Events

Press Release Nº112/2014

AUC Chairperson attends AfDB Annual Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 21 May, 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZumaarrives in Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday 21 May 2014, to participate in the 49th annual meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) holding in Kigali, Rwanda, from 19-23 May 2014.

Dr. DlaminiZuma will be participating in some panel discussions. One of the panel discussions takes place Wednesday 21 May 2014, focusing on the theme, “Leadership for the Africa we Want”. It will address two issues for discussion: 1) How can we nurture visionary African leadership to address any leadership deficit and engender trust in policies; 2) Does Africa need effective institutions more than it needs strong leaders?

Co-panelists will include: H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda;H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon; H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; H. E. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, former President, Republic of South Africa; Hon. OlusegunObasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

The AUC Chairperson will also attend the official opening of the meeting taking place on Thursday, 22 May 2014. The annual meetingwill be attended by Heads of States, finance ministers and the governors of the central banks from the53 regional member countries (RMC) of the AfDB

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Addis Ababa, 19 May 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, wishes to recall her statement of 7 April 2014, through which she commended Sudan for commencing preparations on the comprehensive and holistic national dialogue amongst the Sudanese stakeholders. Through that statement, she further congratulated all the Sudanese political parties that took part in the meeting held on 6 April 2014, for their constructive and candid inputs which will guide the national dialogue process and help focus the work of the various committees to be established.

Furthermore, the Chairperson of the Commission is very encouraged by the recent visit of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), during which extensive exchanges of views on the National Dialogue took place with a broad spectrum of political parties and civil society organizations, including the National Congress Party (NCP). These interactions were greatly appreciated by the Sudanese interlocutors as they facilitated a deeper understanding of the best approach to ensure a successful National Dialogue.

The Chairperson of the Commission underscores the importance of the National Dialogue process for the future of Sudan, and appeals to all the parties concerned to desist from any actions that could undermine its smooth conduct. In this regard, she wishes to express serious concern over the recent developments in Sudan as these have the potential of negatively impacting on the National Dialogue Process.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s continued commitment to assist Sudan, through the AUHIP, in its pursuit of a new political dispensation.

Addis Ababa, 8 May 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, looks forward to the planned meeting between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and former Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, in Addis Ababa, on 9 May 2014, under the auspices of Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn of Ethiopia, Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). She notes that the meeting, the first of its kind since the outbreak of the crisis, will take place against the backdrop of a deteriorating situation on the ground, marked by widespread abuses against civilians and other violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Chairperson of the Commission urges the two leaders to seize the opportunity of their meeting to agree on concrete steps to honor their commitments under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of 23 January 2014 and move the political process forward. The people of South Sudan, the region, Africa and the larger international community, who are distressed by the appalling situation on the ground, cannot expect less from them. The urgency of finding a lasting solution to the crisis cannot be over emphasized. Every single additional day lost brings more suffering to the people of South Sudan, further tearing apart the social fabric of the country and threatening its very existence, while also seriously affecting regional security and stability.

The Chairperson of the Commission notes that the summit meeting is taking place on the heels of the signing by the Parties in Addis Ababa on 5 May 2014 of a “Recommitment on Humanitarian Matters in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and SPLM/A (In Opposition)”, which provides for a month of tranquility starting from 7 May 2014. It is imperative that the commitments made are fully implemented to enable the unhindered, unrestricted and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those in need.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s full support to the IGAD-led mediation. She commends Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn and the other leaders of the region, as well as the team of Special Envoys, for their continued engagement. She once again expresses gratitude to the international partners for their support in the ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis in South Sudan.

The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union receives an emissary of president Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi. The AU welcomes the commitment of the Burundian authorities to continue working towards the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in their country

Addis Ababa, 5 May 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, today received the Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Laurent Kavakuré. The Minister conveyed a message from President Pierre Nkurunziza regarding the situation in Burundi and the ongoing efforts to hold free, fair and peaceful elections next year. The President also invited the Chairperson of the Commission to officially visit Burundi.

During the meeting, the Chairperson of the Commission and the Burundian Minister had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation. The Minister briefed the Chairperson on the progress made by Burundi in recent years to consolidate peace and reconciliation, and stressed his country’s determination to preserve these achievements. He highlighted the steps being taken towards the successful holding of the 2015 general elections, and invited the AU to observe these polls. He reiterated his country’s support to the AU-led peace efforts in different parts of the continent, as demonstrated by Burundi’s contribution of troops and police personnel to AU’s peace support operations.

On her part, the Chairperson of the Commission commended the commitment of the Burundian authorities to continue working towards the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in their country. She encouraged them and all the other stakeholders to work towards that endeavor, within the framework of the August 2000 landmark Arusha Accord for Peace and Reconciliation in Burundi, and to address effectively all the challenges at hand, including concerns raised recently on security issues, with a view to successfully holding the 2015 general elections. Recalling the exceptional international engagement that made it possible to break the cycle of violence in Burundi, she reiterated the AU’s determination to continue accompanying the Burundian stakeholders and people in their efforts towards sustainable peace, stability and development.

The Chairperson of the Commission informed the Minister that the AU would send long- and short-term observers to monitor the electoral process, and ensure that it is conducted in line with the relevant AU instruments, including the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Chairperson also informed the Minister of her acceptance of the invitation extended to her by President Pierre Nkurunziza to visit Burundi, and indicated that she would do so soon.
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