Kigali, Rwanda 13 July 2016- The Twenty Ninth (29th) Ordinary Session of the Executive Council Kicked off today 13 July 2016 at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), Rwanda in the presence of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Commissioners, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Members of the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC), UN-Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UNECA, officials of the AUC, Heads of AU Organs, the Media and invited guests.

The spirit of the meeting was guided by the words of one of the Founding members of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Pan-Africanist Kwameh Nkrumah who was quoted by the AUC Chairperson HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in her opening remarks saying: “If we are to remain free, if we are to enjoy the full benefit of Africa’s resources, we must be united to plan for our total defense and the full exploitation of our material and human means in the full interest of all our people. To go it alone will limit our horizons, curtail our expectations and threaten our liberty.”

The AUC Chairperson warmly welcomed the Ministers to the meeting and conveyed a special welcome to all the new members who joined the Executive Council for the first time. “It is with grave concern that we start this Council, as over the past few days we see the resurgence of the conflict in South Sudan, after more than two years of talks. Hardly two months after the formation of the Government of National Unity, the belligerents seem to back in the trenches, and the people of South Sudan, instead of celebrating five years of independence, once again are barricaded in their homes or must flee like sheep before the wolves” the AUC Chairperson despondently condoled with the people of South Sudan, reiterating AU’s commitment to continue to support peace efforts in the continent.

“Many of these actions occupied our minds during this period: such as the need for an African Commodities Strategy, to consolidate and rapidly expand the small gains in beneficiation, including critical sectors such as agro-processing as we work to eliminate hunger,” said Dr. Dlamini Zuma. She added that, without a relentless focus on value addition and manufacturing, Africa will fail to create the jobs needed to absorb the millions of young men and women joining its labour markets each year to reap the demographic dividend of a young growing population. AUC Chairperson further urged the Executive Council to full implement the outcomes of the Bahir Dar Ministerial Retreat of 2014. “The dream of an Africa that is integrated, peaceful and prosperous is achievable, provided that we construct this future, based on actions taken now” the Chairperson concluded. (See complete speech of the AUC Chairperson on the AU website www.au.int)

The UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, ECA Mr. Carlos Lopes underscored the need for Africa to have a well thought out and justified approach to the issue of migration. Mr. Lopez stressed that most Africans who migrate do so to other Africa countries. The continent has the highest intra-continent migration levels in the entire world. “Human mobility, despite the many limitations that impede regional integration, is progressing well in Africa,” he noted. In general Africans do not look at migration negatively Mr Lopez perceived however, the dynamic phenomena of migration rather is what Africa leaders need to put into consideration.

H.E. Mrs. Louise Mushikiwabo, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Rwanda articulated her gratitude to the Members of the PRC whose exceptional hard effort prepared the agenda of the Executive Council. The Minister prompted her colleagues to be concise, efficient and prioritize their reports for a tranquil Assembly. Mrs. Mushikiwabo further expressed appreciation for the full commitment and participation of the 54 Member countries of the African Union currently attending the Summit.

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Chad and Chairperson of the Executive Council outlined the activities and agenda of the Executive Council which includes; Consideration of the report of funding of the Africa Union, Peace and security with South Sudan as a burning issue, report from PRC on budget of 2017, the case of Hissene Habir and International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Election of four (4) Judges of the African Court of Human and People’s Rights. The Executive Council Chair thanked the Government and people of Rwanda for successfully hosting the 27th AU summit as well as their hospitality and beautiful atmosphere. He wished the Ministers to have a fruitful and constructive deliberations as he declared the 29th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council officially open.

Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou, Ag. Director of Information and Communication of the AUC, via E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com; Tel: +250 789923794
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For further information, please visit the 27th AU Summit page: http://au.int/en/summit/27

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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