The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) from December 2-4^th, 2021 convened a consultation meeting on the development of the African Union harmonised Accreditation Mechanism for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) participation in AU processes and to develop a framework for ECOSOCC National Chapters.

The accreditation mechanism had been requested by AU Member States (MS) as a means of assessing the eligibility of CSOs that wish to engage with the AU and its Organs. As the AU Organ responsible for CSO engagement, ECOSOCC is specifically mandated to lead the process in consultation with the African Union Commission and other AU Organs.

Consequently, the effective implementation of ECOSOCC’s mandate rides on developing and operationalizing its structures and capacities.

The meeting also discussed the framework and operationalisation of ECOSOCC National Chapters, to be established in AU MS to achieve a people-centred Union in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063 Aspirations.

“Our priority as CSOs is to see and make sure Africa develops, because without our participation, the policies and programs of the African Union will not reach the grassroots and citizens of the continent,” said ECOSOCC Acting Presiding Officer, Denise Kodhe. “Our role as CSOs isn’t only to criticize, we are partners in development therefore, we need to also promote our respective governments’ policies.”

ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat, William Carew said the National Chapters are expected to operate as a framework for accountability of ECOSOCC elected members emphasising that, “the National Chapters and the AU Accreditation Mechanism will enable ECOSOCC carry out its function to popularize AU programs and policies as per its mandate.”

Officially opening the meeting, Amb. George Orina, Director of African Affairs, Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs implored CSOs to take up their critical role as envisaged by the AU Assembly and to ensure a broad spectrum of African citizens are represented through the National Chapters. 

Also speaking at the opening session, Amb. Salah Hammad, AUC Head of AGA-APSA urged CSOs to unite under ECOSOCC’s leadership, in order for the Organ to deliver on its mandate.

The three-day meeting among other objectives, provided inputs into the work of the consulting team who, are expected to deliver a framework document to be submitted to AU MS for their review and endorsement.

The meeting also enhanced understanding about the AU harmonised Accreditation Framework and its implications for future engagements of African CSOs with the AU and provided inputs to the ECOSOCC National Chapter Framework so as to ensure compliance to the Accreditation Framework.

Further to this, on December 6-8, ECOSOCC held a Planning Meeting with AU Organs to develop a cooperation framework with a view to working together to popularize AU’s programs and policies as well as Agenda 2063.

ECOSOCC is mandated to actively engage civil society in the processes and work of the Union, particularly with regards to Africa’s integration and development.

About ECOSOCC

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) was established in July 2004 as an Advisory Organ composed of different social and professional groups of AU Member States. The mandate of ECOSOCC is to contribute, through advice, to the effective translation of the objectives, principles and policies of the African Union into concrete programmes, as well as the evaluation of these programmes.

Learn more at: https://www.auecosocc.org;

Facebook: African Union ECOSOCC; Twitter: @AU_ECOSOCC

For further information please contact:

Carol Jilombo, Senior Communications Officer  |ECOSOCC Secretariat  | African Union Commission
 | E-mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org | Lusaka, Zambia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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