Kigali, Rwanda, 15 July 2016 – Just two days to the end of the week-long activities marking the 27th African Union Summit at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC), Rwanda, delegates from the 54 AU Member States have been exchanging views on various thematic issues in line with Africa Agenda 2063 and the agenda of the Summit during the different Statutory meetings of the AU and the bilateral sessions including side events at the summit venue.
The theme of the Summit: “Year of Human Rights with a particular focus on the Rights of Women” is top on the Summit agenda. After the meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) that took place from 10-11 July 2016 and the Executive Council held from 13 – 14 July, the momentum is now gearing towards hosting the AU Heads of State and Government from 17- 18 July in Kigali.
The general organization of the Summit by African Union in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda is so far impressive ranging from the security, the constant smiles by facilitators, information flow to the journalists and participants provided with necessary information to facilitate their work and their stay is clear indication of a successful and memorable Summit.
Members of the different delegations, so far, believe that their expectations are high as the Summit days draw closer. The reactions and feedback from most of the delates is positive. Most of the delegate met at the conference center say the state of preparation and readiness of the Kigali Summit is a great manifestation of the determination by the AU Policy Makers to speed up the development agenda of the continent for the “Africa We Want”. “The organization signals how the African continent is ready to deal with all the challenges hindering Africans by applying African solutions”, said one of the delegates..
Albert Toikeusse Mabri the Ivorian Foreign Affairs Minister is among the delegates who are excited and hails how the event is organized observing that he is optimistic about the positive outcome of the 27th AU Summit.
“Generally, the Summit is a success and we expect a lot at the end. We are discussing serious African issues and our aim is to ensure that we get solutions for our own problems. We are concerned by conflicts in South Sudan and other issues faced by our continent and we are optimistic that at the end of the Summit we shall have clear recommendations on the way forward,” underscored the Minister in an interview.
The Ivorian Minister further noted that he was surprised with the rate at which Rwanda was developing mentioning that the country has much to offer given the great developments it is undergoing to better the life of its citizens. “Other countries will emulate the good example”, He noted.
Rwanda, the country hosting 27th African Union Summit, Twenty-one years after the 1994 genocide, the country has become a success story of unity and reconciliation.
Rwanda’s economy has been growing at an annual rate of 8 percent making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Evariste Karambizi, Manager Peacekeeping Training Program at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research who came as an observer at the Summit is among the delegates who are convinced and satisfied with the Summit’s organizations.
“I have attended other African Union Summits and United Nations conferences but this year’s AU Summit in Kigali is exceptional. The protocol and hospitality and the content we are discussing in the sessions are all outstanding. This shows that Rwanda has set standards on how events should be organized,” he mentioned.
“African is opening a new chapter and this shows that the continent is on the right track to solving its own problems. Through these kinds of Summits, the World comes to know that there is an emerging Africa that is focusing on moving forwards,” Karambizi further observed.
Stanley Okonye the head of TVC news based in Nigeria observed he was impressed with the hospitality of security officers at the event and the kind of facilitation given to foreign journalists.
“The hospitality I have received in this country and in this Summit is splendid. The security is good I move around without fear and everyone in this country smiles to me. We have been provided with the fastest internet that helps us to work effectively and efficiently,” he said.
“In generally, the organization is fabulous and we hope it ends successfully. We commend the AU Leadership for providing the media with all facilitation to ensure that they do their work professionally and timely. Press Conferences of the AU Officials are inundating our news content with useful material to educate the African citizens and the world about the developmental issues and activities of the Union”. In addition, the venue of the Summit is a pure reflection of hygiene and sanitation with sparkling clean environment, drinking water distributors in all corners of the building, snacks served at will and a well-equipped medical center facility to attend to all urgent health problems of the participants. The greenery clean city of Kigali is in fact ready to host the 27th Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou, Ag. Director of Information and Communication of the AUC, via E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com;
Tel: +250 789923794

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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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