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    22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly concludes: A summary of key decisions
    January 31, 2014

    PRESS RELEASE Nº37/AU SUMMIT

    22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly concludes: A summary of key decisions

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 31 January 2014- The 22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit holding on the theme: “Agriculture and Food Security” ended Friday 31 January 2014 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the adoption of key decisions by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

    The following is a summary of decisions made by the Assembly. Full decisions will be posted on the AU website www.au.int in due course:

    The Assembly approved the offer of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire to host the African Statistical Training Centre that will be based in Yamoussoukro (Institut Polytechnique Felix Houphouet Boingy), and resolved to allocate adequate resources for the production and use of statistics, in line with the principles of the African Charter on Statistics. This is in pursuit of implementing the African Charter on statistics and the strategy for the harmonisation of statistics in Africa.

    Assembly welcomed the establishment by the AU Commission, of a panel of independent experts to assess the status of the operationalization of the African Standby Force and its Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC), as well as the development of proposals for the operationalization of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC), and requested the Chairperson of the Commission to submit a comprehensive report on the implementation of its Declaration at the next ordinary session in June/July 2014.

    Under the discussion on implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Assembly commended the Commission and partners for the efforts in enhancing Africa’s visibility in COP.11/UNCCD in Windhoek, Namibia; and renewed its commitment to the Namibian Declaration to enhance the implementation of the UNCCD in Africa in order to address land degradation, desertification, biodiversity loss and effects of drought, and to promote sustainable development on the continent. It endorsed the establishment of an African working group on desertification and sustainable land management, to be convened by the Commission.

    While expressing its disappointment that the request by Kenya supported by AU, to the United Nations (UN) Security Council to defer the proceedings initiated against the President and Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya has not yielded the positive result expected; and that the request by the Union to the UN Security Council to defer the proceedings initiated against the President of the Republic of The Sudan has not been acted upon to date; the Assembly, in its discussions on the implementation of decisions on the International Criminal Court decided that:
    (i) African states parties should comply with African Union Decisions on the ICC and continue to speak with one voice to ensure that the African proposals for amendments to Articles 16 and 27 of the Rome Statute of the ICC are considered by the ASP working Group on amendments as well as by the forthcoming sessions of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute;
    (ii) There is an imperative need for all member states to ensure that they adhere to and articulate commonly agreed positions in line with their obligations under the Constitutive Act of the African Union;
    (iii) The group of African states parties in New York and the African members of the bureau of ASP should follow-up on the implementation of various Decisions of the Assembly on ICC, in collaboration with the Commission and ensure that the African proposals and concerns are properly considered/addressed by the ASP and report to the Assembly through the Commission on actions taken regularly;

    Discussions on maternal, new born and child health (MNCH) led to the endorsement of the recommendation of the Chairperson of the Commission on the establishment of an annual award to recognize significant contributions or action of individuals, organisations and governments in Africa towards ending preventable maternal, newborn and child mortality as well as enhancing their survival and well-being; and that the annual award be named “Mama Afrika Award” in honour of Miriam Makeba. The Commission was requested to coordinate the process of investiture.

    With regard to Africa’s strategic partnerships, the Assembly welcomed the offer made by the Republic of Cameroon to host the TICAD Ministerial Meeting in May 2014 and welcomed the adoption of the principle of rotation in hosting the TICAD V follow up mechanisms, including the summit, and requested the Chairperson of the Commission to undertake consultations with Member States of the African Union with a view to identifying the host for TICAD VI Summit to be held in Africa in 2018.
    In the same vein, the Assembly endorsed the Kuwait Declaration and the Eight Resolutions adopted by the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit and expressed gratitude to the Amir of Kuwait for the initiative to grant concessionary loans to African countries to the tune of one (1) Billion US Dollars, in the coming five years, through the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development and also to finance investment and its insurance in Africa, with emphasis on infrastructure, to the tune of one (1) Billion US Dollars, through cooperation and coordination with the World Bank and other International Institutions. It welcomed the establishment of an Annual Prize of one (1) Million US Dollar, to be allocated by the State of Kuwait for development research in Africa, under the auspices of the Kuwait Scientific Development Institutions.

    The Assembly adopted the 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime (AIM) Strategy plan of Action Plan. It also retained the 2015-2025 decade as the "Decade of African Seas and Oceans”, and the date of 25 July as the African Day of Seas and Oceans. Assembly invited Regional Economic Communities and regional mechanisms to develop and adopt a regional strategy against piracy, armed robbery and other illegal activities committed at sea, consistent with the 2050 AIM Strategy.

    While welcoming the fact that more than 10,000 students have received higher and post graduate studies and more than 5,000 doctors from Africa have received continuous medical training (CMT), and that 48 countries are now connected to the Pan Africa E network under the Africa-India partnership, Assembly requested the Commission to prepare and submit to member states at the January 2015 Assembly Session an action plan for the sustainability of the services of the network.

    Assembly endorsed the organization of an extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Governments on the assessment of progress made in the implementation of the 2004 Ouagadougou Declaration and Plan of Action on employment and poverty alleviation, proposed to be held in Burkina Faso this year.

    Assembly requested the Commission to work out the modalities, in collaboration with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and other interested member states including the legal, structural and financial implications relating to the establishment of an African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDCP) and to submit a report in January 2015 to the Assembly.

    On Ghana’s proposal for the adoption of the Encyclopaedia Africana Project (EAP) by the African Union; Assembly called upon the Commission in consultation with the secretariat of the Encyclopaedia Africana, to submit at the next Summit proposals for sustainable financing of the project, including strategies for making it financially self-reliant.

    The Assembly deliberated on the issue of peace and security on the continent. In this regard, it expressed satisfaction at the continued progress in the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in The Comoros, in Liberia and in Côte d’Ivoire; It welcomed the conclusion of the process of transition and restoration of constitutional order in Madagascar; the conduct of legislative elections in Guinea on 26 September 2013; the positive developments in the situation in Tunisia and the commitment of the various Tunisian stakeholders to foster consensus and dialogue with a view to bringing the on-going transition to a successful conclusion; developments in Mali, particularly the conduct of two rounds of presidential election on 28 July and 11 August 2013; the progress that has continued to be recorded in Somalia; and the advances made in the implementation of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord’s Resistance Army (RCI-LRA),. It expressed satisfaction at the positive developments in the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the end of the M23 rebellion and the signing in Nairobi on 12 December 2013, of Declarations by the DRC Government and the M23; and noted with satisfaction the continued progress in the relations between The Sudan and South Sudan, and this, within the framework of the Cooperation Agreements signed between the two countries in Addis Ababa, in September 2012.
    However the Assembly expressed its concern and made recommendations on the eruption on 15 December 2013 of violent conflict in South Sudan and the grave consequences inherent in this situation for both the country itself and the region at large; and at the situation in the Central African Republic. It underscored the need for more sustained effort to overcome the difficulties facing the peace process between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and to normalize the relations between Djibouti and Eritrea, reaffirmed its support for the Libyan government, expressed its solidarity with the Egyptian people and strongly condemned the acts of terrorism being perpetrated in the country.

    While discussing the report of the Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform, the Assembly requested the committee to endeavour to reach out at the highest political levels for the purpose of garnering and galvanizing the necessary political will in support of the African Common position; and reiterated its call for Africa to continue to speak with one voice and cohesively on all issues relating to the UN Security Council reform and related matters.

    The Assembly adopted the Common African Position on the Post 2015 Development Agenda; requested the high level committee that was formed to sensitize and coordinate the activities of African leaders and members of the High Level Panel as well as build regional and inter-continental alliances on the Common African Position on the post 2015 Development Agenda, to meet as soon as possible to launch the Common African Position in Ndjamena, Chad.

    On African development goals especially in the post 2015 period, the Assembly endorsed the articulation of the African development goals consistent with the existing continental frameworks and to serve as milestones for tracking and monitoring progress towards Agenda 2063.

    In recognizing that boosting intra-African trade, industrial development and economic integration are the most viable means for African countries to achieve structural transformation and sustainable development, while discussing the report of the high level African Trade Committee on Trade Issues, the Assembly urged Member States and Regional Economic Communities to consider carefully the impact of the negotiations of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements on the African integration agenda, so that they do not compromise the African trade integration process and undermine the vision and scope of the Abuja Treaty. It also mandated the Ministers of Trade to hold an extra ordinary session to consider and adopt a work plan, negotiating modalities and principles towards the effective launch of the CFTA negotiations in 2015 to be presented through the High Level Committee on Trade to the next Summit meeting in June 2014.
    On the biennial joint AU/WHO conference of the AU Ministers of Health, the Assembly called upon member states, RECs, regional health organizations and other stakeholders to utilize the biennial meetings to strengthen coordination and create synergies.

    The Assembly appointed the ten members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for a two year term as follows:
    1. Burundi Central Region
    2. Chad Central Region

    3. Ethiopia Eastern Region
    4. Tanzania Eastern Region

    5. Libya Northern Region

    6. Namibia Southern Region
    7. South Africa Southern Region

    8. Gambia Western Region
    9. Guinea Western Region
    10. Niger Western Region.

    While discussing the report of the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) on NEPAD, Assembly reinforced the critical need for financial investments and leveraging public private sector partnerships and in particular welcomed the Africa 50 investment vehicle by the African development Bank to mobilise adequate funds for infrastructure developments.

    Assembly decided that the 23rd session of the Assembly of the African Union will be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from 26-27 June this year, preceded by meetings of the PRC and the Executive Council from 21-21 June and 23-24 June respectively.

    Following deliberations of the Assembly, the large conference hall at the African Union Commission has been renamed Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Conference Hall.

    Assembly encouraged the Commission to pursue its efforts in enlisting the inputs into Agenda 2063 of all Africans and the Diaspora and engage member states to submit their written inputs before the end of April 2014.

    On the democratic transition in Tunisia, Assembly expressed its satisfaction with the establishment of a new government of highly qualified technocrats with no affiliation to any political party, mainly tasked with securing the continuation of the democratic process.
    WZM

    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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  • Event
    Commissioner Tumusiime underscores AU’s Achievement on Water and Sanitation in Africa
    January 31, 2014

    Press Release Nº35 /22nd AU SUMMIT
    Commissioner Tumusiime underscores AU’s Achievement on Water and Sanitation in Africa

    Addis Ababa, 31 January, 2014: H.E Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union (AU) and Hon. Sarah Reng - Ochekpe, Minister for Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria held a press conference today 31 January 2014 at the AU headquarters during which they highlighted the progress done on water and sanitation sector in Africa. The two panelists also discussed ways to accelerate the water and sanitation goals in the continent.
    The briefing focused on the importance of water and sanitation as a key driver for development and poverty alleviation in Africa. It was noted that the Africa water vision 2025 calls for an Africa where there is an equitable and sustainable use and management of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation and the environment.
    The engagement of the African Union Commission for the past four years in the mobilization of key stakeholders and development partners to support the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) and to build a strong partnerships with the AU member states and the Regional Economic Communities for the establishment of regular monitoring, evaluating and reporting mechanism in the progress of implementation of the commitments on water and sanitation for the African Union Assembly was also explained during the briefing.
    The inaugural report presented, was also said to have been prepared through extensive consultations and capacity building to designated focal points from member states.
    Meanwhile, the Commissioner explained that, the pursuit of the African Vision 2025 is said to be not an option given the need to unleash Africa’s development potential but that this pioneer will be taken as a pilot in which through collaboration with all stakeholders and development partners, it is hoped to strengthen human resources and logistical capacity of member states in the coming years for improving monitoring, evaluating and reporting on progress in developing the water and sanitation sector in Africa.
    NTH / EAT
    For further information contact
    Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@africa-union.org I Web Site www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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  • Event
    The African Institute for Remittances (AIR) will be fully operational in 2015. The AU Executive Councilselected the...
    January 31, 2014

    JOINT PRESS RELEASE

    The African Institute for Remittances (AIR) will be fully operational in 2015. The AU Executive Councilselected the Republic of Kenya to host the AIR Secretariat.

    Addis Ababa January 31, 2014; The African Union Executive Council, in its 24th Ordinary Session on 27 – 28 January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, accepted the offer from the Republic of Kenya to host the African Institute for Remittances (AIR). The Councilrequested the African Union Commission (AUC) to conclude the Host Agreement with the Republic of Kenya so as to ensure the formal take-off of the Institute in 2014. It also requested the World Bank and other development partners to support the Institute. The Institute is expected to be fully operational by the year 2015.
    “I am delighted that the Executive Council has decided that the Republic of Kenya will host the AIR. The establishment of AIR, the first of its kind in the world,is a cornerstone in harnessing Diaspora resourcesfor social and economic development in Africa” said Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission. He also called upon development partners to continue supporting the Institute.
    AIR project partners – AUC, World Bank, European Commission (EC), African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) - agreed to the need for sustained collaboration and coordination ofefforts in support of the Institute to achieve the planned improvement inthe market for remittances and to leverage their impact on development in the continent.
    Background
    The decision to create AIR was taken by the AUC in the framework of the Africa-EU partnership on Migration, Mobility and Employment, for the purpose of leveraging the untapped development potential of remittance flows to the African continent. The magnitude of remittances to Africa has grown remarkably in recent years, gaining the attention of the international development community due to their positive impact on the living standards of beneficiaries. However, their precise volume is unknown and presumed undercounted, their transfer cost remains unacceptably high by international standards and their full potential for economic and social development is largely unexploited.
    Thus the AIR Project was launched in 2010 with funding from the EC, execution by the World Bank in collaboration with AfDB and the IOM),with the primary objective of facilitating the AU Member States and the African Union Commission in establishing AIR.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    For more information, please Contact;
    Ambassador Olawale I. Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs Department: MaiyegunO@africa-union.org
    Ms. Soheyla Mahmoudi, Senior Operations Officer, World Bank: Smahmoudi@worldbank.org
    Mr. Ron Hendrix, Program Manager, EU Delegation to AU: Ron.HENDRIX@eeas.europa.eu
    Ms. Bernadette Dia Kamgnia, African Development Bank: B.KAMGNIA@AFDB.ORG
    Mr. Josiah Ogina, Head of Mission to Ethiopia and Rep to AU/ECA/IGAD, IOM: jogina@iom.int

  • Event
    AUC Chairperson in audience with US Deputy of State
    AUC Chairperson in audience with US Deputy of State
    January 30, 2014

    Press Release Nº31/22nd AU SUMMIT

    AUC Chairperson in audience with US Deputy of State

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 30 January, 2014:The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZumaon Thursday 30 January 2014, granted audience to US Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns who was heading the US delegationto the 22nd Assembly of Heads of State and Government holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 30-31 January 2014.

    The AU Commission Chairperson and the Deputy Secretary of State discussed issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening their cooperation.

    Dr. DlaminiZumahighlighted investment in people, industrialisation, intra-African trade, and others, as important areas in which US partnership with Africa would help the continentto move forward. She underscored the importance of African partners taking the continent’s priority areas into consideration.

    Mr Burns concurred that these are areas in which President Obama takes keen interest in working with Africa to unleash its potential. He noted that these areas would be discussed further in a Summit to be held in August, to which President Obama is inviting African leaders. The US, he said, looks forward to working with the AU on peace and security in South Sudan, Central African Republic and other areas.

    The AUC Chairperson also expressed gratitude to the US for its support inthe airlifting of Rwandan soldiers to support the AU peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic.

    JEE/wzm

    For further information contact
    Directorateof 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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  • Event
    New Chairperson and members of the bureau elected at AU Assembly meeting
    New Chairperson and members of the bureau elected at AU Assembly meeting
    January 30, 2014

    PRESS RELEASE N0.24/ 22nd AU SUMMIT

    New Chairperson and members of the bureau elected at AU Assembly meeting

    Addis Ababa, 30 January 2014. This morning marked the official opening of the 22ndOrdinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union.

    The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced the results of the electionto the Assembly.

    The new Chairperson of the African Union is Mr Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.He replaces former Chairperson Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

    Zimbabwe was elected as first Vice President, the second Vice Presidency went to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the third Vice President is Nigeria. Ethiopia was designated as Rapporteur.
    BBT/ eta/wzm

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    Directorateof 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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  • Event
    Press Briefing H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and H.E Donald Kaberuka, President of AFDB
    January 30, 2014

    INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

    PRESS BRIEFING H.E ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA AND H.E DONALD KABERUKA, PRESIDENT OF AFDB
    Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and H.E Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank ( AfDB) will, on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at 17:30 will hold a press briefing on the following issue:
    - Launching of the report on Fragile States in Africa

    The press briefing will be held in Briefing Room1, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing

    Media Contact

    Mr. MolaletTsedeke
    Media Center Coordinator
    Directorate of Information and Communication
    AU Commission
    Tel:+251911630631
    E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org

    For further information contact

    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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  • Event
    President Abdel Aziz of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania elected African Union Chairperson
    President Abdel Aziz of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania elected African Union Chairperson
    January 30, 2014

    PR NO.25/22ND AU SUMMIT

    President Abdel Aziz of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania elected African Union Chairperson

    Addis Ababa, 30 January 2014- At the opening ceremony of the African Union’s Assembly of Heads of States and Government, the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was elected as the new Chairperson of the Union. He replaces the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr Hailemariam Dessalegn. The Chairpersonship of the African Union rotates annually.

    In his acceptance speech, President Abdel Aziz thanked the Ethiopian government for hosting him and other dignitaries with great warmth and hospitality and commended this as being in the true spirit of African co-operation and development. He emphasised the need for Africa to continue to stand united in its pursuit of development and pointed specifically to the co-operative use of natural resources as a source of strength on the continent.

    President Abdel Aziz highlighted the urgency of integrated environmental protection and food security measures. He hailed 2014, the Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa, as the opportune time to continue work towards sustainable environmental and agricultural practices. He pointed to the harnessing of the Senegal River’s hydroelectric capacity to generate power across the Senegalese, Malian and Mauritanian borders as an example of the success of inter-governmental development efforts and encouraged nations across the continent to strive to work together for sustainable development. Through the co-operative use of water and land resources specifically, he said, Africa can increase the size and yield of its cultivated land and tackle the issues of food insecurity and hunger.

    Effective and innovative development of the energy and agricultural sectors, he said, had the capacity to radically improve the lives of Africa’s diverse citizenry in a number of ways. Transforming the rural economy through modernised irrigation practices as well as transforming the livestock sector will significantly impact economic growth and reduce poverty on the continent. This will, in turn, combat the spread of diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS and improve the general health of Africa’s citizens.

    Speaking on issues of peace and security, the new Chairperson congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo on the signing of a cease fire agreement and was encouraged by the continuing progress towards peace and stability in Tunisia, and the Central African Republic, which recently elected its interim president. President Abdel Aziz underscored the need for African nations to stand in aid of one another during times of conflict and to strengthen Africa’s role and strength in international matters.

    Chairperson Abdel Aziz re-iterated that Africa needs continental solutions to continental issues. He affirmed that with the continent’s vast human and natural resources, Africa has the capacity for rapid and sustainable development which can see it become a world leader in environmental innovation and sustainable growth.
    LFM/wzm

    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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  • Event
    Seven African Countries Lead the Continent in Malaria Control Annual awards – bestowed at the AU – highlight how Africa...
    January 30, 2014

    30 January, 2014 Contact: Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur
    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Saleemah@alma2015.org
    +251 939 643 193
    SEVEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES LEAD THE CONTINENT IN MALARIA CONTROL
    Annual awards – bestowed at the AU – highlight how Africa’s future
    is inextricably tied to progress in defeating malaria
    Today during the official opening of the African Union Summit of heads of state, H.E. Armando Guebuza, President of Mozambique, conferred the 2014 African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Awards for Excellence in Vector Control to Cape Verde, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe,and Swaziland. Each country has demonstrated exemplary leadership in maintaining at least 95% coverage year round of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) and/or Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) interventions, the most important tools in preventing malaria.
    Malaria is a leading cause of child deaths and kills 627,000 people every year, most in Africa. The continent has made tremendous progress in the delivery and use of life-saving tools in the fight against malaria, including LLINs, IRS, rapid diagnostic tests, and effective treatments, including preventative care during pregnancy.

    Yet malaria continues to wreak a huge toll on Africa. It burdens already fragile health systems; it is a leading cause of absenteeism in schools; it negatively impacts agricultural productivity and businesses large and small when employees and entrepreneurs are kept from their work; and it robs African countries of at least USD $12billion every year in economic potential.
    “We cannot lose ground in our struggle to end preventable deaths and suffering from malaria” said President Guebuza, who serves as Chair of ALMA. “Our people and our communities are counting on us to continue to scale proveninterventions to insure that no African loses their livelihood or life to this ancient disease.”
    Last month, the World Malaria Report declared that as a result of significant scaling-up of malaria control interventions, an estimated 3.1 million lives have been saved in Africa since 2000, reducing malaria mortality rates by 49%. And while funding challenges remain, resources for malaria prevention globally have grown from $100 million in 2000 to an estimated $1.9 billion in 2013. ALMA’s current Chair, H. E. President Guebuza of Mozambique, has rallied his peers and partners to increase malaria funding so that we sustain these impressive gains.

    ALMA was founded by H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania to create a platform for Africa’s presidents and prime ministers to accelerate action on malaria prevention and control. ALMA’s second chair, H.E. President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia, continued to promote performance and accountability through the innovative ALMA Scorecard for Accountability and Action. Winners of ALMA’s Awards for Excellence are selected by an independent committee representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Roll Back Malaria (RBM), the private sector, civil society and academia. For more information about ALMA and for a profile of the progress shown by the seven winning countries, please visit www.alma2015.org.

  • Event
    January 30, 2014

    MEDIA ADVISORY

    For Immediate Release
    Addis Ababa, 27 January 2014

    African Girls and Young Women Dialogue with African Leaders at AU Summit and Issue Recommendations Setting out Priorities for the Continent

    Girls and young women are the future of the African continent, yet are seldom heard.

    On 30 January 2014, during an innovative dialogue, some 50 girls and young women will issue a set of recommendations to political and business leaders from around the continent to make their voices heard.

    The High Level Intergenerational Dialogue Breakfast Meeting, organised by the World YWCA, UN Women and the Nike Foundation, takes place as African Union states are poised to determine their common position ahead of the negotiations for what follows the Millennium Development Goals in 2015.

    These girls and young women, representing the continent of Africa, will speak directly to African leaders, and will hand over a statement setting out their priorities and needs for the forthcoming negotiations on the post-2015 agenda to UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

    Media are invited to attend.

    When: January 30, 2014 - from 7.30 – 9.30am

    Where: Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Please register by Wednesday 29 January 2014

    Interviews with participants will be made available upon request.

    Media contacts:

    UN Women: christian.mulumba@unwomen.org /+251 939 846 086
    World YWCA: vivian.hakkak@worldywca.org / +4178 740 24 22
    Nike Foundation: Pete.Lewis@nike.com / +1503 869 9653

    ------------------------------------------------------
    AVIS AUX MÉDIAS

    Pour diffusion immédiate
    Addis-Abeba, le 27 Janvier 2014

    Les filles et les jeunes femmes africaines engagent un dialogue avec les dirigeants africains au Sommet de l'Union Africaine et émettent des recommandations définissant les priorités pour le continent

    Les filles et les jeunes femmes sont l'avenir du continent africain, mais sont rarement entendues.

    Le 30 Janvier 2014, au cours d'un dialogue innovant, quelque 50 jeunes femmes et filles vont émettre une série de recommandations aux dirigeants politiques et économiques de tout le continent africain pour faire entendre leur voix .

    Le dialogue intergénérationnel de haut niveau organisé par l’organisation mondiale du YWCA, l’ONU Femmes et la Fondation Nike, a lieu au moment où les États membres de l'Union Africaine sont prêts à déterminer leur position commune en vue des négociations sur les objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement et l’agenda post-2015.

    Ces jeunes femmes et filles, qui représentent le continent africain, parleront directement aux dirigeants africains, et leur remettront une déclaration énonçant les priorités et les besoins pour les négociations à venir sur l'agenda post -2015 , à travers la Directrice Executive d'ONU Femmes , Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka .

    Les médias sont invités à y assister.

    Quand : 30 Janvier, 2014 - de 7h30 - 09h30

    Où: Radisson Blu Hôtel Addis-Abeba , Ethiopie

    Prière de s’inscrire d’ici Mercredi 29 Janvier 2014

    Les entretiens avec les participants seront disponibles sur requête.

    Contacts pour les médias :

    ONU Femmes : christian.mulumba @ unwomen.org / 251 939 846 086
    YWCA Mondiale : vivian.hakkak @ worldywca.org / +4178 740 24 22
    Fondation Nike : Pete.Lewis @ nike.com / +1503 869 9653

  • Event
    Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Africans Mark Opening Session of African Union Assembly Meeting
    Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Africans Mark Opening Session of African...
    January 30, 2014

    PRESS RELEASE No. 23 / 22nd AU SUMMIT

    Email from the Future, Election of New Chairperson and Awards to Prominent Africans Mark Opening Session of African Union Assembly Meeting

    Addis Ababa, 30 January 2014- An “email from the future” delivered by African Union Commission Chairperson Dr NkosazanaDlaminiZuma has served to encourage Africa to continue its fifty year development agenda (Agenda 2063), with the confidence that it is possible for the continent to achieve prosperity, integration and peace within that time, or less.

    Delivered during the opening of the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the email is written to a hypothetical “Kwame Nkrom” by “Nkosazana”.

    Speaking from the year 2063, after the full implementation of Africa’s Agenda 2063, the email lauds the progress achieved in initiatives that are, at present, being pursued by Africa. These include programmes on achieving an integrated Africa,developing industry and manufacturing, advanced use of information and communication technologies, mastery over the oceans and their wealth, beneficiation of minerals and natural resources, intra African trade, and sufficient infrastructure. In her message to “Kwame”, “Nkosazana” talks about an Africa that has turned itself from an importer of food to a major exporter.
    “My friend, Africa has indeed transformed herself from an exporter of raw materials with a declining manufacturing sector in 2013, to become a major food exporter, a global manufacturing hub, a knowledge centre,” the email reads.

    The Africa of 2063, according to the email, isno longer a dark continent but rather one which islit up using hydro, solar, wind, and geo-thermal energy, in addition to fossil fuels. It isan Africa at peace with itself after having tackled the root causes of conflict. The email compliments the continent’s commitment to invest in its people, especially in the empowerment of young people and women, as being key issues that made peace happen. It mentions the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of Organisation of African Unity held in May 2013 as having been the start of a major paradigm shift: a point where Africa took charge of its own narrative.

    After reading her “email from the future”, the Chairperson sent a word of encouragement to all of Africa, that the contents of the email can be a reality. “It is impossible until it is done,” she concluded.

    In the meantime, Dr Dlamini-Zuma announced the appointment of Mrs BintaDiop as Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, “to ensure that the voices of women and the vulnerable are heard much more clearly in peace-building and in conflict resolution”.

    The opening session of the Assembly was also addressed by the Under Secretary General of the United Nations, who spoke about how the African Union and the United Nations can work together to address pressing crises and to build on Africa’s progress, announcing that “The United Nations is your unwavering partner” in the quest for advancement and growth.

    The meeting, which elected President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania as the Chairperson of the African Union for the coming one year and Zimbabwe as the first Vice Chairperson, also heard from the newly elected President of the Republic of Madagascar Mr RajonarimamnianinaRakotoarimanana who paid tribute to his country men and women for making the choice for the restoration of constitutional order and going to the ballot box to elect their leaders. He proclaimed a new dawn for development, peace and security in his country but also added the urgent need for vital assistance for the country to realize its full potential.

    President Jacob Zuma of South Africa took the floor to express his country’s appreciation for Africa’s support during the death and burial of its former President Mr Nelson Mandela last year. He paid homage to other African countries for having supported and harboured not just the leadership of the struggle against apartheid, but also many other South African liberation fighters and activists.

    The Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti, Mr. Laurent Salvador Lamothe took to the stage to deliver the message of Haitian solidarity with Africa on behalf of the country’s President, Mr. Michel Joseph Martelly.

    Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr HaileMarianDesalegn gave his final address as Chairperson of the African Union before handing over to President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. A press release on the Prime Minister’s statement as well as the statement itself is available at www.au.int

    The opening ceremony also saw the presentation of US$100 000 prizes under the Kwame Nkurumah Scientific Awards to two prominent African scientists; awards to Heads of State and Governments who have successfully championed the fights against malaria, launch of 2014 as the Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa and an acceptance statement by the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Press releases on all the events are also available at www.au.int as is the full list of the new bureau of the African Union.
    WZM

    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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  • Event
    Press briefing of Deputy Chairperson of the AUC
    Press briefing of Deputy Chairperson of the AUC
    January 30, 2014

    INVITATION TO THE MEDIA
    PRESS BRIEFING OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE AUC
    Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC will, on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at 15:00 hold a press briefing on the following issue:
    - Institutional Capacity Building
    The briefing will be held in Small Conference Hall 4, at the new AU
    Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing Media Contact
    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke
    Media Center Coordinator
    Directorate of Information and Communication AU Commission
    Tel: +251911630631
    E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org
    For further information contact
    Directorate of information and communication /African union commission/ E- mail:dinfo@africa- union.org/Web site: www.au.int/ Addis Ababa / Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUcommision
    Learn more at:
    http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit

  • Event
    Press briefing of the African Court and African Commission
    January 30, 2014

    PRESS BRIEFING OF THE AFRICAN COURT AND AFRICAN COMMISSION
    Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, African Court and African Commission, will on Thursday, 30 January 2014 at16:30 hold a briefing on the following issue:
    - Relationship between the two institutions
    - Development since the last summit
    - The recent cases handled by the court
    During the press conference the following panelists will address the media:
    - Hon. Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo, President of the Court
    - Hon. Justice Bernard M Ngoepe, Vice President of the Court
    - Hon. Justice Ben Kioko, Member of the Court
    - Hon. Commissioner Zainabou Sylvie Kayitesi
    The briefing will be held in Briefing room 1, at the new AU Conference Center, in
    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing
    Media Contact
    Mr. Molalet Tsedeke
    Media Center Coordinator
    Directorate of Information and Communication AU Commission
    Tel: +251911630631
    E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org
    For further information contact
    Directorate of information and communication /African union commission/ E- mail:dinfo@africa- union.org/Web site: www.au.int/ Addis Ababa / Ethiopia
    Follow us
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africanunioncommision Twitter: https://twitter.com/Africanunion
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUcommision
    Learn more at:
    http://summits.au.int/en/22ndsummit
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