).

Communiqué: African Union Commission - Peace and Security

Following the recent appointment of H.E. Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, former Commissioner for Peace and Security, African Union Commission as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will henceforth directly oversee the department for Peace and Security, until further notice.

The election and subsequent appointment of a new Commissioner will be made by the relevant statutory authorities as soon as possible.