Events
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November 10, 2014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 10 November 2014: African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, on 10 November 2014, to attend the funeral of the late Zambian President Michael Sata.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma left the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to join other continental and world leaders who will be paying their last respect to the former President who died in London on 28 October 2014. She is due to speak at the final funeral ceremony due to take place on 11 November 2014.
Following the announcement of President Sata’s death, the AUC Chairperson immediately sent her condolence message to President Sata’s family as well as the people of Zambia. She ordered for the flags to fly at half-mast at AU Headquarters from 29 October until burial. Accompanied by the AUC Deputy Chairperson H.E. Erastus Mwencha, Dr. Dlamini Zuma signed the condolence book opened at the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia.
Media contact
Jacob Enoh Eben | Spokesperson of the Chairperson | | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org or Spokesperson@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | Ethiopia -
November 07, 2014
The AU calls for renewed efforts to stabilize northern Mali and promote lasting peace and security in the country
Addis Ababa, 7 November 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the conclusions of the meeting of the African troop contributing countries to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), as well as other countries of the region and international stakeholders, held in Niamey, Niger, on 5 November 2014. She commends President Mahamadou Issoufou and the Government of Niger for having taken the initiative to convene this important meeting, in which the AU participated and that took place in a context marked by the resurgence of terrorist attacks in northern Mali.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the call made by the Niamey ministerial meeting regarding the need for the early enhancement of MINUSMA, in terms of means and resources, with a view to enabling it to fulfill its mandate more effectively. She also expresses the AU’s support to the other measures proposed to enhance the effectiveness of MINUSMA. She urges the United Nations Security Council to give its full support to the conclusions of the Niamey meeting and, in this regard, looks forward to the follow-up steps that the Security Council will take. She renews the AU’s appreciation to the troop contributing countries for their commitment, and urgently appeals to all the AU Member States in a position to do so to contribute uniformed personnel to MINUSMA, to enable the Mission to quickly reach its authorized strength.The Chairperson of the Commission echoes the conclusions of the ministerial meeting on the importance of the rapid conclusion of the inter-Malian talks that are due to resume in Algiers, on 15 November 2014, noting that the conclusion of an Agreement between the Government of Mali and the armed movements in the North would make it possible to more effectively combat the terrorist and criminal groups operating in that part of the country. She, once again, welcomes the significant advances recorded within the framework of the Algiers Process, and reiterates AU’s full support to the mediation efforts led by Algeria, with the participation of the countries of the region and the concerned international organizations, including the AU.
The Chairperson of the Commission stresses that, as a follow up to the request made by the Niamey ministerial meeting, the Commission will speed up the reflection on the establishment of a rapid intervention force for northern Mali, within the framework of the Nouakchott Process on the Enhancement of Security Cooperation and the Operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in the Sahelo-Saharan region, with the view of submitting detailed recommendations to the AU Peace and Security Council. In the meantime, the Commission will pursue the efforts already initiated, in the context of the Nouakchott Process, in order to promote more timely and effective exchange of intelligence and information among the countries of the sahelo-saharan region, as well as the enhancement of national
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November 07, 2014
Addis Ababa, 7 November 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the outcomes of the visit of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to Sudan, undertaken from 4 to 6 November 2014. During its visit, the AUHIP met with a cross section of the Sudanese stakeholders, including Senior Government officials, the National Dialogue 7+7 Steering Committee, the National Consensus Forum, women civil society groups, as well as other opposition groups. The AUHIP was received in audience by President Omar Hassan Al Bashir.
The AUHIP was informed that, on 2 November 2014, the first General Assembly of the National Dialogue was convened, with the participation of various Sudanese political parties. In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission commends the General Assembly for adopting the Addis Ababa Agreement of 5 September 2014 between the 7+7 Steering Committee and the Paris Declaration Group. She also commends the General Assembly for endorsing the proposal to convene the 7+7 Steering Committee with the armed movements at the AU Commission, in Addis Ababa, during the month of November 2014. The AUHIP was informed that this meeting would brief the armed movements on the National Dialogue process, including presenting them with all documents submitted to and endorsed by the General Assembly hitherto, the procedure of calling the National Dialogue and the various structures of the National Dialogue. This is intended to create an enabling environment and building trust between the parties involved. Most of all, this meeting is designed to achieve the strategic principle of inclusivity that should facilitate ownership of the process by all Sudanese.
The Chairperson of the Commission notes with satisfaction that the AUHIP also shared the concerns of the opposition parties and civil society groups with the 7+7 Steering Committee. In this regard, the 7+7 Steering Committee agreed to develop a methodology that ensures timely sharing of critical information with the Sudanese nation, including through regular interactions with all Sudanese stakeholders. The Chairperson of the Commission acknowledges that such steps are in line with the understanding that this is a national process that should be conducted in a transparent, inclusive and fair manner such that it could be owned by the people of Sudan.The Chairperson of the Commission welcomes the commitment expressed by the Government of Sudan that negotiations on cessation of hostilities, immediately leading to a comprehensive security arrangements agreement, shall resume on 12 and 22 November, in Addis Ababa, with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM/N) and the Darfur movements, respectively. These shall be conducted under the auspices of the AUHIP and in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the Joint Special Representative for the AU-United Nations Hybrid Operation (UNAMID), respectively.
In light of the communiqué of the 456th meeting of the Peace and Security Council and the 7+7 Roadmap, the Chairperson of the Commission wishes to underscore that all the Sudanese stakeholders should immediately establish a conducive environment for the holding of the National Dialogue. She encourages the Government to expedite its efforts towards implementing the agreed confidence-building measures, including the release of all political detainees and prisoners, as well as the adoption and implementation of all necessary steps to ensure political freedoms.
The AU, through the AUHIP, remains committed to working with the Sudanese people in the search for a lasting solution to the various challenges facing them.
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October 30, 2014
A Joint Delegation to be urgently dispatched to Burkina Faso
Addis Ababa, 30 October 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation in Burkina Faso and is following its evolution very closely. She has called for calm and utmost restraint from all the parties concerned.
She urges the Burkinabe political actors and people to refrain from all acts of violence and act in the supreme interest of their country.The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union has urgently dispatched a High-Level Team that will form part of a Joint Delegation comprising the AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations (UN) to Burkina Faso to consult with all the Burkinabe stakeholders. In this regard, the Chairperson appeals to the Burkinabe authorities to facilitate the visit of the Joint Delegation.
The Chairperson assures the people of Burkina Faso of the unflinching support of the AU, as they look for political solutions to the current difficulties facing their country.
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October 29, 2014
African Union Mourns with Zambia
I learned with profound sadness the death of Zambia’s President H.E. Michael Sata.
Since his election as Zambia’s fifth President in September 2011, President Sata has actively participated in the activities of the African Union.I will remember him for frankness and forthrightness during debates within and outside the continent.
While the continent sorrowfully joins the first family, the Government and people of Zambia in mourning President Sata, I have asked that the flags fly at half-mast at the African Union Headquarters.
On behalf of the African Union I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the first family, the Government and people of Zambia.H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Chairperson, African Union Commission -
October 27, 2014
Press Release Nº 295/2014
Togo’s Permanent Representative to the AU presents letter of Credence to the AU Chairperson
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 27 October, 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has welcomed the new Permanent Representative of the Republic of Togo to the African Union and Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Ekpao Nolaki.
H.E. Nolaki presented his letter of credence to the AU Commission Chairperson on Monday 27 October 2014, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He commended the Chairperson’s full engagement and commitment in fighting the Ebola Virus Disease, as well as her promotion of peace and development in the continent.
The AUC Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulated him for his appointment. She reiterated the AU’s support in ensuring a successful tour of duty. Dr Dlamini Zuma pledged the AU’s support in upcoming elections in 2015, as well as the Extra-ordinary Summit on Maritime Security and Development planned for November 2015.
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 | Ethiopia
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October 25, 2014
Addis Ababa, 25 October 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, expresses profound shock and dismay at the two terrorist attacks directed at Egyptian security forces at Sheikh Zuweid and Al-Arish border posts in Sinai, on 24 October 2014, resulting in the death of over 30 military personnel.
The Chairperson of the Commission condemns, in the strongest terms possible, these cowardly and terrorist attacks, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. She offers AU’s heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Egypt, as well as to the bereaved families. She wishes speedy recovery to those wounded in these attacks.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the need for continued and coordinated African efforts to prevent and combat the scourge of terrorism. In this respect, she stresses the importance of the measures agreed upon by the Peace and Security Council at its meeting held in Nairobi on 2 September 2014, and urges all Member States to actively work towards their effective implementation
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October 25, 2014
AUC, AfDB and ECA confident that countries will beat Ebola Virus Disease
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire - 25 October 2014.
Leaders of three Pan-African institutions – the African Union Commission’s Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the African Development Bank’s Dr Donald Kaberuka, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Dr. Carlos Lopes – concluded a solidarity tour on Friday 24 October 2014 in Conakry, Guinea.The visit ended with a confident call to step up resource mobilisation, enhance coordination, fight stigmatization, promote Africa’s readiness for business and its continued rise. Starting off in Ghana, the visit took in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire, before rounding off in Guinea.
They met with Heads of Government, cabinet Ministers, parliamentarians, civil society and media in the affected countries, as well as with leaders of two neighbouring countries, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Ghana also hosted the delegation in its capacity as the current President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The primary purpose of the visit was to show solidarity in the spirit of Ubuntu, to shore up more resources to support the Governments and peoples of these countries, and to engage with leaders on their national efforts and strategies in response to Ebola.
Their discussions focused on the immediate public health needs, in particular arresting the spread of the disease, as well as on the immediate and longer-term social and economic impact of Ebola. They saluted the courage, resilience and determination of the Governments and the people in overcoming the panic phase, embarking on massive public education around how the disease is spread, modes of prevention, social mobilization, contact tracing, testing and treatment, and also managing deaths and burials.
They recognised the stepped up contributions of the international community in providing financial, technical, infrastructural and medical support to the fight against the EVD, and urged all to do still more.
They appreciated the response to the AUC Chairperson’s appeal for AU Member States to make available medical personnel as soon as possible. Many countries heeded the call, with some 2000 health workers from the African continent pledged.
They said that enhancing coordination becomes even more critical, at both the national and international levels. Resources must be channeled to support the strategies, structures and procedures laid down by the Governments of the three affected countries. Accountability and transparency must be given at every level.
The AfDB’s contribution – currently at over 220 million USD – includes supporting the international response, budgetary support for the deployment of health workers from across Africa and the diaspora, as well as supporting the health systems in the three countries, including training local health extension and community workers.
The group shared the concern that stigmatisation is hurting not just those suffering from Ebola, but the whole continent of Africa. It felt that the virus – and perceptions about it – cannot be allowed to affect the economic prospects of the fastest growing continent. The group strongly believed that the Mano River Basin countries, now at the epicenter of the epidemic, continue to have some of the best economic prospects of the continent. In continuing to call for a lifting of all travel bans, it was pleased to hear that Côte d’Ivoire has resumed flights to Guinea this week, and will do so with Sierra Leone and Liberia in the coming days.
With all the national, continental and international efforts, the heads of the Pan-African institutions came back more energised to continue the fight to defeat the negative predictions and ensure that the continent remains on track to build the Africa we want.
For further information:
Jacob Enoh Eben, African Union Commission, tel. +251 11 55 17 700 EnohEbenj@africa-union.org
Bakary Sanogo, African Development Bank, tel. +225 01 15 18 18, b.sanogo@afdb.org
Sophia Denekew, Economic Commission for Africa, tel. +251 911 197 696, denekews@uneca.org -
October 24, 2014
Cote d’Ivoire resumes flight to Ebola-hit countries
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire – 24 October 2014: President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire has informed the African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her delegation that the country’s national carrier, Air Ivoire, has resumed flights to Conakry, Guinea. He told the AUC Chairperson on Friday 24 October 2014 when they paid him a courtesy call at his residence in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
President Ouattara announced that flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone will begin on Sunday 26 October 2014.
Accompanying the AUC Chairperson to the courtesy call with President Ouattara were African Development Bank President Dr. Donald Kaberuka and United Nations Economic Community for Africa Executive Secretary Dr. Carlos Lopez. These leaders of pan-African instutions are embarking on these visits to not only share solidarity with the sisterly countries, but also to step up the needed support to end the deadly Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.
The leaders of the three institutions are also fighting challenges of stigmatization around Ebola, as well as embarking on actions aimed at overcoming the immediate and long-term negative consequences of the Ebola outbreak.During the meeting President Ouattara said Cote d’Ivoire had not resumed flights due to lack of will, but rather the lack of necessary equipment to carry out departure and arrival screening at the ports of entry and exit.
Cote d’Ivoire will soon be announcing its medical personnel contribution once they complete an ongoing training exercise. Meanwhile, the country will have its business people also attending the meeting of African business people being planned for 8th November 2014, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Media contact
Jacob Enoh Eben | Spokesperson of the Chairperson | | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org or Spokesperson@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaTawanda Chisango | Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182029 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int |Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 23, 2014
Press Release Nº 289/2014
Fighting Ebola: a warm no-handshake reception in Ebola-affected countries
Freetown, Sierra Leone – 23 October 2014: On day two of their visit to the Ebola-affected countries, African Union Commission Chairperson HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, accompanied by UN Economic Commission for Africa’s Executive Secretary Dr. Carlos Lopes, came face to face with the fight against the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease, as they touched down at the Sierra Leone’s Lungi international airport.
They were greeted with no handshakes. Officials bowed, in gentle reverence as they ushered the guests and members of the delegation, one after the other, to wash their hands with chlorine water and had temperatures taken with infrared thermometer.
This safety procedure is repeatedly performed at every enterance and exit of public building. It is the same for arrival and departure at airports in Sierra Leone and Liberia, which they visited on Thursday 23 October 2014.
Meeting with Sierra Leone’s President H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, some cabinet Ministers and Parliament in the morning, and later in the afternoon with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, their determination and resilience to fight ebola was evident. Their implementation plans were on course, but the resources and coordination still remain critical challenges.
In turns, Dr. Dlamini Zuma briefed them on her efforts to mobilise massive medical personnel and get the airlines flying in and out of the affected countries. “After deploying AU Volunteers, we have written to the Heads of State, asking them to volunteer more human resources. Some of them have started responding, while we are still waiting for others to respond. Already, the East African Community have pledged about 600, while the DRC is ready to send about 1000, beginning with a batch of 200. And we are convening on 8th November a meeting of business people on the continent to discuss and agree on how they can engage in this now, and even after Ebola. I have also spoken to the CAF Executive, and the artists. Everyone must play a role.” She told Sierra Leone’s President.
President Koroma hailed the AUC Chairperson’s efforts. “The approach you have taken is most welcome. Human resource is an area that has been lacking. Because of the spread, the more fighting centres are available, the better. And offers from Member States are most welcome, given that they have the field experience.”
Sierra Leone’s President laid emphasis on the urgent need to lift the travel restrictions and resume commercial flights. “Your visit will send signals that people can come in and leave without carrying the virus,” he told the delegation. He noted the devastating impact that the travel restrictions are having on the economy and social life, and even in the post-Ebola period. He stressed the need for the international community to press for movement in and out of the region.
The AUC Chairperson also briefed them on her shuttle diplomacy in getting the the airlines to fly again, as well as getting countries to grant landing rights. France, the UK and the US have pledged to provide support with screening facilities at the ports of entry and departure, to step up already existing facilities.
Media contact
Jacob Enoh Eben | Spokesperson of the Chairperson | | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org or Spokesperson@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaTawanda Chisango | Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182029 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int |Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 22, 2014
AUC Chair takes fight against Ebola to another level
Accra, Ghana – 22 October 2014: Ghana’s Vice President H.E. Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has assured the African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma of his country’s readiness to take the lead in allowing regional flights to land, as well as ships dock on Ghana’s ports, once proper screening methods have been assured.
Accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Dr. Carlos Lopes, the AUC Chairperson met with Ghana’s Vice President and Ministers on the first lap of their visit to the Ebola-affected countries.
“We thought it was important to meet with you, given that Ghana is the current Chair of ECOWAS, but also as a Member State in the sub-region with an important role to play. We will discuss some of the issues raised at the last Emergency meeting of the Executive Council,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma said before proceeding to engage in discussions with the Ghanaian authorities on issues including flights, and the need to step up the mobilization of human and financial resources.
The AU's emergency meeting took a decision on opening boarders, but there is a challenge about flights, which the airlines have raised, including the arrival and departure screening at the ports. Ghana’s VP accepted the call, to join with a few other countries, to lead the way.
H.E. Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur outlined Ghana’s public education efforts, health service training and infrastructure in readiness to deal with Ebola, should there be any emergence of cases within its borders. Appreciating the presence of the UNECA Executive Secretary, he drew attention to the ongoing and potentially devastating socio-economic consequences of the disease outbreak in the economies of these countries as well as that of the region and beyond.
“We need a comprehensive and coordinated regional response to the outbreak,” he echoed President John Mahama’s earlier call..
The AUC Chair also took the opportunity to brief the Vice President on an upcoming meeting of business people being convened in Addis Ababa to raise funds to support efforts on the ground. “It's not only a responsibility of Governments, but also business people, artists, civil society, and everyone,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma insisted.
The AUC and UNECA leaders will be in Freetown and Monrovia on Thursday 23 October 2014, and later on Friday 24 October be joined in Abidjan by African Development Bank President Dr Donald Kaberuka for the Guinea lap of the visit.
The third batch of volunteers of the ASEOWA (African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa) are expected to be deployed within a week.
Media contact
Jacob Enoh Eben | Spokesperson of the Chairperson | | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org or Spokesperson@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaTawanda Chisango | Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182029 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int |Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 21, 2014
AU Commission Chairperson to visit Ebola-affected countries
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 21 October 2014: As the African Union Commission heightens its response to the Ebola epidemic, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will travel to the West African sub-region to assess the situation firsthand. She will be accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Dr. Carlos Lopes and the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Donald Kaberuka.
The AU Commission Chairperson and the delegation will visit Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, during which she is expected to meet with all the Heads of State and Government of the affected countries to express solidarity and to get an appreciation first hand of the issues on the ground.
Dr. Dlamini Zuma’s delegation will meet with the President of Ghana, H.E. John Mahama in his capacity as Chair of the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS), critical issues aimed at accelerating the fight against Ebola, as well as measures needed to alleviate the socio-economic consequences of the disease outbreak. Dr. Dlamini Zuma will continue to press on for more support from AU Member States.
Last week, Dr. Dlamini Zuma wrote to African Heads of State and Government appealing for more medical volunteers to assist with the dire needs to stem the epidemic that is fast becoming a major threat to Africa’s peace and security and socio-economic development.
‘We remain committed and in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in West Africa to put the Ebola epidemic epidemic under control”, said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the AU Commission Chairperson. “We commend the ongoing continental and global efforts, but frankly, a lot more needs to be done to raise the needed resources considering the magnitude and rate of increase of the epidemic. The continent must mobilise the human resources needed as a matter of urgency”, she added.
The Chairperson’s visit to the region follows an earlier visit by the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko to affected countries and to Ghana two weeks earlier. In addition to the emergency meetings of its Executive and Peace and Security Councils creating the African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak (Operation ASEOWA), and the providing financial assistance, the AU has deployed medical volunteers to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Deployment to Guinea will follow soon.
Media contact
Jacob Enoh Eben | Spokesperson of the Chairperson | | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org or Spokesperson@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int|Addis Ababa | EthiopiaTawanda Chisango | Social Affairs | African Union Commission |Tel: +251115182029 | E-mail: Chisangot@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int |Addis Ababa | Ethiopia