Events
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January 23, 2015
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma learned with profound sadness the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. The King died on Thursday 22 January, 2015 at the age of 90.
King Abdullah was a moderate reformer who has driven his country’s political and economic development forward. The King advocated for women’s rights particularly in the areas of education, political participation and economic independence.
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia changed to become more progressive and inclusive.
On behalf of the African Union Commission, the Chairperson expresses her sincere condolences to the Royal family and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission -
January 18, 2015
Addis Ababa, 18 January 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the announcements made by the Libyan National Army and the Libya Dawn Coalition to observe a cessation of hostilities. She recalls that the AU has repeatedly appealed to the Libyan parties to bring to an immediate end the violence tearing their country apart and resort to dialogue, as the only way to overcome their differences and respond to the aspirations of their people to peace, democracy, the rule of law and socio-economic wellbeing. She urges the Libyan parties to live up to their expressed commitment and to build on this positive development, with the view to expediting the search for a lasting solution to the current crisis.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU's commitment, working with the countries of the region, as well as with the larger international community, including the United Nations, within the framework of the International Contact Group for Libya (ICG-L), to continue supporting the Libyan people and stakeholders as they strive to address the daunting challenges facing their country and promote genuine national reconciliation. She stresses that a peaceful, stable and democratic Libya will be a tremendous asset for the continent as a whole. -
January 17, 2015
Addis Ababa, 17 January 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the convening, by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), in Geneva, on 14 and 15 January 2015, of the first round of the Libyan political dialogue, aimed at facilitating the resolution of the multidimensional crisis facing Libya. She reiterates the AU’s support to the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Mr. Bernardino Leon.
The Chairperson of the Commission urges the Libyan stakeholders to demonstrate the required political commitment and spirit of compromise to end the ongoing violence, complete the current transition and achieve national reconciliation. She reiterates AU’s conviction that there can be no military solution to the current crisis in Libya. She looks forward to the holding, as scheduled, of a new round of dialogue next week, in Geneva, and encourages all concerned Libyan stakeholders to participate in the planned talks and extend the necessary cooperation to the UN Special Representative.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s commitment to contribute in whatever way possible to the search of a lasting solution to the crisis in Libya. In this respect, the Commission is taking steps for the convening, on 28 January 2015, in Addis Ababa, of the second ministerial-level meeting of the International Contact Group for Libya (ICG-L), which was established by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its 459th meeting held in New York, on 23 September 2014. Building on the outcome of the inaugural meeting of the ICG-L, which took place in Addis Ababa on 3 December 2014, the second meeting will provide an opportunity to review the prevailing situation in Libya, as well as international and regional efforts to address the challenges at hand, and to chart the best way forward.
The Chairperson of the Commission seizes this opportunity to reiterate the AU’s appreciation to the countries of the region for their sustained efforts and commitment. She stresses the critical importance of their continued involvement, noting that their deep knowledge of the situation puts them in a position to effectively contribute to the emergence of a Libyan consensus and the search for a lasting solution to the current crisis. -
January 16, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16 January 2015: African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Friday, 16 January 2015, met with Dr. Fang Liu, China’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation organization (ICAO).
Accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, the delegation presented the candidacy of Dr. Fang Liu to the AU Commission Chairperson seeking her support for the position. Dr. Liu highlighted the contribution of the civil aviation in the development of the global economy as well as ICAO’s long-term forecast for scheduled traffic to the year 2030. She underlined her experience and vision for the industry if elected.
AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Dlamini Zuma also noted the importance of civil aviation industry in economic development and continental integration. She pledged African support of Dr. Liu’s candidacy for the position of Secretary General of ICAO.
The ICAO is United Nations Specialised Agency on civil aviation matters created in 1944. It has 191 Member States, with a 36 Member Governing Council, eight of which are from Africa.
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January 12, 2015
The AU committed to extend all necessary support to the regional efforts to combat Boko Haram
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 12 January 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, strongly condemns the despicable attacks that the Boko Haram terrorist group continues to commit in various parts of Nigeria and elsewhere in the region. The Chairperson is especially horrified by the recent massacre perpetrated in the town of Baga, in Borno State, and in a market in Potiskum, northeast Nigeria, with the involvement of female suicide bombers, one reported to be as young as ten years old.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s full solidarity with the people and Government of Nigeria, and expresses her deep sympathy to the families of the victims.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s commitment to continue working with Nigeria and the other countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), as well as with Benin, towards the mobilization of the required international support to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) mandated by the countries of the region to combat the Boko Haram terrorist group. The Commission will expedite its consultations with the countries of the region towards the effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the communiqué adopted on this issue by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) on 25 November 2014.
The Chairperson of the Commission appeals to the larger international community to renew its unity and support to the countries of the region, in order to defeat the Boko Haram terrorist group, whose only agenda is to cause havoc, destruction and death. She stresses the urgency of a coordinated African and international response, in view of the increasing threat that the Boko Haram terrorist group and terrorism in general poses to regional peace and security.
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January 08, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8 January 2015: The Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Paul Bulus Zom Lolo, on Thursday, 8 January 2015 bid farewell to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Ambassador Lolo has been newly appointed by H.E. President Goodluck Jonathan as a Permanent Secretary in charge of career management in the Nigerian Federal Civil Service, and was, therefore, rounding up his tenure in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Congratulating Ambassador Lolo on his new position, the AU Commission Chairperson expressed her excitement over the new assignment which comes with significant challenges and responsibilities. She noted that the new position should provide a unique opportunity for Amb. Lolo to further spread the overarching vision and programmes of the AU, including the AU-wide Agenda 2063 at the national level.
Since assuming duties in November 2014, the new portfolio of the outgoing Ambassador will involve training, succession planning and career management across the national civil service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He summed up his time as Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the African Union, as “being very challenging, but also hugely rewarding.”
While upholding the place of the AU in continental and global politics, he pledged to remain a staunch advocate of the work of the Union anytime and anywhere. He expressed the view that the affairs of the AU Commission were in the right hands.
Both the Chairperson and the outgoing Ambassador also discussed other issues of prime importance, including Nigeria’s upcoming elections and issues relating to the alternative sources of funding the AU. H.E. Lolo assured the Chairperson that, although the elections that are expected to take place in about five weeks from now, they will be quite competitive, and all efforts were being made to ensure that it is peaceful, fair and transparent, thereby ushering in the fifth term of an unbroken civilian democratic rule.
The AU Chairperson wished him the very best for the season and in his career.
JEE/
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 08, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 8 January 2015. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma strongly condemns the horrific and barbaric terrorist attack in which 12 people were killed and several others wounded at the Head Quarters of the French Satirical Magazine, Charlie Hebdo, in Paris, France.
The AU Commission Chairperson described the tragic incident as a clear attack on press freedom and all other forms freedom of expression. This act of terrorism, as with all others that continue to be perpetuated around the world, must be condemned and fought against with unreserved energy by the international community.
She expresses her sincere condolences to the bereaved families and the speedy recovery of the wounded. The AU Commission Chairperson also conveys her support and solidarity, and that of the AU to the Government and the people of France.
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 06, 2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 January 2015: The newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Mr. Moon-hwan Kim, on Tuesday, 6 January 2015 presented his Letter of Credence to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
Following the presentation of the Letter of Credence, H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma and H.E. Moon-hwan Kim held a brief discussion around possible areas of common interest and collaboration. The AUC Chairperson highlighted some of the continent’s priority areas, amongst which are skills development focusing on science, technology and engineering; agriculture and agro-processing; industrialisation and infrastructural development.
Appreciating the increasing political stability and economic growth in Africa, Ambassador Moon-hwan Kim said Africa is a top priority for his country’s Foreign Policy, and that cooperation with the AU will focus on areas where they have comparative advantage.
The Chairperson congratulated H.E. Moon-hwan Kim on his appointment and expressed her readiness to work closely with him towards strengthening the existing relationship between the AU and the Republic of Korea.
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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January 06, 2015AU Commission Chairperson in consultation with her Special Representative for Somalia, post AMISOM attack
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 January 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Tuesday, 6 January 2015 held consultations with her Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), H.E. Dr. Maman Sidikou.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Ambassador Maman Sidikou discussed ways of enhancing support for the AU Mission in Somalia, particularly following the 25 December 2014 attack against the Halane base camp of the AMISOM by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group).
“We felt bad about the attack, knowing how well AMISOM is doing,” the Chairperson said. She had, immediately after the incident, issued a statement in which she outrightly condemned the terrorist attack.
The Chairperson had also expressed her condolences for the victims of the attack, while saluting the courage and bravery of the AMISOM personnel and its leadership. Amb. Maman Sidikou confirmed that the Chairperson’s message was very well received by the staff of the Mission.
During the discussion with her Special Representative, the Chairperson raised the need to build a hall of remembrance, at AU Headquarters, in remembrance of all fallen AU peacekeepers, including those from other peacekeeping missions from the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and others.
“Peacekeepers contribution is unique to peace in Africa, and the rest of the world. Somalia had been written off, but it is back.” She added.
They also discussed ways of improving the AU’s support to the Government of Somalia notably by equipping AMISOM forces with professional such as those from the medical and engineering corps.
For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | EthiopiaFollow us
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December 31, 2014The African Union notes with concern the latest developments in the Gambia
Addis Ababa, 31 December 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is closely following the situation in The Gambia. She notes with concern the latest developments in the country and urges for calm.
The Chairperson of the Commission calls on all concerned to work towards development, preserving peace in the country, deepening democracy and promoting human rights, consistent with the relevant AU instruments, including the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. -
December 26, 2014The African Union Strongly Condemns the Terrorist Attack Against the Amisom Base Camp in Mogadishu
Addis Ababa, 26 December 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has learnt with shock and dismay of the attack carried out yesterday, 25 December 2014, by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group against the Halane base camp of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), close to Mogadishu International Airport.
The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns this criminal and terrorist attack. She praises the AMISOM troops and police for their quick response and courage in neutralizing the assailants.
The Chairperson of the Commission commiserates with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives during the attack. She pays tributes to the troop and police contributing countries for their continued commitment and sacrifices in support of the Somali people and leaders.
The Chairperson of the Commission once again commends the AMISOM personnel and leadership for their sense of duty and bravery. She stresses that yesterday's attack will only strengthen the resolve of the AU, notably through AMISOM, working jointly with the Somali security forces, to completely defeat the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and create the required security conditions for the successful stabilization of Somalia and the lasting restoration of peace and reconciliation. -
December 18, 2014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 18 December 2014: African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates the Government and People of the Republics of Namibia, and Mauritius for conducting transparent, credible and peaceful elections, on 28 November and 10 December 2014 respectively.
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) initial findings contained in its Preliminary Reports concluded that both elections were conducted in line with African and International best practices and standards. The Chairperson of the Commission endorses the preliminary recommendations presented by the AUEOM to Namibia and Mauritius and encourages the both Governments to consider implementing the recommendations for greater democratic and governance gains in their respective countries.
The AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) deployed to Namibia, from 18 November to 3 December 2014, was headed by H.E. Ms. Fatuma Ndangiza, Chairperson of AU Peer Review Mechanism Eminent Persons, while that deployed to the Republic of Mauritius, from 4 to 14 December 2014, was headed by H.E. Dr. Aminata Toure, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma also commends the extraordinary hard work and commitment of both H.E. Ms. Fatuma Ndangiza, and H.E. Dr. Aminata Toure, for successfully leading the Missions.
The Chairperson encourages the Government and People of both Namibia and Mauritius to continue in the same path of democratic stability through popular participation, democratic institutionalisation and good governance.