Events
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Highlights of the AUC Chairperson’s meetings in New York
New York, United States - 22 September, 2013
AUC Chairperson and the President of Chile meet in New York
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma met with the President of the Republic of Chile, H.E. Sebastian Pinera, in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting.The discussions of the two leaders focused on areas of common interest, particularly around economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Chile is campaigning to join the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member.
UEA Foreign Minister and AUC Chairperson meet in New York
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, H.H. Adbullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma met in New York today, 22 September 2013 ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting.The discussed the situations in Egypt and Libya. The UAE Foreign Minister lauded the African Union and its full engagement in looking for durable solutions in the two countries.
AUC and UNDP to sign Strategic Partnership
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma met with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, Helen Clark, in New York ahead of the 68th UN General Assembly meeting.They talked about a number of issues, particularly the establishment of a strategic partnership between the UNDP and the AUC. Once an agreement is signed, the two Heads will meet to review every two years.
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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).
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Peace Message from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Addis Ababa 21 September 2013: We celebrate this year’s Peace Day as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union, which seek to promote an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.
Peace may not be achievable in a day. However, Peace Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the challenges, and progress made in peace-making, peacekeeping, peace-building and reconciliation within, and between individuals, families, communities and countries.
We must continue to create conditions for lasting peace, by building inclusive societies that respect diversity and human rights, uphold human dignity and ensure the development and well-being of all.
We must also fight violence against women, children and other vulnerable groups.
I am proud to join Peace One Day and our own ‘Make Peace Happen’ campaign, to encourage citizens from all walks of life to contribute to sustainable peace.
So, on this day, who will you make peace with? Who will you reconcile with?
Let us all commit ourselves to make peace happen. Have a peaceful Peace Day!
H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Chairperson,
African Union CommissionFor more information please contact:
50th Anniversary Situation room,
Room 1501, 15th Floor New Conference Complex
Email: Africa50@africa-union.org
Tel.: + 251-115-513 822, Ext.: 2501or
Situation Room
Peace and Security Department
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
P.O. Box: 3243
Tel.: (251-11) 5513 822
Fax: (251-11) 5519 321
Email: situationroom@africa-union.org -
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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.
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The African Union makes an urgent call for the mobilization of the necessary support for the successful conduct of the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau
Addis Ababa, 18 September 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, continues to follow closely the evolution of the transition process in Guinea-Bissau.
The Chairperson of the Commission notes with satisfaction the significant progress made in recent months, thanks to the political consensus reached by the Bissau-Guinean stakeholders. In this regard, she notes the establishment of a more inclusive transitional government, the election of the President of the National Electoral Commission, the establishment of the National Commission for Planning and Strategic Coordination and the revision of the Electoral Code. The Chairperson of the Commission also notes the decision by the Bissau-Guinean authorities to use an improved manual voter registration system, for the establishment of the electoral register for the upcoming elections. She encourages the Bissau-Guinean stakeholders to persevere in their efforts to ensure the success of the transition and address the other challenges facing their country.In view of the above, and considering that the transition period expires at the end of December 2013, the Chairperson of the Commission appeals to all AU Member States and international partners to urgently provide the financial and other necessary support to enable the successful organization and conduct, within the envisaged timeframe, of free, fair, transparent and credible elections that would mark the completion of the process towards the restoration of constitutional order. She welcomes the pledge made by the European Union to provide a financial contribution.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the appreciation of the AU to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and to its Chairman, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, for the efforts being deployed in assisting Guinea-Bissau to successfully complete the current transition and promote lasting peace, stability, development and democracy in the country. She welcomes the important work being done by the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB).
The Chairperson of the Commission also reiterates the commitment of the AU to continue to support the transition process, including the electoral process. Similarly, the AU will continue to raise awareness and engage the international partners to ensure that they effectively accompany Guinea-Bissau and help it to successfully overcome the many challenges facing the country and address the root causes of the recurring instability in the country. In this regard, she stresses the importance of continuous and close coordination among international actors, particularly in the context of the two joint assessment missions to Guinea-Bissau undertaken under the AU’s auspices, in December 2012 and in July 2013.
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AFRICAN UNION ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE 20 SEPTEMBER PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
ARRIVAL STATEMENT
In line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has deployed the African Union Elections Observation Mission to the Kingdom of Swaziland Parliamentary elections to be held on the 20th September 2013.
The African Union Election Observation Mission has a mandate to observe the 20 September 2013 Parliamentary Elections in conformity with the relevant provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which entered into force on 15 February 2012, which is intended to enhance electoral processes in Africa, strengthen electoral institutions and the conduct of fair, free, and transparent elections; the AU/OAU Durban Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (AHG/Decl.1 (XXXVIII), adopted by the Assembly of the African Union in July 2002; the African Union Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions; relevant international instruments governing elections observation and the Constitution and the laws of the Kingdom of Swaziland.
The Mission is led by Justice Maxon Mbendera; the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission. The Mission comprises of 19 high profile personalities and experts drawn from the Pan-African Parliament, African Ambassadors to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Election Management Bodies, Electoral Experts and Civil Society Organizations from various African countries.
As part of its activities, the Mission will meet with various electoral stakeholders in Swaziland, including political leaders and civil society groups.
Observations and recommendations of the Mission will be based on the credibility, transparency, fairness and the effective organization of the elections from which the Mission will express its views. After the elections, the African Union Mission will release its preliminary statement during a press conference at Bethel Court Vineyard Hotel, Ezulwini, Swaziland. The Mission will produce a more detailed report, including
recommendations for future elections, which will be shared with the appropriate Swazi authorities and institutions.The AU Mission expresses its optimism for a successful elections and further deepening of democracy in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
The Secretariat of the Mission is at Bethel Court Vineyard Hotel, Ezulwini.
For further information, please contact, Mr Chika Charles Aniekwe at Aniekwec@Africa-
Union.org or chikacharles@gmail.com, Tel: +26878174125 and Mr John
Mugabo at Mugaboj@Africa-Union.org, Tel: +26878237595EZULWINI, 17TH SEPTEMBER 2013
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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 8517Josepha 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 -
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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). -
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Sweden invited to increase investment in Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16 September, 2013: “It’s really Africa’s time to focus on development, investing in our people, and growing the economy. We feel that now is the time for our friends who have supported us all along to remain part of this growth. You can invest and get some benefits, while we develop. Investment, not grants. Investing in Africa is probably better than most places.”
H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission said this while inviting Sweden to increase its investment in Africa as the continent grows. She said, for example, “you can invest in Equity Funds through the Africa-50 fund of the African Development Fund, within the framework our Agenda 2063,”
Dr. Dlamini Zuma made the call to H.E. Jan Sadek of Sweden, as he presented his letter of credence as his country’s Permanent Representative to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and to the African Union.
Ambassador Jan Sadek moves to Addis from Khartoum, Sudan, where he interacted closely with, and highly appreciated the work of the AU High Level Panel led by former President Thabo Mbeki.
“I look forward to continue working, not only on Sudan and South Sudan, but of course with the rest of the continent,” Ambassador Sadek noted, citing Sweden’s tripled support to the AU Peace and Security Council as well as Swedish interest in being part of Africa rising.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Ambassador Sadek further explored areas of development cooperation between Sweden and Africa, notably as Africa’s 2063 Agenda is being shaped. They discussed promoting gender equality and women’s leadership through a women’s capacity building project, youth skills development, the AU Foundation in formation stage as well as issues of peace and security.
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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.
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Burundi Ambassador presents letter of Credence
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16 September, 2013: His Excellency Alain-Aime Nyamitwe of the Republic of Burundi has presented his letters of credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, as Burundi’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The AUC Chairperson congratulated him on his appointment, and welcomed him to Addis Ababa and to the AU. She noted Burundi’s active participation in the Permanent Representatives’ Committee of the Union, and appreciated its full involvement in peacekeeping missions on the continent. “The door is open to you at any time to discuss any issues to facilitate your work, which is also ours.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma told Ambassador Alain-Aime Nyamitwe, as she wished him a successful tour of duty.
H.E. Alain Aime Nyamitwe in turn expressed his full availability to support the work of the AU. He comes to Addis Ababa, after serving for two and half years as Burundi’s Permanent Representative to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Previously, he was his country’s Deputy Head of Mission in Geneva.
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AFRICAN UNION ELECTIONS OBSERVATION MISSION ON THE OCCASION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2013
ARRIVAL STATEMENT
At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has deployed an African Union Elections Observation Mission (AUEOM) to observe the Republic of Rwanda’s Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 16 September 2013.
The African Union has a mandate to observe the 16 September 2013 Parliamentary Elections in Rwanda in line with the relevant provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which entered into force on 15 February 2012, and which is intended to enhance electoral processes in Africa, strengthen electoral institutions and the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; the AU/OAU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (AHG/Decl.1 (XXXVIII), adopted by the Assembly of the African Union in July 2002; and the African Union Guidelines for Election Observation and Monitoring Missions (2002).
The AU Mission is led by Justice Rita Makarau, Chairperson of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The mission comprises of thirty (30) experienced observers drawn from the Pan-African Parliament, African Ambassadors/Permanent Representatives to the African Union in Addis Ababa, African Election Management Bodies, and Civil Society Organizations in Africa. The observers arrived in Rwanda on 9 September 2013 and will remain until 21 September 2013.The Mission is assisted by a group of experts from the African Union Commission, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA).
As part of its activities, the AU Mission will interact with relevant stakeholders in Rwanda, including government authorities, the Electoral Commission, political parties, and civil society organizations. The Mission will observe the remaining stages of the electoral process, including campaigning, voting, counting and result tabulation. The Mission will release a Preliminary Statement after Polling Day at a Press Conference at Umubano Hotel in Kigali. After that, the Mission will produce a more detailed report, including recommendations for improvement of future elections, which will be shared with the appropriate authorities in Rwanda and will be posted also in the website of the African Union Commission. Observations and recommendations of the Mission will be based on the credibility, transparency, fairness and the effective organization of the elections from which the Mission will express its views.
The African Union Elections Observation Mission wishes to thank the Government and people of Rwanda for the measures taken to facilitate its work.
The Secretariat of the Mission is based at Umubano Hotel in Kigali. For further information, please contact the Mission Coordinator: Mr. Idrissa Kamara, +250789527779, e-mail: kamarai@africa-union.org