Events

AU Commission Chairperson to champion the cause of African women empowerment at the G7 Forum for Dialogue with Women

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 14 September 2015: The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will attend the G7 Forum for Dialogue with Women to be held in Berlin, Germany on 16th and 17th September 2015. The Forum, convened by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is an outcome of the G7 Summit recently hosted at the Schloss Elmau in Germany. The Forum intends to ensure, amongst other priorities, that women are empowered and “women in developing countries are also … assured access to education and self-employment.”

Dr Dlamini Zuma will contribute in the thematic group, which will focus on Women’s Political Participation and be moderated by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour. UNDP Head, Ms. Helen Clark, will also be present. “Women are the driving force of Africa, therefore the sustainable development agenda cannot be pursued without the active participation of more than 50% of the continents people”, Dr. Dlamini Zuma stated. “That is why we have declared 2015 the Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”, she added prior to her departure to Berlin. Agenda 2063, which was adopted by the AU Heads of State and Government, is Africa’s premier global platform of action to realise shared prosperity and lasting peace on the continent.

Consequently, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will highlight priority projects in the first ten year implementation plan of Agenda 2063, which include practical ways to empower women and girls, reduction of poverty and inequality amongst women, strengthening vocational training and economic autonomy of women and girls, as well as overcoming gender-based barriers to women empowerment.

The Chairperson will also take the time, on 15 September, to participate in the ONE Campaign Event titled “Poverty is Sexist” at the Hotel Aldon Kempinsky at 20H30, where she will offer remarks. ONE is an international campaign cofounded by human rights activist and multi award winner Bono. The advocacy camp includes 7 million global citizens who are taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases, particularly in Africa.

Following her mission to Berlin, the AU chairperson will undertake official visits to Norway (18 to 20 September) and Sweden (21 to 23 September) to strengthen relations with those Scandinavian nations in order to address women empowerment in particular; especially as they relate to the blue economy, agro business and industrialization.

For Media Queries please contact:
1. Vukani Lumumba Mthintso, Advisor to the Chairperson of the AUC on +251 932 089 829 or +27 82 325 2204 mail: Mthintsov@africa-union.org AND vukanilumumba@gmail.com
2. Bushy Sekhu, Communications Officer Beurea of the AUC Chairperson, +251 926 773 226 or +27 84 245 1574 mail: SekhuB@africa-union.org AND sekhub@gmail.com

Brazzaville, Congo 5 September 2015- On September 4th in Brazzaville Congo, the curtain rose on what promises to be a memorable and historic event for the continent, the 11th Edition of the African Games. Brand new infrastructure, including the hugely impressive Kintele stadium and sporting complex, and bright banners (including those of the African Union), added to the anticipation of what was to come. The AU delegation to the games was headed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma accompanied by the Commissioner of Social Affairs Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko and the Commissioner of Human Resources Science and Technology Dr Martial de Paul Ikounga. President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo was honoured with the presence of his regional counterparts who joined him and his people to launch Africa’s premium sports tournament, owned by the African Union.

Brazzaville was abuzz with excitement. Spectators dressed variously in Congolese national dress, African Union t-shirts and caps, and other attires filled the stands, blowing vuvuzelas, horns and beating drums. These games are, in a sense, a homecoming. Exactly fifty years ago, in 1965, the first edition of the Games was hosted in Congo. Back then there were only 29 participating countries with 2,500 athletes. But on September 4, 49 participating countries with 6500 athletes took part in the opening ceremony.

The ceremony itself was marked by much fanfare. It included the raising of flags of each of the participating countries, singing of anthems (including the AU anthem), arrival of the Games Mascot and playing of the theme song, parade of participants, and salute of the head of state by the competitors. Able bodied and disabled athletes alike did one round around the stadium before taking up their place in the center. It was a grand view as wave after wave of athletes, wearing their national team colours and proudly waving their national flags, entered the stadium to the applause of their supporters. It was a grand African tapestry of green, yellow, white, black, gold, brown, blue and red; the dressing ranging from tracksuits to traditional wear and even the more formal wear of dress suits and trousers and waistcoat. The biggest applause was naturally, reserved for the host country team which brought in the rear, with hundreds of athletes who took their time round the stadium to soak in the atmosphere and salute their leadership and country men and women.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission said sport is one of the vehicles of achieving Agenda 2063. Dr Dlamini Zuma recalled that it was Congo which, in 1965, hosted the very first edition of the African Games, making this 11th edition, the 50th anniversary of the games. “Today the African games return to their birthplace. Sport has a place to contribute to the achievement of the African vision of prosperity, peace and integration”, said Dr Dlamini Zuma. On behalf of the African Union, which owns the games, the Chairperson thanked all the organisers and volunteers who have worked behind the scenes to put the games together. She wished all the athletes the best in their endeavours throughout the 11 day tournament.

Dr Dlamini Zuma then had the honour to introduce H.E Dennis Sassou Ngueso, President of the Republic of Congo to declare open the 11th Edition of the 2015 African Games, who after a few remarks officially opened the games. Thereafter the Chairperson of the African Union Commission handed over the flag of the African Union to the mayor of the city of Brazzaville. Representatives of the athletes and the officials were called upon to make vows on behalf of their constituents, to uphold the values and regulations of the games.

Thereafter the crowd was treated to entertainment, with a heavy infusion of African rhumba music and drum beats. Young Congolese put their martial arts skills on show, while a beautifully choreographed show promoted the virtues of conserving natural resources. The Games flame arrived; brought in by a runner. Spectacular fireworks brought the curtain down on an exciting day, their booming sound as they exploded reverberating across the Brazzaville night sky, and reminding those that did not attend the show, of the great significance of the day. From the 5th of September, the athletes took over, competing in 22 sporting codes. Africa’s premium sporting talent will be on display for the whole continent to watch and appreciate, till the 19th of September when the games will come to an end. WZM

Further media inquiries should be directed to:
Mrs Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Communication and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 2nd September 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, warmly welcomes and extends her best wishes to the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who assumed office on 1 September, 2015.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you as President of the African Development Bank. Congratulations, once again, for your brilliant election during the last Annual Meeting of the Bank in May 2015. I look forward to working with you, and strengthening the productive relationship our two institutions have cultivated over the years. I wish you the very best of success, as we work together to make Africa a much better place for our people.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma wrote to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as he begins his five-year mandate at the helm of the AfDB.

The AUC and AfDB have a long history of collaboration, crowned in their joint efforts towards the creation and articulation of Agenda 2063, Africa’s fresh roadmap toward integration, the building of prosperity, sustainable growth and development.

Dr. Adesina, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria, is the 8th President of the African Development Bank and the first Nigerian to be elected to the position. He succeeded Rwanda’s Dr. Donald Kaberuka, who held the position for 10 years.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 28 August 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will arrive in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Friday 28 August 2015, to bid farewell to the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Donald Kaberuka.

The AU Commission Chairperson will be joined by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Community for Africa (ECA), Dr. Carlos Lopes. Both leaders of prime African continental institutions will hold a closed meeting with Dr. Kaberuka, as well as speak at one of the farewell functions organised for the outgoing AfDB President.

Since assuming her responsibilities at the AU Commission in the last quarter of 2012, Dr. Dlamini Zuma has worked very closely with Dr. Donald Kaberuka on wide area of issues of continental interest. The AUC, ECA and the AfDB have worked together on various programmes, projects and activities to advance Africa’s integration agenda, including shaping Africa’s Agenda 2063 development blueprint.

The leadership collaboration was exemplified in the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease; their joint solidarity visits to the affected countries.

Dr. Donald Kaberuka leaves the AfDB on 1 September after providing 10 years of outstanding service and leadership.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria, is succeeding him. Dr. Adesina was elected in May 2015 during the 50th Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank.

TF/JEE

Sehenemariam Hailu

Secretary | Information & Communications Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: SehenemariamH@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26 August 2015: The Acting Joint Special Representative for the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Amb. Abiodun Oluremi Bashua, briefed the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, on the latest humanitarian and political developments in Darfur and the region. The briefing took place during the Ambassador's visit, on 26 August 2015, to the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The AU Commission Chairperson restated the need for the conflicting parties to find a peaceful solution to the on-going violence in the Darfur region for the sake of its people. She also called for an inclusive National Dialogue to start without delay and without pre-conditions.

She appreciated the important role played by both the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and UNAMID in facilitating the resolution of the conflict in Darfur and encouraged both to persevere in their efforts.

The two personalities agreed that everything must be done to improve the situation of the internally displaced people, especially the women and children, who are the most vulnerable.

FS/SB