The first extraordinary session of the Specialized Technical Committee of the African Union on Communication and Information and Communication Technologies was held on 16th of September, 2016 in Bamako (Republic of Mali).

The Conference was attended by 12 Member States and three continental organizations.

The opening ceremony of the ministerial meeting was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mountaga Tall, Minister of Digital Economy and Communication of the Republic of Mali. Participants at the Conference followed the key points of Mr. Mountaga speech who asked them to be more aware and mobilized against the political, democratic, cultural and strategic governance of the Internet and the issues of cybersecurity and cybercrime.

After examining the two agenda’s items and taking into account the lack of the required quorum, the CTS on Communication and ICT:

• adopted the report of experts which primarily contains the AU Declaration  on Internet Governance and the African global approach on Cyber Security issues and fight against cybercrime;

On Internet Governance issues :

• Submitted for adoption of the AU Declaration on Internet Governance to the legislative organs of the African Union

On cybersecurity and fight against cybercrime:

• made recommendations to the Executive Council of the African Union for review.

Ministers stressed the crucial role of the Internet Governance and Cybersecurity in achieving the objectives of the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals for dynamic and prosperous Africa.

At the end of the deliberations, the African Ministers in charge of Communications and Information and Communication Technologies welcomed the spirit of responsibility, conciliation and cordiality that prevailed throughout the Conference of Ministers.

The Ministers expressed their gratitude to the President of the Republic of Mali, S.E.M Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the Government and great people of Mali for the hospitality shown to all delegations.

Done in Bamako, September 16, 2016