Press Release Nº 296/2014

Norway signs USD 2.75 million direct support to African Union Ebola operation

Commends the African Union for its leadership in the Ebola response

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia– 28 October 2014: The Government of Norway and the African Union have signed a funding agreement providing USD 2,750,000 in direct support for the African Union’s Ebola response in West Africa. The agreement was signed by the Commissioner for Social Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko and State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Hans Brattskar, in Addis Ababa, on 28 October 2014.

“ Let me take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Government of Norway for its sustained efforts to support Africa’s development priorities and its current support to the efforts of the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko ‘The only way to stop the epidemic is to put people on the ground and the African Union is taking a lead on that front” he added.

The new agreement provides a significant contribution to the African Union Ebola Support to West Africa at a crucial time when international efforts against the Ebola virs are being intensified.

“Norway commends the African Union Commision and its Chairperson for their leadership in the fight against the Ebbola outbreak. We also recognise AU member countries that are providing financial contributions, personnel or other resources to the ASEOWA operation and we encourage others to do the same,” said Mr Brattskar.

‘We note the African Union’s increasing importance in continental and international affairs and urge ASEOWA to continue to cooperate and coordinate with other actors on the ground, such as local authorities, the United Nations, civil society and other ongoing international efforts” he added.

The ASEOWA operation is filling the existing gap in international efforts to the Ebola response. The African Union made a historic decision end of August by declaring Ebola a threat to peace and security in Africa, invoking article 6 (f) relating to its mandate with regard to humanitarian action and disaster management at its 450th meeting. The Commission has already mobilised medical personnel for Sierra Leonne and Liberia and will be deploying to Guinea Conakry.

For more information, visit http://www.au.int

For further information contact

Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of 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

Tawanda Chisango| Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182029 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int |Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision:to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peacewith itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable,efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/