Events
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September 08, 2014
Uganda Civil Society Embraces ECOSOCC
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September 05, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Mozambique for the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly, 5 September 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Mozambique to Encourage Participation in the Elections for the ECOSOCC 2nd General Assembly
Maputo, Mozambique, 5 September 2014: A number of civil society organizations in Mozambique actively interacted and discussed with the African Union Sensitization and Motivation Campaign team on the election for the 2nd General Assembly of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), today 5th September 2014, in Maputo. The event was in the context of the Mission of the AU Campaign in Mozambique.
The deliberation began with the opening remarks by the Mozambican CSOs Representative, who urged the national CSOs to put its effort towards the upcoming General Assembly. He stressed out the difficulties in fulfilling the requirements, especially the Article 6 of the ECOSOCC Statutes. On the other hand, he stated that it was very crucial for the country to be represented in the organ as it was an opportunity to actively participate in the AU activities.
Mr. Filipe Furuma, Head of Delegation urged the government and people of Mozambique to work very closely in partnership with ECOSOCC to achieve the main objectives of the sensitization and motivation campaign to give added value as the country was well represented in the 1st General Assembly. He expressed the gratitude of the African Union for the efforts made by Mozambique representatives in ECOSOCC and wished once again quality organizations to be also elected.
Mr. Bright Mando, the Representative from the Office of the Legal Council focused on the ECOSOCC election process, explained to the participants the purpose of the sensitization and motivation program and details of the application procedure, process and the way forward.
The meeting provided an opportunity for CSOs in Mozambique to share their concerns and views on a number of issues related to their participation in the African Union and the continent. The Representative of the Mozambican CSOs had, on behalf of the NGO Platform, expressed great satisfaction for the CSOs having had this great opportunity to learn more on ECOSOCC and AU at this event and had expectations that the CSOs will submit their applications..
The African Union Sensitization and Motivation Campaign is in compliance to the decision adopted by the 23st Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, held in Malabo, in June 2014. The decision called the AU Commission to conduct a campaign to encourage greater participation and gathering sufficient candidatures from the African CSOs, in particular the least represented countries for ECOSOCC election.
For any further information please contact:
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.comFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 03, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Madagascar for the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly, 3 September 2014AU CAMPAIGN MOTIVATES MALAGASY CIVIL SOCIETY FOR
THE ECOSOCC ELECTIONAntananarivo, Madagascar, 2nd September 2014 – Representatives of various civil society organizations in Madagascar converged in Madagascar ,Antananarivo, to discuss and interact on the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC). This comes in context of the AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign for the election of the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly.
The meeting began with opening remarks by Mr. Mahamoudou Ndriandahy, National Executive Secretary of the Malagasy National CSOs Platform, who welcomed all the participants. He thanked the African Union Commission for bringing the delegation to Antananarivo to sensitize and motivate the members of the local CSOs. He stressed the need for the participants to participate in the ECOSOCC election process as an opportunity to actively participate in the activities of the Union.
Mme. Onintsoa Ramahatafandry, Director for Partnerships and Promotion of the Civil Society in the Ministry for Population and Promotion of Women, in her opening remarks highlighted the need to enhance the partnership amongst the CSOs, Member States and the Commission, as the contribution coming from the non-state actors is seen as complementary to what the African Governments provide to their citizens.
Welcoming the delegates, Mme. Hawa Ahmed Youssouf, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission noted that it is important that the civil society in Madagascar should take up the challenge of effective representation in ECOSOCC. She stressed the need for the Madagascar CSOs to participate in the ECOSOCC election process with enthusiasm in a manner that will surpass all expectations by submitting their candidatures.
The Campaign featured presentations on the history, role, functions and importance of ECOSOCC and the Malabo Summit Decision on ECOSOCC by Mr. Filipe Furuma, Head of the Delegation. He recalled the first three calls on CSOs to submit their applications for the Second General Assembly. The presentation took all participants through on membership, elections and structures of ECOSOCC and the way forward.
Focusing on the ECOSOCC election process, Mr. Bright Mando, the Representative from the Office of the Legal Council explained to the gathering the purpose of the sensitization and motivation program and details of the application procedure and process.
The presentations were followed by a very active and intense interactive session in which CSOs asked questions and made comments and observations. The questions focused mostly on Article 6 of the ECOSOCC Statutes and also the issue of Audit Report which most of the CSOs saw an a bottleneck due to its very high cost. All questions were addressed appropriately by the Staff from the African Union Commission.
Organized by the Citizenship and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AU Commission, the Campaign comes in compliance with the Decision EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted by the 23st Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 20-27 June 2014, which called AU to conduct a sensitization and mobilization campaign with the aim of encouraging greater participation and gathering sufficient candidatures from the African CSOs in Member States for the election for the ECOSOCC 2nd General Assembly.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org,
afraht@hotmail.comFor further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 26, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Cap-Vert for the 2nd ECOSOCC General AssemblyECOSOCC: THE CIVIL SOCIETY OF CAPE VERDE MOBILIZES FOR THE ELECTIONS.
Praia, Cape Verde – 26 August 2014 - The African Union (AU) delegation on tour in four Member States of the Union, as part of the awareness and motivation campaign of the civil society for the election of the 2nd Assembly of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), completed its African trip on Tuesday, 26 August 2014, which led it successively to Lome (Togo), Dakar (Senegal) , Cotonou (Benin) and finally to Praia (Cape Verde).
The meeting at the national head office of the NGO Platform in Cape Verde, Praia, gathered fifteen organizations, foundations and associations working in the social, humanitarian and environmental areas.
In his opening speech, Mr. Jose Eduardo Barroso, National Director for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the African Union for organizing the sensitization meeting at the headquarters of the Platform of the Organizations in Praia for a stronger and more vibrant civil society. "This meeting will enable us to address the issue of our representation in ECOSOCC” , the national Director said, and added that the AU had excelled in setting up the body.
"We are grateful to the AU for this pioneering act that will serve as an example to all the others," Jose Eduardo Barroso said and called on the civil society of the country to better organize for future elections in order to occupy its rightful place in the ECOSOCC and contribute to add the voice of Cape Verde to those of other African countries. He finally reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide all possible support for the fulfilment of the undertaking.Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of the Civil Society Division and Head of the AU delegation, highlighted the commitment of the civil society of Cape Verde and urged them to work more in close collaboration and in partnership with the ECOSOCC and the African Union Commission for the benefit of the African people by organizing and becoming more involved in the election process. "I hope that at the end of the campaign many of you will answer the call of duty and many of you will take part in the upcoming ECOSOCC elections so that the Civil Society of Cape Verde would be well represented within the next ECOSOCC Assembly," Mr Chelba emphasized.
Previously, the Representative of the Civil Society, Madam Anna Silva, had, on behalf of the NGO Platform, expressed great satisfaction for hosting the important preparatory meeting and paid tribute, in that regard, to the African Union Commission which initiated the campaign that is likely to strengthen the work of civil society players by empowering them to have access to ECOSOCC meetings and make their contribution.
Organizations present at the interactive working session expressed fears of being unable to meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria, particularly those on the African financial contribution. "The large majority of us do not enjoy financial autonomy. We depend on the financing of cooperation projects and receive no government contribution,” the representatives of many NGOs stressed and explained that the amount of their contributions is very low.
They however expressed their commitment to participate in the process and enable their civil society to occupy the seats of Cape Verde which had hitherto remained vacant within the ECOSOCC.
The decision was therefore taken to charge the NGO Platform, which has branches in the whole country and a great capacity for mobilization, to support the process. The mission which will be accomplished with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will include the dissemination of information and distribution of documents. The NGO Platform will, in this regard, act as a facilitator of the process at the national level.
The kickoff of the continental campaign, initiated in accordance with the Executive Council decision (EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, was on 12 August in Lusaka, Zambia. The campaign will continue until September and will eventually cover the five regions of Africa.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Chef de Division de la Société Civile, CUA| Direction de la Citoyenneté et de la Diaspora| E-mail : Jalelc@africa-union.org
Mme Habiba Mejri Scheikh| Directrice de l’Information et de la Communication| Direction de l'Information et de la Communication AUC| E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.orgContact us:
Directorate of Information and Communication |African Union Commission |
E-mail: dinfo@africa-union.org
Web Site Site: www.au.int
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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August 25, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Lesotho to Encourage Participation in the Elections for the ECOSOCC 2nd...SPREADING THE ECOSOCC GOSPEL IN LESOTHO: AU MOTIVATION AND SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN
Maseru, Lesotho, 25 August 2014 - About sixty civil society organizations from across the length and breadth of the Kingdom of Lesotho attended the ECOSOCC Sensitization and Motivation Campaign held in Lehakoe Club, Maseru, Lesotho today 25th August 2014.
In his Welcome Address to the gathering, HE Julius Tebello, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho, noted that the sensitization mission of the African Union is designed to implement the Decision of the recent AU Summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and that " The Kingdom of Lesotho was a party to that decision in the same way that we were party to the Decision to create the African Union." " Our country," he added, " takes great pride in our membership of our continental organization, the African Union."
The Principal Secretary stated that the decision to make the African Union people-centered was a conscious one arising from the re-orientation of the OAU from decolonization towards development and integration within the framework of the African Union. CIDO and ECOSOCC reflected this preoccupation in the design of AU institutional structures. Two main features set ECOSOCC aside from similar organs in other international organizations including the UN. It is elected and led by civil society and it participates directly in the policy decision making process.
Mr. Tebello observed that " Lesotho is too important to be left out of this vital process" and called on the civil society community to ensure that Lesotho has effective and legitimate representation in the AU ECOSOCC." We want Lesotho civil society to go into ECOSOCC and be part of its leadership and to work closely with government and AU institutions to ensure Africa's development".
The challenge was recognized and embraced in the opening statement of Mr Motsamai, the Director of the Lesotho Council of NGOs. Mr Motsamai acknowledged the need for CSOs to organize themselves to play their anointed roles within the framework of the the AU and ECOSOCC and linked it to the the mission statements and objectives of CSOs in Lesotho in general. He saw the challenge of ECOSOCC as consistent with the objectives and principles that underlined CSO activities and in congruence with the objective desires of CSO activism in the pursuit of liberty, happiness and fulfillment in Africa.
Ambassador Lazarus Kapambwe, the Advisor to the AU Chairperson, added that the mission to Lesotho was a crowning stage of the first step of AU efforts to ensure that all Member States are fully represented in ECOSOCC as the civil society parliament of the Union. CSOs in Lesotho should act in concert with the AU to ensure the success of this mission."Too often in the past, African civil society were not fully taken into account in determining the future and destiny of Africa. In this ECOSOCC process, they have been charged with co-responsibility." He urged CSOs to take heed of the Zambian proverb that only those who partake of a meal can take part in subsequent discussions about how tasty and delicious the food is. You have to be in the kitchen to determine the flavor of the palate.
After the opening ceremony, Mr Chilengi acquainted the audience with the history, experience and record of ECOSOCC while Dr Jinmi Adisa, the Director of CIDO underlined the purpose and content of the sensitization program, expectations from Civil society organizations and application processes. He guided the audience through the application procedures. The application forms, he explained, has three main parts. The first requested information on the Organizations, address, contact details, designated representatives, date and country of registration and registration authorities. The second focused on objectives, mission and character of the Organization, whether it is national regional or continental, the category of the organization in the framework of the ECOSOCC statutes , membership charges, if any, the leadership and executive body to see whether it is truly African and affiliates and tributaries associated with the organization. The third part relates to funding sources and expenditure.
Dr. Adisa observed that several disqualifications occurred because though the forms were easy to fill, mistakes were often made in the process. Some relevant details were omitted, applications were sometimes signed by officers that did not appear competent or high enough to commit organizations. In some cases also, the organization was not specific about whether the application was for national, regional or continental spots. Thus some level of patience and diligence would be required to ensure that the applications were properly completed.
A vigorous and active interaction session followed. Comments, observations and questions focused on the experience and lessons of previous ECOSOCC Assemblies, the relative advantages and disadvantages of civil societies operating in an adversarial manner other than as stakeholders in the policy process. Participants concluded that both roles can be effectively combined and the choice of approaches would be dictated by which one would produce effective results. There was a recognition of the need for CSOs to understand the context of policy demands and the cultural and political sensitivities of the policy making environment in which they were operating. Strategies and tactics must be adapted to the situation.
Issues were also raised about how ECOSOCC can tackle wider responsibilities relating to social justice, economic development and international partnerships and dealings with global financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF and treatment of the Ebola virus. There were also comments on the requirement for 50 per cent internally derived revenue for CSOs in ECOSOCC with some alleging double standards because some states also had more than 50 per cent of their revenue coming form external sources. Even so, it was also recognized that the situation of states was distinct from that of civil society. States had several things that could be traded for financial support while CSOs that were fully funded by external sources were much more amenable to pressure and control.
Finally, the CSOs stressed that the lesson of the current sensitization exercise for ECOSOCC was that it had played a critical role in image building for the AU. It can therefore, not be a one-off event. The sensitization exercise must be continuous and the AU as whole has to take a much more active role in sensitizing the African public about its purpose, activities and the process of its development. The AU must now venture into image building and use ECOSOCC as a beachhead for this enterprise. ECOSOCC meetings should be rotated among various countries in the continent and each ECOSOCC meeting should but preceded by a one day sensitization meeting with civil society groups in the country in which the meeting is taking place. In addition, ECOSOCC should convene quarterly sensitization meetings in different regions of the continent as part of its normal schedule of activities.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 22, 2014ECOSOCC: Benin Civil Society to Participate in the Next ElectionsECOSOCC: BENIN CIVIL SOCIETY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEXT ELECTIONS
Cotonou, Benin - August 22, 2014 – After Togo and Senegal, the awareness and motivation campaign of the African civil society on the elections of the 2nd General Assembly of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), initiated by the Directorate of Civil Society and Diaspora Organizations (CIDO) of the African Union Commission (AUC), in keeping with the decision of the Executive Council, got underway on Friday 22 August 2014, in Cotonou, Benin.
Before an audience of representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) gathered in their large numbers in the “Fleuve jaune” conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to acquaint themselves with the rules for the nomination of candidatures and make their voices heard and share their experiences as agents of development, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Beninese Abroad, Dr Bako Nassirou-Afari, in his opening speech delivered by the Secretary General of the Ministry, Ambassador Eusebius Agbangla, said that "ECOSOCC was established with the advent of the African Union to build the partnership which should be institutionalized between Governments and all segments of the civil society for the building of the new African Peoples Union."
The Minister added that the AU advisory body is a platform which should enable the African Civil Society to play an active role in planning the continent’s future through its contribution to the definition of the Union’s principles, policies and programs and monitoring their implementation. On behalf of the Government of Benin, he extended his sincere thanks to the AU Mission which, he said, is perfectly in line with the implementation of the Executive Council decision on the organization of a civil society sensitization campaign.
"This awareness is especially intended for you, so that you will be better represented in the ECOSOCC as an AU advisory body whose role is paramount in the attaining of the Union’s objectives,” the Minister emphasized in his message to the representatives of the Benin civil society, adding that the Republic of Benin will be duly and fully represented at the Conference of the 2nd General Assembly of the Pan-African body.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of the Civil Society Division and leader of the AU delegation stated that ECOSOCC embodies the principle of democracy at its highest level and is responsible to lead grassroots civil society organizations to the portals of decision-making, and enable them to assume their share of responsibility in the building of the integration project and the sustainable development of the continent.
He underscored the need to mobilize African civil society organizations and encouraged them to participate in large numbers in ECOSOCC elections, adding that the Commission hopes to finalize the election of new members during the last quarter of 2014 and subsequently put the ECOSOCC Assembly in place before the end of the year.
Speaking on behalf of the Benin civil society, Mr. El Hadji Abu Yekini, Secretary General of the Civil Society Board of Administration, Member of the National Bureau, Representative of the President of the National Consultation Framework of CSOs in Benin, highlighted the importance of the event, which he said, is crucial for the adequate preparation of Benin civil society’s participation in ECOSOCC elections. "The Benin civil society is a development player engaged in a daily battle and grappling with huge challenges,” he said.
In the ensuing debate that followed the presentations made during the interactive working session, issues relating among other things to the eligibility requirements deemed “ restrictive” by the small associations, especially those working with rural women, were raised. While welcoming the initiative and expressing their willingness to redouble their efforts to participate in the elections, many of them called for "a possible relaxation of the eligibility criteria," citing more particularly the clause which says that to be eligible for membership, 50% of the basic resources of the civil society in question shall be derived from contributions of the members of the organization, and the prohibitive external audit cost.
Dr. Nassirou Bako-Arifari received the members of the African Union delegation yesterday evening in his office at the Ministry and seized the occasion to give some titbits to the delegation on how to ensure the success of the campaign which he considered essential in preparing the Benin civil society for the ECOSOCC elections.
On the recommendation of the Minister, Mrs. Habiba Mejri Cheikh, Director of Information and Communication of the African Union Commission and member of the delegation appeared on the National Television of Benin (ORTB) as guest of the 20h00 TV news, during which she explained the objectives of the sensitization campaign and enlisted the participation of Benin CSOs in ECOSOCC activities. She also urged them to take the necessary steps to increase their chances in the upcoming elections.
The continental sensitization campaign, initiated in accordance with the Executive Council decision (EX.CL/Dec.849(XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the AU in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, kicked off on 12 August in Lusaka, Zambia and will continue until September, covering the five regions of Africa.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Division of Civil Society, AUC | Directorate of Citizenship and Diaspora | E-mail: Jalelc@africa-union.org
Habiba Mejri Sheikh | Director of Information and Communication | Directorate of Information and Communication AUC | E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.orgContact us::
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | E-mail: dinfo@africa-union.org
Web Site Site: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 22, 2014AU campaign on ECOSSOC arrives in the Kingdom of LesothoAU campaign on ECOSSOC arrives in the Kingdom of Lesotho
Maseru , Lesotho, 22nd August 2014 – The African Union campaign mission for sensitizations and motivation of the African Civil Society Community in preparation for elections into the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) arrived in Maseru, Lesotho, today Friday 22nd August , 2014.
The AU mission was met on arrival by Mr. Ntate Ramonono and other officials of the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The mission will meet with the Lesotho civil society community on Monday, 25 August 2014. The meeting is scheduled to take place at Lehakoe Club from 9:00am to 13:00 pm and will be hosted by the Lesotho Council of NGOs.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 21, 2014AU Sensitization and Motivation Campaign in Cotonou, Republic of Benin for the 2nd ECOSOCC General Assembly
ECOSOCC: DELEGATION OF THE AFRICAN UNION RECEIVED BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF BENIN
Cotonou, Benin - August 21, 2014 - Dr. Nassirou Bako-Arifari, Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Benin Nationals Living Abroad, received on August 21 in his office at the Ministry, members of the African Union delegation on a working visit to Cotonou, Benin, as part of the awareness campaign of civil society in the election of the Second Assembly of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union (AU).
During the audience, which was attended by top officials of the Ministry in charge of African integration, promotion of civil society and African issues, Dr. Bako Arifari-emphasized the importance of the lead role being played by ECOSOCC in the education of the African population, emphasizing the need to focus on the youth and women in the integration process.
The Minister called on the specialized departments of his Ministry to do their utmost for the successful sensitization of all the components of Benin civil society, including the media. "ECOSOCC is our think tank," in this respect,” the minister said, emphasizing that "our stability depends on our ability to meet the expectations of our young people." Dr. Nassirou Bako-Arifari expressed satisfaction at the resumption of ECOSOCC activities and the willingness to educate the African civil society to ensure greater participation in the elections of the 2nd General Assembly. "I would do anything in my power to support you”, he added.
Outlining the objectives of the campaign, Mr. Jalel Chelba, Chief, Division of Civil Society in the Department of Civil Society and Diaspora of the Commission of the African Union (CIDO), in his capacity as Leader of the AU delegation, composed of Mrs. Habiba Mejri Cheikh, Director of AU Information and Communication Directorate and Ms Mpho Porquet, member of the ECOSOCC Assembly, expressed the gratitude of the African Union for the efforts Benin continues to exert to consolidate the gains of the continental organization in the integration and development of the continent. Mr. Chelba also congratulated the Minister on his reappointment as head of Benin diplomacy, following a cabinet reshuffle.
The meeting to which all Benin civil society organizations were invited took place on Friday, August 22, 2014, at 10:00 at the conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, Francophonie and Benin Nationals Living Abroad.
On the same day in the Benin capital, Cotonou, the Third Sensitization Meeting of the countries of the West African region was held.
It is worth noting that this sensitization campaign, initiated by the Department of Citizenship and Diaspora of the AU Commission (CIDO) in accordance with the Executive Council decision (EX.CL/Dec.849 (XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, kicked off on 12 August 2014 in Lusaka, Zambia and will continue until September, covering the five regions of Africa.
For more information contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of Civil Society Division, AUC| Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate|E-mail: Jalelc@africa-union.org
Mrs Habiba Mejri Scheikh| Director of Information and Communication| Directorate of Information and Communication AUC| E-mail: habibaM@africa-union.orgContact us at the:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission |E-mail : dinfo@africa-union.org
Web Site: www.au.int |Addis-Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 20, 2014Namibian Civil Society Embraces the Challenge of Participation in ECOSOCC and the African Union
NAMIBIAN CIVIL SOCIETY EMBRACES THE CHALLENGE OF PARTICIPATION IN ECOSOCC AND THE AFRICAN UNION
Windhoek. Namibia 20th August 2014 –Namibian Civil Society have been called upon to embrace the challenge of effective participation in the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union ((ECOSOCC) as an entry point for enabling the integration and development agenda of the continent as well as the progressive growth of the Namibian State and Society.
The call came in the opening statements of both the Director and Chairperson of NANGOF-TRUST, the umbrella organizations of NGOs in Namibia, Mr. Irvin Lombadrt and Mr Sandie Tjaronda, in the course of the sensitization and motivation campaign on ECOSOCC held in Safari Court Hotel Conference Centre, Windhoek, Namibia today.
The Chairperson of NANGOF-Trust, Mr Tjaronda observed:
ECOSOCC supports policies and programs that promote peace, security and stability in Africa and foster development and integration on the continent as well as promote and defend a culture of good governance, democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, human rights and social justice... In this context, I agree that this visit is timely and relevant in making civil society visible and it endorses the relevance of civil society to the development of Namibia and the continent at large.
Thus he added " Civil Society is an integral component of our societies and this position must be internalized in our Organs of Government and other key machineries such as the African Union and SADC."
In the same vein, Ambassador Lazarus Kapambwe, the Advisor to the AU Chairperson noted that " ECOSOCC provides a barometer for assessing the state of health of African Civil Society and the overall development of the continent. It is an Organ that embraces the active involvement of non-state actors in the continent in the policy-making environment. The ECOSOCC Assembly represents but does not replace civil society"
Mr. Chilengi, a member of the Ist ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly (2008-2012), observed that while Namibia through NANGO-Trust hosted the last regional consultation leading to the formation of the 1st Permanent ECOSOCC Assembly, it was ironic that it had no representative in the same Assembly and that the time had come to correct that disconnect. The apparent vigor of the the civil society community in Southern Africa must be reflected in the context of ECOSOCC and the African Union. CSOs in Southern Africa should not just seek to participate in ECOSOCC but also to play a critical role in guiding the process.
Following these presentations, Dr Adisa, the Director of the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate of the African Union (CIDO) which hosts the ECOSOCC Secretariat , then outlined the history and development of the current electoral process, related Summit discussions and decisions that paved way for this sensitization exercise and the application requirements, processes and procedures. Specifically, he underlined the eligibility requirements specified in the ECOSOCC Statutes and the timelines set for the current exercise. He urged Namibian civil society organizations to take advantage of the process not just for the purposes of electioneering but to buttress and anchor the legitimacy of the ECOSOCC experience. Accordingly, they should seek to establish national ECOSOCC chapters that would serve as mechanisms for consultation, responsive representation and accountability. They should also seek to ensure that the next ECOSOCC Assembly develops, as a first order of business , a framework for observer status for all CSOs on the continent to ECOSOCC so that they can be directly associated with the conduct of their elected representatives and appreciate how that conduct conforms to the mandate that they give to them.
In the course of the interactive session that followed issues were raised regarding the requirement that fifty per cent of the resources of the intending Organizations must be internally derived. Some felt that this was very restrictive and did not take full cognizance of the realities of the African continent that did not provide appropriate funding support for Civil society activities. Indeed it was argued that the provision may be supportive of NGOs favored by Governments. It was however" noted that the provision challenged civil society groups to seek to broaden their resource base and "Africanize" funding sources but the challenge would only be reasonable in a context where governments and continental and regional organizations also assumed critical responsibility and obligations.
The issue of the urbanization of civil society universe in Africa was also an aspect of concern. CSO groups observed that attention of the CSO community was generally focused on regional capitals and related concerns whereas the majority of the people lived in rural areas. Thus rural issues that were of major concern to the broad generality of the people were often overlooked or neglected. If ECOSOCC is therefore to be truly representative it must avoid the phenomenon of concentration on urbanism.
The meeting was concluded with agreements on next steps and the way forward. It was agreed that the civil society organizations present at the workshop would serve as a vanguard or inner concentric circle for spreading the message to the wider rank and file as in Zimbabwe. In the same vein, the AU was invited to send a delegation to the Namibian CSO expo that would be organized by NANGOF-Trust very soon as a secondary outreach mechanism to support the ECOSOCC process.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.com
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 19, 2014
2ND ECOSOCC GENERAL ASSEMBLY : THE SENEGALESE CIVIL SOCIETY SETS UP AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO PREPARE ITSELF FOR ELECTIONS
Dakar, Senegal - 19 August 2014 : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad of the Republic of Senegal hosted, on 19 August 2014, a sensitisation and motivation meeting of the civil society to prepare for elections to the Second General Assembly of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, ECOSOC.
The meeting was officially opened by Mr. Amadou Kebe, Secretary General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who underscored the decisive role the civil society must play in the building and consolidation of the African Union. The civil society has its role to play and must do so within the framework of ECOSOCC, he said, while exhorting the Senegalese to prepare to be worthy representatives of African citizens.
Taking the floor on behalf of the African Union, Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of Division in the Directorate of Citizens and Diaspora Organisations (CIDO) pointed out that the African Union Commission was working to ensure that the elections are organised before the end of this year, so as to enable the setting up of the ECOSOCC Assembly latest by December 2014. In this regard, he indicated that awareness efforts are centred on states that do not have a sufficient number of eligible candidates for the upcoming elections.
«Those you will choose will share the responsibility of decision-making and orientation of the continent and work with other stakeholders to accomplish our common objective, the objectives of African citizens », Mr. Chelba said, noting that the elected members of ECOSOCC will also have the duty to account for their actions and maintain effective communication with grassroots organisations for the welfare of our society. He further invited the civil society organisations to show proof of initiative for which the African civil society organisations are noted, and to make ECOSOCC a tool for constructive proposals, even though it is only an advisory body. « This is the big challenge and heavy responsibility we came to ask you to assume », he added. (see full speech on the African Union website : www.au.int)
The meeting was an opportunity to make presentations on the history, role and functions of ECOSOCC, its activities and procedures, including eligibility criteria to the Second General Assembly. The debate following the opening session helped to raise issues and concerns that were, in the opinion of participants, obstacles to their joining ECOSOCC, especially the procedures, that many pointed out as the cause of the low membership.
The provision relating to funding in article 6 of the Statute of ECOSOCC was also named among the barriers to joining ECOSOCC, the participants decried. Many called for the relaxation of the 50% own-capital clause, arguing that in the current state of affairs very few organizations can meet this requirement. They unanimously called for the creation of a fund to help civil society organisations to enable them to perform their duties without being forced to resort to foreign money.
The meeting agreed to set up, there and then, an ad hoc committee that will harmonise, support and guide the participation of the Senegalese civil society in elections to the 2nd General Assembly of ECOSOCC.
It should be noted that the kick-off of this campaign, initiated by the Directorate of Citizens and Diaspora Organisations of the AU Commission (CIDO), in accordance with the decision of the Executive Council (EX.CL/Dec.849 (XXV), adopted at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, was given on the 12th of this month, in Lusaka, Zambia. The campaign will continue until September and will cover the five regions of Africa before it ends.
On Friday, August 24, the third sensitisation meeting of the West Africa region will be held in Cotonou, Capital of Benin.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of Division, Civil Society, AUC| Directorate of Citizens and Diaspora Organisations | E-mail: Jalelc@africa-union.orgContact us :
Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission|E-mail : dinfo@africa-union.org
Web Site: www.au.int |Addis-Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 18, 2014AU Campaign Mission on ECOSOCC Sensitization Arrives in Namibia to Spread the Message
Media Advisory
AU CAMPAIGN MISSION IN NAMIBIA TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ECOSOCC ELECTIONS
INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
What: The Mission of the African Union (AU) Sensitization and Motivation Campaign for the election of the 2nd General Assembly of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
When: 20th August 2014
Where: Hotel Safari, Windhoek, Namibia
Who: African Union Commission
Objective: The main objective of the AU Campaign in Namibia is to encourage and motivate the Namibian civil society community to register and participate in the continent-wide process of elections into the 2nd ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly.
Background:
The African Union (AU) Sensitization and Motivation Campaign comes in compliance to Decision EX.CL/ 849(XXV) of the AU Executive Council, of June 2014 in Malabo, that mandated the Commission to conduct the campaign and to ensure that a new ECOSOCC Assembly is established before the end of the year 2014.Namibia is a third stop of the Campaign that was previously undertaken in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The sensitization meeting with Namibian CSOs would include interactive session and presentations on the history, role, election process of the ECOSOCC, the summit decisions, application processes and procedures and the future of ECOSOCC as an organ.
Media representatives in Namibia are invited to take part and cover the Campaign.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.com Cell: 081-0383606
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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August 18, 2014
Media Advisory
AU CAMPAIGN MISSION IN NAMIBIA TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ECOSOCC ELECTIONS
INVITATION TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
What: The Mission of the African Union (AU) Sensitization and Motivation Campaign for the election of the 2nd General Assembly of the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
When: 20th August 2014
Where: Hotel Safari, Windhoek, Namibia
Who: African Union Commission
Objective: The main objective of the AU Campaign in Namibia is to encourage and motivate the Namibian civil society community to register and participate in the continent-wide process of elections into the 2nd ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly.
Background:
The African Union (AU) Sensitization and Motivation Campaign comes in compliance to Decision EX.CL/ 849(XXV) of the AU Executive Council, of June 2014 in Malabo, that mandated the Commission to conduct the campaign and to ensure that a new ECOSOCC Assembly is established before the end of the year 2014.Namibia is a third stop of the Campaign that was previously undertaken in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The sensitization meeting with Namibian CSOs would include interactive session and presentations on the history, role, election process of the ECOSOCC, the summit decisions, application processes and procedures and the future of ECOSOCC as an organ.
Media representatives in Namibia are invited to take part and cover the Campaign.
For any further information please contact :
Ms. Afrah Thabit, Directorate of Information and Communication, E mail : Thabitma@africa-union.org, afraht@hotmail.com Cell: 081-0383606
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion
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