Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 8th Dec. 2016: The 5th Retreat of the African Union (AU) Executive Council opened on Thursday 8th December 2016 in Addis Ababa, the capital of Africa. During the Retreat, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the AU Member states discussed the key steps necessary to take forward the continental integration project, the effectiveness of the Union institutions and the implementation of Agenda 2063.

In her opening remarks, H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), said the first Retreat of the Executive Council in Bahir Dar in January 2014, has played a key role in providing guidance on the evolving of Agenda 2063, through its strategizing and monitoring role.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma called on the Ministers Member states, RECs and other Organs to take responsibility for popularizing Agenda 2063. She emphasized that there are many opportunities and challenges, and Africa must continue to position itself in such a manner that advances its agenda.

The chairperson thanked the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting the AU Ministerial Retreat as well appreciated the frank discussion by the Members of the Executive council on the various thematic issues. (See complete speech of the AUC Chairperson on the AU website: www.au.int)

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, H.E Workneh Gebeyehu welcomed Ministers and participants to the 5th Ministerial Retreat of the African Union Executive council. He noted that the retreat has become a valuable opportunity to sit with the AU Commission to conduct frank discussions on the continental priority programmes as well as the achievements and difficulties encountered in their implementation

He therefore concluded by emphasizing the critical importance of the thematic issues to be discussed noting that it would give great opportunity for deliberation, amongst others, on how to deepen democratization and good governance on the continent. Drawing attention to the session on the commodities strategy which he said is equally significant and is in line with the outcome document which was issued at the end of the ministerial retreat in Bahr Dar, Ethiopia, in 2014 which ought to have effective and judicious ways of exploiting natural resources so that people will share the benefits in a meaningful manner and to this end, securing competitive value for natural resources in the global market is vital. (See complete speech of the Minister on the AU website: www.au.int ).

The Chairperson of the Executive Council the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chad H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat on his part, underscored the importance of the Ministerial retreats to adress burning issues facing the continent. He dwelled especially on the issue of governance and questioned the state of implementation of the African Charter of Democracy, elections and governance adopted by the AU Assembly in 2007 and which came into force in 2012.

He highlighted that fair and free elections, rule of law are the basic deciding factors of political stability and peace. However, he pointed out that elections in Africa, instead of being solution to crisis, are prone to igniting post electoral crisis.

The Ministers exchanged their views on most of the socio-economic and political issues aimed at developing the continent in a very convivial, and heated fruitful debates during the meeting.

Media Contact:

Afrah Thabit / Directorate of Information and Communication of the AUC, E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org

For further information:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia