Une Afrique Unie et Forte

Top Slides

Events

  • Event
    Landmark: The Launch of the Pan African-Australasia Diaspora Network (PAADN), Melbourne, Victoria,6 November 2015
    novembre 17, 2015

    Communiqué on PAADN

    Landmark: The Launch of the Pan African-Australasia Diaspora Network (PAADN), Melbourne, Victoria,6 November 2015

    The implementation of the Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit reached another objective landmark with the launch of the Pan-African Australasia Diaspora network by the African Union (AU) in Melbourne, Victoria, 6 November 2015.

    This was in fulfillment of Article I A(F) of the Declaration that stressed the need to “create platforms for closer interaction, solidarity and effective cooperation between and amongst governments and civil society of African and its Diaspora including continuation of Regional Consultative Conference and consolidation of Regional Network as partners and interlocutors for the implementation of the outcome of the Global Diaspora Summit(italics). It was also in conformity with Article IA(k) of the same which “Encouraged the Diaspora to organize themselves in regional networks and establish appropriate mechanisms their will enable their increasing participation in the affairs of the African Union.”

    The Launch of the Network

    The launch of the Network in Australia was a very colorful event which mirrored and even replicated the framework of Global African Diaspora Summit held in Sandton, South Africa on 12 May 2012. It brought together over 100 participants from about 20 nationalities drawn largely from Australia, Asia and Oceania but also including representatives and invited guests from the five different regions of the African continent. Specifically, this included important figures from the business sectors, academia, sports, entertainment, parliamentarians, police and security officials, public servants, the media, civil society, etc.

    Present at the event were the key political figures from all shades of the Victorian political community. This included Hon. Robin Scott, MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs who represented the Government and the Premier, Hon. Matthew Guy, MP and Leader of the Opposition Party, Hon. Telmo Ramon Languiller MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC, President of the Legislative Council and Andrew Crisp, Assistant Commissioner of Police. Also in attendance were Members of the African Diplomatic Community in Australia, notably H.E. Mr. George Zulu, the High Commissioner of Zambia, Ms. Heide Goldeberg, Consul of Botswana and Mr. Trent Smith, Consul of Malawi, amongst others.

    Celebrate African-Australian Event

    The launch was accompanied by a Celebrate Africa-Australia event at which awards were presented to African nominees in various categories that had distinguished themselves in critical areas of Australian social, economic and political life and citizens and representatives of institutions from the African continent that had similar accomplishments. Awards were also given to Australian luminaries that have done much to promote Africa-Australian relations. Some of the Award Categories include the African Community Female Leader of the Year Award, African Pioneer of the Year, African Australians Excellence Award, Business Model Leader of the Year Award, Champions Award, Emerging Footy Award, African Community Philanthropic Organization of the Year Award, the Outstanding Female Performance of the Year Award and Honorary Friends of the African Award.

    The Launch dinner and Gala events included musical events, dances and cultural presentations from various parts of Africa. A special award was given to the Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate of the AU Commission (CIDO) in recognition of its work and contribution to the cause of building a global community in the African Union that will help to consolidate the Australia-Asia-African relations and promotion of African interests worldwide.

    Discussion and Presentations

    Speakers from various events from the AU, Victorian Parliament, civil society and Australasia highlighted the need to use PAADN and the Celebrate Australian African annual events as a framework for consolidating relations between Africa, Australia and Asia. This include the Minister for Multicultural Affairs who stood in for the Premier and the Leader of Opposition. A preceding meeting with the speaker of the Legislative Assembly and AUC staff ,led by the Director, Dr. Jinmi Adisa and attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Anthony Okara, underlined the significant contribution that Australians of African origin were making to the development of Australian society and the need to explore and strengthen the framework of relationship between Australia and the African Union. Specific areas for collaboration were identified and this included Education, Mining, Agriculture, Science and Technology among others. Hon. Richard Marles, Federal MP and important figure in the Labour Opposition, who also interacted with the AU team, recalled his contacts with African Leaders and Africa’s support for Australians successful demand for a Security Council seat. He stressed the need to build on this platform. He saw Africa as the present future for Australia just in the same way that Asia was its future in the 1940s. He urged the need to set the basis for getting things right in this perspective.

    Mr. Sisay Dinku, the National Executive and Victoria State Coordinator stressed at the event that the objective of the Australasia Diaspora was to connect effectively with the African homeland to support Africa’s development agenda. He observed the Australasia Africans were not out just to seek self-benefit. They thought much in terms of what can be done for African rather than what Africa could do for them. He thanked various sponsors drawn from within and outside Australia particularly from the African continent for supporting the event. Australians, he added, take very seriously the mandate of global Diaspora Summit that underscored the need for self-help in organization in adherence with the AU.

    His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Nze-Bertram who underlined AU’s global responsibility and noted that Diaspora groups would not set out to be burdensome in this context. What is required is meaningful collaboration with AU structures in a framework of common identity and mutual interests. Responding, the Director of CIDO, Dr. Adisa praised the PAADN network members for their integrity of purpose and the mutuality of their concern and interests. He observed that their strong ties with the cream of Victorian society and Australasia and Africans across the depth and breadth of the different layers of society places them at an advantage as effective interlocutors within the context of the implementation of the Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit. He noted that the launch of the Network was a crucial phase but one that simply sets the stage for the greater work to come in Africa’s march towards integration and development.

    The launch was concluded with the composition of the PADN Steering Community including the following:

    - John Nze-Bertram - Founder & Facilitator; and Administering Chairperson PAADN's Diplomats Group, Entrepreneurs Group, and Youths Group

    - Mr Sisay Dinku - Chairperson, PAADN's Human Rights and Immigration Group

    - Mrs Maria Osman - Chairperson, PAADN's Women's Group

    - Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe - Chairperson, Community Leaders Group

    - Dr Chika Anyanwu - Chairperson, PAADN's Academics Group

    - Mr David Malinda - Chairperson, PAADN's Professionals Group

    - Mrs Elleni Bereded-Samuel - PAADN's Board Member

    - Dr. Mimmie Claudine Ngum Chi Watts - PAADN's Board Member

    Directorate of Information and Communication
    Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission

    Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

    Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

  • Event
    Communiqué of the Constitutive Meeting of the Core Group for the Operationalization of the Gender Cluster, 17-18...
    novembre 12, 2015

    Communiqué of the Constitutive Meeting of the Core Group for the Operationalization of the Gender Cluster, 17-18 October 2015,
    Nairobi, Kenya

    Introduction

    The ECOSOCC Women and Gender Cluster held its Constitutive Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, from 17-18 October 2015. The main purpose of the meeting was to establish the framework for operationalizing the cluster in pursuance of the provisions of Article 11 of the ECOSOCC Statutes that assigned priority to Sectoral Clusters as the main operational mechanisms of the organ and the consequent decisions of the executive Organs of the 2nd Permanent General Assembly of ECOSOCC to ensure the practical realization of this cardinal objective.

    Official Opening

    The opening session began with four main statements and addresses. The Chairperson of the ECOSOCC Women and Gender Cluster, Ms. Fatma Mehdi began by welcoming all members and participants. She thanked everyone for honoring her invitation and highlighted the main purpose and objectives of the meeting. She observed that the program was crowded but expressed confidence in the ability of members of the Cluster to fully address its needs and requirements. Subsequently, the ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, Mr. Joseph Chilengi and the Director of CIDO and Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat, Dr Jinmi Adisa underlined the historic significance of the meeting. They noted that this was the first time in eleven years since ECOSOCC was established that clusters were being operationalized even though the Statutes had assigned this function as an overriding priority. Both speakers then offered advise and suggestions on how the Cluster could best achieve its aims and objectives. They stressed the relative autonomy of cluster operations as long as it served the objective purpose of the organ and remained intimately linked with constituencies in both the African civil society community and the greater family of the African Union. Finally, the Special Guest of the occasion, HE Mr. Bah El-Mehdi, the Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) underscored the importance that AU Member States attached to the ECOSOCC agenda. He urged the cluster to work constructively and produce meaningful results that will foster development and emancipation of the African people.

    Discussions

    The meeting then continued in working sessions over a two day period. The discussions produced a roadmap involving the elaboration of the mandate of the cluster, its priorities, structure and framework of membership, financing, partnership and communication support requirements etc.

    Outcomes, Decisions and Recommendations

    The core cluster committee, deliberated on the various issues in the agenda and work plan in a two days meeting. It concluded with the following decisions and recommendations:

    A. On the Mandate of the cluster:
    As per Article 11 of the of the Statutes of the ECOSOCC of the African Union on the Sectoral Custer Committees and specifically Article 11 (I) on Women and Gender the cluster decides to expand the scope of work as per the mandate of Women and Gender to read as follows: Women and Gender: (Women; Climate Change; Arts; Trade, Research and Development; Integration, Food Security; Education; Health; Peace and Security; Cultural, Economic and Financial inclusion; and all other issues where Gender and development is a cross-cutting issue)

    B. On the Structure of the Cluster:
    i. The Working Group will be composed of all female members of the ECOSOCC General Assembly and committed male members.
    ii. The cluster will establish a Coordinating Team. The Coordination team will be composed of the following: (a) One (1) Cluster Chairperson; (b) One (1) Secretary of the Cluster; (c) One (1) Communication Focal Point; (d) One (1) Research Focal Point; (e) One (1) Liaison for the Gender Department; (f) One (1) Regional Coordinator representative from each of the five regions; (g) One (1) nominated representative from Pan African Parliament (PAP), African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and African Commission on Human and People Rights (ACHPR)
    iii. The cluster will also form Regional Groups in each of the 5 AU regions under the Regional Coordinators whose responsibility is to liaise with appropriate CSOs networks in the areas.
    iv. The cluster has the right to Invite Experts whenever need arises and on the burning theme of the Year or period

    C. On the Frequency of Meetings:

    i. The cluster shall hold a general meeting no less than once a year to plan and review and discuss matters arising
    ii. Extraordinary meetings shall be held to revise or make decisions in matters which are deemed urgent

    D. On the Functions of the cluster:

    i. Mobilize and undertake missions when necessary to advance the agenda of women as per the mandate above.
    ii. Ensure that Women and Men are targeted in both urban and rural areas
    iii. Dedicate one flagship project to address the Women and gender motif of the year
    iv. Embark on ways to ensure transformative power structures through innovative means
    v. Resort to innovative ways to address gender stereo types
    vi. Lend particular attention to entrepreneurship as mean for strengthening and empowering of women financially, politically and economically
    vii. Liaise closely with different ECOSOCC Clusters Committees to advance Women and Gender agenda

    E. On Advisory Opinions and Research:

    i. Advisory opinions shall be issued on matters pertaining to the mandate of women and gender
    ii. The opinions shall be issued in accordance with the Statutes of ECOSOCC and its rules of procedure
    iii. At least one advisory opinion and report shall be issued annually to review the achievements and challenges of women as per the AU theme of the year
    iv. A focal point(s) of the core cluster will be selected and tasked with the responsibility of reviewing the impact of the AU theme of the AU on Women and Gender
    v. All reports and advisory opinions should provide a balanced opinion of both practitioners and researchers

    F. On global Observance days:

    i. Commemoration of global days such as 08 March as Women’s day, Africa Union day, 24 November …….etc. shall be observed by the Cluster.
    ii. Commemorations shall be celebrated by issuing a statement and conduct region-wise activities
    iii. Activities may vary to address the pertinent issues in each region

    G. On the Annual Women and Gender Pre-summit:

    i. Organize annual pre-summit for women in collaboration with relevant clusters, departments, organs of the union and any other relevant actors.
    ii. Ensure that youth and particularly young women are a part of the pre-summit
    iii. Ensure that men too are included. This shall include young men and committed men.
    iv. Selection should ensure that grass-roots are targeted and that the female male ratio for participation should be set at 60:40 ratio

    H. On the Work plan:
    The cluster has adopted a work plan with activities for the time period of November 2015 –December 2016. (Enclosed)

    I. On Communications:
    i. Utilize the website of ECOSOCC and particularly the Women and Gender as the main tool for communication
    ii. Embark on the use of social media as a platform for outreach
    iii. Popularize Agenda 2063 and the SDGs through the use of the different communications channels.
    J. On Partnerships:
    i. The cluster should strengthen linkages within ECOSCC through the clusters for purposes of complementarity and effectiveness
    ii. Establish and/or enhance cooperation with the relevant AUC departments and AU Organs, such as the Women and Gender Directorate
    iii. Establish and/r enhance cooperation with the African and International Institutions and Actors
    iv. Utilize the existing platforms at the national and regional levels including the ECOSOCC national chapter, Regional Economic Communities.
    v. Expand partnerships with the wider African Civil Society Networks

    K. On Financing:

    i. The cluster shall explore opportunities for cooperation and mobilizing resources with relevant actors
    ii. Ensure that such cooperation is in accordance with the Statutes of the ECOSOCC of the AU.

  • Event
    Constitutive Meeting to Operationalize the Peace and Security Cluster Committee of the AU ECOSOCC 13th – 14th October...
    octobre 28, 2015
  • Event
    CIDO meets delegation from Government of Liberia to discuss support on Liberian Diaspora Engagement Program (LDEP)
    CIDO meets delegation from Government of Liberia to discuss support on Liberian Diaspora Engagement Program (LDEP)
    octobre 28, 2015

    Press Release Nº 310/2015

    CIDO meets delegation from Government of Liberia to discuss support on Liberian Diaspora Engagement Program (LDEP)

    Addis Ababa 26 October 2015: Mr. Ahmed El Basheer, Head of Diaspora Division, Mr. Jalel Chelba, Head of Civil Society Division and officers from the Diaspora Division met with a delegation from the Government of the Republic of Liberia. The delegation was headed by Hon. Anthony Quiwonkpa, Deputy Minister of State Without Portfolio; and also included Mr. Lloyd Scott, Program Coordinator of the Liberia Diaspora Engagement Program (LDEP), Mr. Paye S. Gbelayan, Director of Investment Promotion of the National Investment Commission of Liberia, Mr. Edwin Kakia, Director for Policy Appraisal and Evaluation of the Ministry of Education as well as Mr. Moiba Fofana from the Embassy of Liberia to Ethiopia.

    The meeting discussed ways to enhance the Liberia Diaspora Engagement policy which is currently under development following the recent formation of a diaspora unit within the Office of the President. The office was established following endorsement by the Liberian cabinet in 2010 . The Head of Diaspora Division emphasized the key roles the diaspora can play in the development of their countries. The meeting shared the best practices in mapping and mobilizing the diaspora and helped identify priority areas and develop policies and programs aimed at leveraging the Liberian diaspora for the development of the country.

    CIDO also briefed the delegation on the activities of the directorate and the support that CIDO can provide to advance the LDEP in Liberia. The two parties agreed to continue working together towards common goals including the assignment of a national diaspora focal point in Liberia as per the First 10-Year Implementation Plan of AU Agenda 2063.

    In addition, the Head of the Civil Society Division encouraged the Liberian delegation to support the internal mobilization of Liberian civil society organizations for elections and participation in the ECOSOCC General Assembly.

    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

    Follow us

    Face book: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at:http://www.au.int

    Directorate of Information and Communication
    Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission

    Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.int

    Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

  • Event
    CIDO met with a delegation of the Malawian Government on setting up a Diaspora engagement policy
    octobre 23, 2015

    CIDO met with a delegation of the Malawian Government on setting up a Diaspora engagement policy
    Addis Ababa 22 October 2015: Dr. Jinmi Adisa, Director of CIDO, Mr. Ahmed El Basheer, Head of Diaspora Division and the Diaspora officers met with a delegation of the Malawi government. The delegation was headed by Ms. Gloria Bamusi, Assistant Director of Political Affairs and focal point for Diaspora in addition to Mr. Aubrey Kabisala, Principal Foreign Service Officer and Mr. Joseph Mpango, Foreign Service officer to the AU as well as representatives from the Malawi embassy and the International Centre for Migration policy development.
    The meeting discussed ways to enhance the Malawian Diaspora Engagement policy that is currently being drafted. CIDO director emphasized the key roles the diaspora can play in the development of their countries. The aim of the meeting was to assist the delegation of the Malawi government to identify the priority areas and develop policies aimed at leveraging the Malawian diaspora and the African community at large for the development of the country.
    CIDO also briefed the delegation on the activities of the directorate and the support that CIDO can provide to advance the diaspora policy in Malawi. The two parties agreed to continue working together towards the common goals including assigning of national diaspora focal points in all member states as per Agenda 2063 and the 10 year implementation plan.

  • Event
    CIDO met with a delegation of the Malawian Government on setting up a Diaspora engagement policy
    CIDO met with a delegation of the Malawian Government on setting up a Diaspora engagement policy
    octobre 22, 2015

    CIDO met with a delegation of the Malawian Government on setting up a Diaspora engagement policy

    Addis Ababa 22 October 2015: Dr. Jinmi Adisa, Director of CIDO, Mr. Ahmed El Basheer, Head of Diaspora Division and the Diaspora officers met with a delegation of the Malawi government. The delegation was headed by Ms. Gloria Bamusi, Assistant Director of Political Affairs and focal point for Diaspora in addition to Mr. Aubrey Kabisala, Principal Foreign Service Officer and Mr. Joseph Mpango, Foreign Service officer to the AU as well as representatives from the Malawi embassy and the International Centre for Migration policy development.

    The meeting discussed ways to enhance the Malawian Diaspora Engagement policy that is currently being drafted. CIDO director emphasized the key roles the diaspora can play in the development of their countries. The aim of the meeting was to assist the delegation of the Malawi government to identify the priority areas and develop policies aimed at leveraging the Malawian diaspora and the African community at large for the development of the country.

    CIDO also briefed the delegation on the activities of the directorate and the support that CIDO can provide to advance the diaspora policy in Malawi. The two parties agreed to continue working together towards the common goals including assigning of national diaspora focal points in all member states as per Agenda 2063 and the 10 year implementation plan.

  • Event
    Communiqué of the Constitutive Meeting of the Core Group for the Operationalization of the ECOSOCC Political
    Communiqué of the Constitutive Meeting of the Core Group for the Operationalization of the ECOSOCC Political
    octobre 21, 2015

    Communiqué of the Constitutive Meeting of the Core Group for the Operationalization of the ECOSOCC Political
    Affairs Cluster, 11-12 October 2015, Nairobi, Kenya

    The first phase of the operationalization of the Sectoral Cluster Committees of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) began with the conclusion of the Constitutive Meeting of the Core Group for the Operationalization of the ECOSOCC Political Affairs Cluster in Nairobi, Kenya from 11-12 October 2015.

    The session which was chaired by Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, the Chairperson of the Cluster commenced with addresses by the Cluster Committee Chairperson, the ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, Mr. Joseph Chilengi and the Director of CIDO and Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, Dr. Jinmi Adisa.

    In his welcome address, the Chairperson of the Sectoral Cluster Committee observed that Article 11 of the ECOSOCC Statutes placed premium on the operationalization of Sectoral Cluster Committees as the key operational mechanisms of ECOSOCC to formulate and offer advisory opinions. Thus it was a singular honor for him and his Committee to kick-off the process. He observed that he was convening the core component of the Cluster Committee to deliberate on its mission, purpose, activities, work plan, financing and strategic partnerships. The Political Affairs Cluster offered an appropriate model in this context.

    In turn, the Presiding Officer, Mr. Joseph Chilengi, commended the Cluster Chairperson, Mr. Osman and his core membership for leading the way in this regard. He observed that since its inception, the 2nd Permanent General Assembly has prioritized the operationalization of Clusters. His acceptance speech on election as Presiding Officer on 22 December 2014 highlighted this issue which also commanded attention of the 1st Ordinary Session of the 2nd Permanent General Assembly in Cairo from 27 February to 1st March 2015 and the subsequent Ordinary and Extra-Ordinary Sessions of the Standing Committee as the executive organ of ECOSOCC respectively. The focus on operationalization of Clusters is running concurrently with processes for establishing National ECOSOCC Chapters. These processes demonstrate the commitment of the 2nd General Assembly to fully and effectively perform its functions efficiently as required by the Constitutive Act of the Union. He thanked the Members of the General Assembly and the Standing Committee for their steadfastness, devotion and collegial spirit as a hallmark of the new ECOSOCC Assembly. Finally, he thanked the Secretariat in CIDO under the leadership of the Director, Dr. Jinmi Adisa for the vigour, drive and competence it has shown in its singular drive to make ECOSOCC successful.

    The Director of CIDO and Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat underlined the uniqueness of this experience. He noted that while the Sectoral Clusters were recognized in the ECOSOCC Statutes as the key operational mechanisms of ECOSOCC it was not established by the Interim or 1st Permanent General Assembly. The decision to do so by the 2nd Permanent General Assembly is thus historic and provides concrete evidence of its business approach combined with its goals oriented and policy responsibility focus.

    The opening session was followed by six working sessions over a two day period. Subsequently, the Cluster meeting was concluded on 12 October 2015 with the following conclusions and recommendations:

    I. On the Mandate of the Political Affairs Cluster

    a) The Committee recognized that its mandate of operation was derived from the ECOSOCC Statutes and specifically Article 11 section (b). Article 11 provided the legal framework for the establishment of ten (10) Sectoral Cluster Committees as key operational mechanisms of ECOSOCC to formulate opinions and provide inputs into the policies and programmes of the African Union. Article 11(b) then spells out the core areas of the mandate of the Political Affairs Cluster as including Human Rights, Rule of Law, Democratic and Constitutional Rule, Good Governance, Power Sharing, Electoral Institutions, Humanitarian Affairs and Assistance, etc.

    b) Concurrently, the Committee decided that the scope for its implementation of this mandate will be conceived in a dynamic rather than static context. It will cover matters arising subsequently and others related and required for the successful implementation in this regard. Article 11 (b) takes due note of this in its provisions, etc that does not forgo considerations arising from emerging needs.

    c) The Committee also recognized the need for its programmes and workplan to give priority to programs on the politics of Development with special emphasis on Post 2015 Development Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals and the implementation of Africa’s Strategic vision and on Agenda 2063.

    d) The dynamic interpretation of the mandate of the Political Affairs Cluster would imply that coordinated agenda of other line responsibilities such as Migration in Social Affairs Cluster or Agenda 2063 in Cross-cutting Cluster, etc are key components of the work programme.

    e) The efforts of the Political Affairs Cluster would place emphasis on the civil society niche of the various political programmes of the AU so that it can add value inherently. This orientation will place emphasis on dissemination of information, advocacy and mobilization of mass citizenry, monitoring and evaluation of compliance across Member States and institutions, program and audit for performance efficiency, etc.

    II. On Structure and Category of Membership

    a) The Committee decided that the core group of ECOSOCC cannot by itself implement the mandate of the Political Affairs Cluster. More so, as its legitimacy would emphasize the need for interconnectivity with the wider African civil society community that it represents in the African Union.

    b) The core component will be expanded to fulfill the wider functions of the Cluster.

    c) Accordingly, there will be two main categories of membership. The core membership will be composed of members of the 2nd Permanent General Assembly and a selected but small group of field experts as invited members with specific skills in the area. The second category will be associate members embracing all NGOs of various types working seriously in areas pertaining to the mandate of Clusters.

    d) The core group will be responsible for driving the policy agenda and making representations to the ECOSOCC and AU policy organs while both the core group and associate group members together will coordinate the implementation of programs. The associate category can also make policy recommendations for consideration of ECOSOCC Policy organs.

    e) Cluster work plan for program implementation must conform to the requirements of ECOSOCC Statutes and the Decisions of the AU Executive organs.

    f) The implementation of Cluster programs should also be decentralized in regions and Member States in coordination with national ECOSOCC Chapters.

    III. On Rules of Procedure of the Political Affairs Cluster

    a) The Cluster set up a small Committee of its core group to work with the CIDO Secretariat, Bureau of ECOSOCC and the Office of the Legal Counsel of the AU Commission to draw up the Rules of Procedure for the Political Affairs Cluster.

    b) The Cluster also decided that until the Rules are developed, it will apply the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly or the Standing Committee as deemed suitable.

    IV. On Cluster Work Plan

    a) The Committee developed, discussed and adopted its Cluster Work Plan (enclosed)

    b) Appreciated the need to liaise with and engage the wider civil society community, partners and the appropriate organs of the AU to support the implementation matrix. As a first step, support is being mobilized for a civil society conference to audit the progress made in the implementation of the African Governance Architecture (AGA).

    V. On Partnership

    a) The Committee recognized the need of establishing a framework of strategic partnerships to support the implementation of its policy and program plans.

    b) Such partnerships will have five (5) major dimensions:

    (i) A set of relationships with coordinate AU organs and agencies whose cooperation are required. These will include primarily, the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate of the AU (CIDO), the Political Affairs Department, AUC, the Pan-African Parliament, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the African International Law Commission (AUCIL), the Advisory Board on Anti-Corruption, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), the African Court on Human and Peace Rights, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Economic Mechanisms (REMs) and others.

    (ii) A set of partnerships with the broader African civil society community dealing with the range of issues covered by the mandate of the Cluster or those related with or having implications of that mandate.

    (iii) Cooperating partners, foundations and financial institutions or private sector wishing to support Cluster activities in accordance with the rules and regulations of the African Union.

    (iv) Territorial relationship with the other organs of ECOSOCC particularly the Standing Committee, the Bureau, the General Assembly and through them, the Executive Organs of the Union, the Executive Council and Assembly of Heads of State and the Government.

    (v) To stimulate active linkages with civil society organizations and networks across Member States, regions and the continent at large.

    VI. On Financing

    a) Recognizes the need to seek wider financial support within the framework of AU Rules and Regulations as the current level of support cannot even be minimally sufficient for implementation of Cluster programs and activities.

    b) Encourages Cluster to seek strategic partnerships across the board to sustain financing requirements.

    c) Specifically requests the Standing Committee, Bureau and Presiding Officer in liaison with the Secretariat of ECOSOCC to urgently employ a consultant before the end of the 1st Quarter of 2016 to produce a framework document to be considered, consolidated and approved to implement the provisions of Article 13(2) of the ECOSOCC Statutes that “ECOSOCC may however mobilize resources from extra-budgetary sources in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Executive Council”.

    d) Requests the Presiding Officer and the Standing Committee to make all efforts to ensure the submission to and approval of this framework of support at the Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in June/July 2016. It should also be part of the progress report of ECOSOCC to Council in January and June/July 2016 Ordinary sessions.

    VII. Annual African Civil Society Convention on Democracy, Good Governance and the Rule of Law

    Announces the decision to host and organize an annual African Civil Society Convention on Democracy, Good Governance and Rule of Law involving all civil society organizations across the five regions of the African continent. The Convention will focus on a burning theme in the area of this mandate in consultation with the large African civil society community.

  • Event
    Milestone: ECOSOCC begins operationalisation of Sectoral Cluster Committees, Nairobi, Kenya, 11-18 October 2015
    octobre 08, 2015

    MILESTONE: ECOSOCC BEGINS OPERATIONALISATION OF SECTORAL CLUSTER COMMITTEES, NAIROBI, KENYA, 11-18 OCTOBER 2015

    The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) will attain another milestone early next week when it begins the process of operationalization of its Sectoral Cluster Committees in Kenya, Nairobi from 11-18 October 2015.

    Article II of the ECOSOCC Statutes qualifies the “Sectoral Cluster Committees” as the “key operationalization mechanisms of ECOSOCC to formulate opinions and provide inputs into the policies and programs of the African Union.” The Sectoral Cluster Committees “shall also prepare and submit advisory opinions and reports of ECOSOCC.”
    The Sectoar Cluster Committees were neither formed in the life of the Interim General Assembly of ECOSOCC (2005-2008) or the 1st Permanent General Assembly (2008-2012). The issue has been prioritized by the 2nd Permanent General Assembly since its inception on 22 December 2014. In his acceptance speech at the inauguration of the 2nd Assembly the Presiding Officer, Mr. Joseph Chilengi, underlined this task as pivotal. Subsequently, the 1st Ordinary Session of the 2nd Permanent ECOSOCC Assembly that met in Cairo from 26 February to 1st March 2015 reconfirmed it in its Decisions. The Standing Committee as the Executive Organ of ECOSOCC at its 1st and 2nd Ordinary Sessions held in May and August 2015 respectively set the guidelines and modalities for the setting up of Sectoral Cluster Committees.

    The operationalization of Sectoral Cluster Communities establishes the main pillar for the actualization of ECOSOCC mandate and facilitates ECOSOCC interactions with cognate line departments of the AU Commission and interconnectivity with the wider African civil society community.

    The operationalization process would be in two phases. Four of five clusters including Political, Peace and Security, Gender and Women Development, amongst others, would be operationalized in October 2015 while a second set of Clusters will be operationalized in November 2015. The formation of these Clusters is a milestone that will make ECOSOCC fully operational and serve to formalize its framework for advisory opinions.

  • Event
    MILESTONE: ECOSOCC BEGINS WORK ON THE BUILDING OF ECOSOCC NATIONAL CHAPTERS
    septembre 25, 2015
  • Event
    MILESTONE: ECOSOCC BEGINS WORK ON THE BUILDING OF ECOSOCC NATIONAL CHAPTERS
    septembre 25, 2015
  • Event
    Communiqué of the 4th Annual African CSO Continental Forum on the Joint –Africa EU Partnership Strategy (JAES): Towards Preparation for the Joint Annual Forum (JAF), Djibouti, 20 September 2015
    Communiqué of the 4th Annual African CSO Continental Forum on the Joint –Africa EU Partnership Strategy (JAES): Towards...
    septembre 23, 2015

    Press release Nº243/2015

    4th Annual African CSO Continental Forum on the Joint –Africa EU Partnership Strategy (JAES): Towards Preparation for the Joint Annual Forum (JAF)

    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 25 September 2015 - The 4th Annual African CSO Continental Forum on the Joint -Africa EU Partnership Strategy (JAES) has just been concluded in Djibouti. The consultation lasted for three days from 18-20 September 2015. The Forum began with a meeting of the African Steering Committee on 18th September 2015 followed by the Continental Forum of African Civil Society Organizations on 19-20 September 2015.

    The Forum was attended by about 40 leaders and representatives of civil society organizations across the five regions of the African continent. The Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate of the AU Commission (CIDO) facilitated the Forum with support from the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) and the Partnership Management and Coordination Division (PMCD) of the Bureau of the Chairperson.

    The main focus of the Forum was to define Africa CSO priorities and framework of action within the current cycle of the Africa-EU partnership process with emphasis on preparation for the Joint Annual Forum (JAF) as the only comprehensive stakeholder platform for civil society participation. The Forum was concerned with reviewing the concept note that is being developed by state actors for this purpose and making appropriate recommendations and proposals to ensure that JAES remains people-centred and people-driven in the aftermath of the Brussels Summit of April 2014 and its outcomes.

    The official opening ceremony was held on 18th September 2015 and received 5 main addresses from the Director of CIDO, Dr. Jinmi Adisa, Mr. Joseph Chilengi, the ECOSOCC Presiding Officer, Professor Dipo Kolawole, the Chairperson of the African Steering Committee and Mr. Ismail Sanalasse Said, the President of Djibouti Civil Society Associations. Subsequently, Mr. Hassan Omar Mohammed Bourhan, the Minister of Interior and Decentralization of the Republic of Djibouti formally declared the consultation open.

    In his official opening remarks, the Minister praised the AU Commission, particularly CIDO and ECOSOCC for taking serious measures to ensure strong and effective CSO participation in the JAES process. He conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic and pledged Djibouti’s support for the outcomes of the Forum. He observed that Djibouti has always respected and encouraged effective contribution of civil society in the development process of the state system and that the decision of Djibouti to support the same processes in relations across the Mediterranean is simply a logical extension of Djibouti’s desire to build a comprehensive stakeholder community in Djibouti, within Africa, in Africa’s relation with the world and in global affairs.

    On the Outcomes of the Brussels Summit of April 2014, the Forum observed that the implementation mechanisms and structures contained in the two Outcome Documents of the Africa-EU Summit of April 2014 (the Roadmap and Declaration) were essentially state-centred, noting that the main exception was the framework of Joint Annual Forums (JAF) which replaces the Joint Task Force of the previous partnership cycle and will gather together all actors of the partnership. The Forum recognized the JAF will serve therefore, as the only comprehensive stakeholder Forum for driving the people-centred aspirations of the Africa-EU partnership Process. Consequently, the Forum embraced JAF as the appropriate mechanism for channelling, promoting and sustaining the activities of non-state and non-governmental actors.

    The Forum however, regretted the undue delay in activating the JAF process in view of its peculiar importance. It observed that it is almost one and half years since the Brussels Summit of April 2014 and a process intended annually had not yet taken place and even now only has a remote chance of happening this year. The meeting called on all parties and structures responsible for the planning process, particularly the two Commissions, to accelerate the process of implementing JAF. It further underlined the need for actors in civil society to play a critical role in lending content to JAF, defining its agenda and work program, its modalities of operation, execution of its mandate and outputs.

    Regarding the relations with State Actors in the JAF Process, the Forum noted the important profile of state actors in the current efforts to define JAF Agenda, content and modus operandi. The participants concurrently agreed with the general objectives being proposed for JAF and the concept paper being developed by the two Commissions as a baseline working document. Moreover they added that in order to perform its functions as designed by the Summit the orientation, constitution and working methods of JAF and use of its outputs must be people-centred and civil society actors must be fully integrated within its framework. In conclusion and as part of this process, the Forum decided to review the JAF concept paper of the two Commissions and make appropriate recommendations to the paper which remains work in process.

    Furthermore, some recommendations were made in relation to the JAF Concept Paper. The Forum emphasized the need for the JAF to be held as soon as possible, preferably in the last quarter of 2015 or very early in the first quarter of 2016 to be followed by another in a time frame preceding the 2015 Summit and recommended that the location of JAF meetings should be rotated among the two continents with the first in Africa and a second in Europe in line with the two JAF model proposed by the Forum.

    The Forum underscored that as the only comprehensive stakeholder platform of JAES, JAF must be open to all stakeholders particularly civil society actors and agreed that the context of such inclusive participation must be in a continuum that includes preparation, consultation, definition of purpose, goals and execution of outputs. Each of contributing parties should also select its own representatives that will work with other stakeholders to define collective results.

    On the civil Society Interventions, the Forum agreed that civil society interventions should assume a coordinate and collaborative structure. This will include autonomous CSO action to popularize and extend the reach and impact JAES to the grassroots, interconnectivity across the Mediterranean and the holding of regional conferences and regional platforms to disseminate information and build grassroots support for JAES. The Forum also recommended upwards and downward mainstreaming of civil society contributions within JAF and the alignment and use of the Pan-African civil society envelope to support these processes across the two continents.

    The Forum proposed a duration of 2-3 days for JAF as required to produce meaningful outcomes. It also requested that the definition of the JAF agenda be based on wider stakeholder agreement and that the working sessions should have chairs and rapporteurs (from civil society). It further recommended that conclusions should be adopted by plenary sessions. Inputs of seminars and regional conferences must also feed into the agenda and work programs of JAF, concluding that outputs of JAF should include assessment and progress reports on a) challenges, options and possible solutions as well as methods to address challenges; b) discussion of thematic and strategic issues; c) agreement on reporting frameworks to assess the implementation of the roadmap; d) timetable of operation, feedbacks and corrective mechanism; e) effective employment of outputs to strengthen the framework of operations.

    The Forum observed that the importance of JAF notwithstanding, the people-centred aspirations of the architects of the Africa-EU Partnership requires that CSO involvement in JAES must go beyond JAF and should be mainstreamed in all aspects and forms of the partnership endeavor particularly its key and important elements.

    As part of this process, the Forum stressed the need for civil society actors in Africa (as in Europe) to be involved in and contribute towards the outcomes of the Africa-EU Summit on Migration scheduled to be held in Valetta, Malta, from 11-12 November 2015. The Forum observed that migrants are mostly from civil society and it is essential that civil society actors from developing countries, including Africa, should be an integral part of the search for solutions on attendant problems. The Forum, in particular, underlined the need for an Africa Continental CSO Consultation on the Migration prior to the Summit as distinct from the side event that is being organized by Europeans organizations and the University of Malta on the eve of the Summit. It stressed the need for assimilation of such issues effectively within the framework of inclusive continental and Intercontinental CSO dimension of the JAES process to guarantee the integrity of inputs within the process (Full report on AU website: www.au.int ).

    Media 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

    Follow us:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

    Learn more at: http://www.au.int

  • Event
    ECOSOCC Statement against the Military Coup in Burkina Faso
    septembre 18, 2015

    ECOSOCC Statement against the Military Coup in Burkina Faso

    The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) condemns in strongest terms possible the flagrant violation of the Constitution and the Transitional Charter of the Republic of Burkina Faso after Military junta, including presidential guard, seized power through a coup and arrested transitional President, Prime Minister and other leaders.

    While expressing serious concern about the wellbeing and the safety of the Burkinabe civil society and media community, ECOSOCC calls for the immediate & unconditional release of the detained transitional leaders and for the military junta to restore power to the civilian authorities.

    ECOSOCC urges the military to set a pathway for a return to democracy and the rule of law as soon as possible, to refrain from arbitrary detentions, to release those detained for political reasons and to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    “Seizing power through unconstitutional means or the resolution of political disagreements through the use of force is undemocratic and inacceptable. We urge all involved, including Burkina Faso’s armed forces, to adhere to non-violence, and to debate issues in a peaceful, patriotic and inclusive manner,” said Honourable Joseph Chilengi, ECOSOCC Presiding Officer.

    ECOSOCC confirms its steadfast support for the civilian transitional government and national transitional council to continue their work of preparing for free, fair, and credible elections through an inclusive manner.

    “We appeal to the people and all political forces in Burkina Faso to desist and denounce from any violent activities that may further undermine peace and stability in the country. The African Union should take urgent actions including suspension of Burkina Faso until the military relinquish power in line with African Democracy charter and the AU Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government. Military coup d'état are aberrations of the past that Africa has moved beyond. The junta in Burkina Faso cannot be allowed to set the clock backwards,” added Chilengi.

    ENDs