African Union Workshop to promote continental capacity for Election Observers begins in Rabat, Morocco

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June 14, 2022

The Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco jointly organized a Specialized Training Workshop of African Union Short-Term Election Observers from 13 to 17 June 2022, in line with the African Union Election Observation Methodology to enhance the continental institution’s capacity to observe and monitor democratic elections in Africa. The 30 participants in the training are drawn from all the five regions of the African continent and reflect gender parity.

The five-day training, which kicked off at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, in Rabat, Morocco, is held with the main objective to strengthen the capacity of African Union Short Term Election Observers in different areas of election observation. This high quality training will also promote our continental capacity to ensure democratic gains on our continent.

In his opening remarks, H.E Ambassador Bankole ADEOYE, Commissioner for PAPS of the AU Commission welcomed all participants and expressed appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco for co-hosting this training and the gracious support extended to the program. The Commissioner reassured of the systemic importance of such a continental program which will contribute to increased transparency, impartiality, equity and probity in electoral processes on our continent. The Commissioner further said that the training will add value and promote knowledge sharing as well as technical know-how in the field of making our electoral systems more robust, solid and impactful for a peaceful, secure and democratic Africa.

On his part, H.E Nasser BOURITA, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Africa Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, welcomed participants to Morocco and thanked the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the AU Commission for collaborating with Morocco to convene the Training. He underlined that the Training will provide an opportunity for expanding the network of trained election observers that will enhance the visibility of the African Union Election Observation Missions.

H.E Nasser BOURITA further emphasized that, the training is, ‘‘in fact, the perfect illustration of Morocco's firm will, in accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to contribute effectively to capacity building within the AU Commission, in particular, on such a central and vital component, including political governance, elections and democracy’’. He noted that, ‘‘this is one of the main missions of our Pan-African Organization and one of the strategic objectives of Agenda 2063”.

For further information please contact:

Mrs Karine Kakasi Siaba, Political & Elections Officer | E-mail: KakasiK@africa-union.org | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr Adil El Badmoussi, Senior Policy Advisor| E-mail: BadmoussiA@africa-union.org | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For media inquiries information please contact:

Mr Gamal A. Karrar, Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia