Events
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January 23, 2013
Press Release N°11/20th AU Summit
Africa making encouraging strides in agriculture and food security, says Commissioner Tumusiime
Addis Ababa, 23 January 2013 – AUC’s Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture Mrs Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, has reiterated that commendable progress has been achieved in the agricultural sector on the continent.
Addressing the media on the margins of the 20th AU Summit themed ‘Panafricanism and African Renaissance,’ Mrs. Tumusiime said the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), was making unprecedented and continuing efforts to advance the areas of agriculture for food security and nutrition as well as on areas of sustainable development.
She highlighted three broad inter-related core and strategic development areas that guided her department’s work, namely:
(i) Advancing the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) through mobilization of political, technical and financial support;
(ii) Promotion of sustainable management of the environment and natural resources; and
(iii) Enhanced coordination of the implementation of related flagship projects pursuant to relevant AU Decisions.Mrs. Tumusiime noted that a scan through the specific progress made in individual countries, showed that notable achievements had been registered in improving agricultural productivity and trade in Africa.
“Apart from the recent challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel Region, the continent has registered a stable food security environment over the last 4 years. From the different country household survey reports covering the entire continent, there has been a notable increase in the incomes of many agricultural households. These positive changes and shifts can be attributed to CAADP-based and incentive-oriented agricultural policy and institutional reforms that have been undertaken by AU Member States in the recent past with the support of the AUC, the NEPAD Agency, RECs and other Pan African Institutions together with development partners,” she said.
Mrs. Tumusiime further stressed the importance of putting women at the centre of agriculture and food security.
“We're moving the agenda of women forward and in fact the current Chairperson of the AUC, H.E Madame Dlamini-Zuma has prioritized women in the Commission’s strategic focus and operations,” she said.
And speaking on sustainable development, Commissioner Tumusiime said, “It remains one of DREA’s key strategic areas of intervention in order to ensure efficient and effective harnessing and management of Africa’s natural resources and be able to cope with the demands of the exponentially increasing population; the adverse impacts of climate change and climate variability; and the intensifying disasters and risks.”
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January 23, 2013
Press Release N°12/ 20th AU Summit
AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry updates the media on progresses madeAddis Ababa, 23rd January 2013 – Mrs Fatima Haram Acyl, African Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry, held a press briefing on 22 January 2013 at the margins of the 20th AU Summit to update the media on progress made with regard to the Implementation of the Continental Free trade Area (CFTA) by 2017, the implementation the Africa Mining Vision as well as that of the industrial development of Africa (AIDA).
After a brief description of the reasons why the Heads of State and Government took the historical decision, in January 2012, to implement the Continental Free Trade Area by 2017, Mrs Fatima Haram Acyl, indicated that an action plan has been adopted for Boosting Intra-Africa Trade (BIAT). It has 7 clusters aimed at reporting on the constraints identified. She also informed that preliminary actions such as the establishment of the Trade Observatory and the African Business Council have been undertaken. On January 26, a meeting will be held on the margins of the summit, to review the progress made in respect to both BIAT and CFTA.
On mining, Mrs Acyl said the objective of the African Mining vision is mainly to resolve the “paradox of Africa being the richest continent in terms of mineral resources and yet being the least developed". Therefore and in compliance with its action plan to be implemented in 2013, the establishment of a center aimed at supporting African countries in improving their capacities to manage mineral resources, is underway.Finally, Mrs Acyl updated the audience about the plan on accelerated industrial development of Africa (AIDA) which aims to improve Africa’s productive capacity. Ministers of Industry of the Member states have identified 2 keys areas for urgent implementation: Agro-Industrial and Pharmaceutical products. In this regard, she specified that a high level joint EU-AU Resource Mobilization committee was to be set in collaboration with UNIDO.
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January 23, 2013
Comité de Coordination UA-CER-CEA-BAD Dixième réunion
23 janvier 2013
Addis Abéba, Ethiopia
16h 30- 16h40: 16h 40- 16h50:
16h 50-16h55: 16h55-17h15:
17h 15-17h30:
17h 30- 17h45: 17h45-17h50: 17h50-17h55: 17h55-18h00:
Projet de Programme de Travail
Allocution de bienvenue de S.E Dr. Dlamini Zuma, Présidente de la Commission de l’Union Africaine;
Allocution de S.E. Nassour Guelengdouksia OUAIDO, Secrétaire Général de la CEEAC;
Adoption de l’Ordre du Jour et du Programme de travail; Préparation de la Conférence de l’Union sur le Développement et
l’Intégration;
Examen et entérinement du rapport de la onzième réunion du
Comité des Fonctionnaires des Secrétariats; Renforcement des relations entre les membres du Comité;
Questions diverses;
Date and lieu de la onzième réunion du Comité de Coordination; Clôture -
January 23, 2013
Press Release N°10/20th AU Summit
Updates on the just concluded Year of Shared Values
Addis Ababa, 23rd January 2013 – Dr Aisha Laraba Abdulahi, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs briefed the media attending the 20th AU Summit on the just concluded Year of Shared Values. “Shared Values are the norms, principles and practices acquired or developed throughout African history, and which are embedded at the individual, societal, regional, continental and global levels”, the Commissioner said. These values include freedom, democratic governance, popular participation of the people and rule of law amongst others. The values are reflected in the AU legal instruments and are considered as shared because “they have been the basis of collective actions and solutions in addressing the social, economic and political challenges faced individually and collectively by African Union Member States”.
Mindful of the above, the activities undertaken during the year 2012 dedicated to Shared Values, were informed by the need to overcome the poor rate of ratification of continental legal instruments, and to monitor and evaluate their implementation at national level. The AU, therefore focused on the universal ratification of three critical instruments: the Convention on Preventing and Combatting Corruption (adopted in 2003), the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007) and the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. Furthermore, to shift from norms setting to policy implementation, the AU developed the Human Rights Strategy for Africa and the draft Framework on Transitional Justice. Amongst other achievements, the African Governance Platform was also launched to enhance the monitoring, periodic review and assessment of the implementation of Member States’ commitments towards shared values. Lastly, to create awareness about the shared values, a dedicated website, blogs, Facebook and twitter accounts were created.
YNS/WM
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January 23, 2013
PRESS RELEASE N.06/ 20th AU SIMMIT
«Hisséne Habré Trial Should Start in 2013 » says AU Legal Counsel
Addis Ababa, 22 January 2013 – MsDjenaba Diarra, Acting Legal Counsel of the African Union Commission(AU) has, today, updated the media on two issues featuring high on the agenda of the AU 20th Summit : the HisséneHabré Case and the status of ratification of AU instrument.
With regard to Hisséne Habré’s trial, she stated that «the AU strongly believes that the trial should start sometime in 2013». Ms. Diarra reported on progress made in collaboration with the Republic of Senegal, which was mandated in 2006 by the AU Assembly to judge Habré on behalf of Africa. Since his ascension to power, President MackySall has taken concrete steps toward the trial, said Ms. Diarra. The technicalities, e.g. the extraordinary chambers located within the national court of Senegal are being worked out. «The trial is important for the AU. It shows our willingness to fight impunity and shows that wehave adequate African mechanism to address African issues » Ms. Diarra added. With regard to funding, Ms. Diarra recalled that the pledges made in 2010 by Africa and the international community, were confirmed in 2011.
On treaties signed during the OAU-AU, the Acting Legal Counsel informed that out of 32 legal instruments,22 have entered into force. However, Ms. Diarra emphasized that generally, the AU encounters challenges regarding ratification. To face thischallenge, the AU has established a ministerial committee within the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity in order to find solutions to shortcomings engendered by the slow pace of ratification. The AU Commission also recommended the creation of a fund aimed at bringing technical assistance to Member States for ratification and domestication. The AU also uses organs especially the Pan African Parliament (PAP) to advocate for the ratification.
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January 23, 2013
Addis-Abeba, le 22 janvier 2013 – Le Commissaire de l’Union africaine aux ressources humaines, à la science et à la technologie, le Professeur Jean-Pierre Ezin, a présenté lors d’un point de presse les réalisations majeures de son département. Parmi lesquelles, l’Université Panafricaine (UPA), les Prix scientifiques de l’UA et le Corps des Jeunes Volontaires de l’UA (CJVUA).
Le Professeur Ezin a présenté l’Université Panafricaine (UPA) comme une initiative majeure dont la mise en œuvre opérationnelle, commencée en juillet 2012, s’est poursuivie avec la première rentrée universitaire effectuée en novembre 2012 avec 193 étudiants africains. Ces étudiants, issus d’un processus exigeant de sélection et d’admission, constitueront la toute première promotion de l’UPA et sont répartis sur les 3 sites de l’UPA. Ils seront 70 pour la Faculté des Sciences basiques, de la Technologie et de l’Innovation (abritée par l’Université Jomo Kenyatta au Kenya) 43 pour la Faculté des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (abritée par l’Université d’Ibadan au Nigeria) et 80 pour la Faculté de la Gouvernance, des Humanités et Sciences Sociales (abritée par l’Université de Yaoundé I au Cameroun).
Les Prix Scientifiques de l’UA, couramment appelés Prix Nkwame Nkrumah, se situent dans la continuité des programmes initiés par le Département des Ressources Humaines Science et Technologie pour valorisant la recherche, l’enseignement supérieur africain, l’université africaine et le savoir- faire africain. Les lauréats de l’édition 2012 seront primés par le Présidente de la Commission de l’UA, Mme Dlamini- Zuma, au cours du 20eme Sommet et
recevront leurs prix le 25 mai 2013.Dans les domaines des sciences de la vie et de la terre et des sciences des technologies de l’innovation, au niveau national les lauréats recevront un prix de 5000 USD. Au niveau régional –uniquement les femmes-, elles recevront 20 000 USD alors que le prix continental s’élève à 100 000 USD. A cela ajoute le programme de subvention de recherche accordant 20 millions USD aux instituts africains de recherche dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables et de la pêche.
Le Corps des Jeunes volontaires dont la troisième Promotion (2012-2013) tout juste formé et déployé au sein des institutions de l’UA et auprès d’organisations partenaires, comporte des professionnels de la sante, des juristes, des communicateurs, des experts en mobilisation de fonds, etc. Le CJVUA se situe dans le cadre du programme de renforcement de capacités et d’autonomisation des jeunes.
Pour plus d'informations, consultez le site internet de l'Union Africaine: www.au.int et visitez la page web 20ème Sommet de l'UA: http://summits.au.int/en/20thsummit/
NNF
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January 23, 2013
Addis Ababa, 22 January 2013 – Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Natama, Chief of Staff of the African Union (AU) Commission, held on, 22 January 2013, at the headquarters of the AU, a briefing on the strategic partnerships of the organisation. The gathering with the media took place on the margins of the 20th AU Summit themed “Panafricanism and African Renaissance”.
In his introductory remarks, Ambassador Natama stressed on the fact that relations and partnerships between Africa and the rest of the world should be based on a mutual understanding, allowing Africa to respond to its needs and benefit from those partnerships. He cited Afro-Arab, TICAD, Africa-South America, Africa-EU, Africa-China, Africa-Turkey and Africa-India as partnerships based on mutual will and which should evolve in a beneficial manner. He further clarified that Africa should be aware of its interests and the benefits the continent should be foreseeing with the partnerships concluded. However they are sometimes perceived as unbalanced due to the historical background. In his capacity as the coordinator of partnerships, he informed that the role of the African Union is to make sure Africa’s interests are taken into account.On the relations between Africa and China and replying to a question on that matter, Ambassador Natama explained that there is no monopoly on Africa. “Africa chooses its partners and all should know it” he added. However, he informed that the AU is concerned about unbalanced partnerships. This is the reason the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, intends to request a moratorium from Member States on partnerships in order to review their efficiency and benefit for Africa.
He explained that 30% of natural resources and one third of energy sources are located in Africa. Rather than exporting raw materials and importing manufactured products, the continent should put in place processing infrastructure. Combined with better governance, a stable and secure environment, Africa should get rid of the impoverishment generated by the sole exportation of its raw materials. Though entrepreneurship implies taking risks, compliance with the rule of law reduces risks and attracts investors, Ambassador Natama further indicated. “Development should be from within and initiated first by Africa and for Africans”.
The main challenge is now to process those resources for the benefit of the people of Africa and share it equally to avoid frustrations. Governance is a major challenge and Africa should adopt mechanisms leading to an environment conducive to growth. In addition, stability and security are also core elements to create growth. Africa exports its raw resources and imports manufactured products. This cycle impoverishes Africa. “We need to transform our resources, adopt good economic governance, share equally among the population,” the Chief of Staff said.
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January 22, 2013
AVIS MEDIA / 20eme SOMMET DE L’UA
LA VINGT-DEUXIEMME SESSION ORDINAIRE DU CONSEIL EXECUTIF S’OUVRE CE JEUDI 24 JANVIERDates: 24 et 25 janvier 2013
Qui: Les ministres des Affaires étrangères ainsi que les ministres et autres autorités désignés par les gouvernements des Etats Membres de l’UA.Lieu: Nouveau Centre de Conférence de l’Union Africaine, Addis-Abeba, Ethiopie.
Objectifs: Le Conseil Exécutif examinera les point à l’ordre du jour du 20ème Sommet de l’UA qui se tient sous le thème du “Panafricanisme et Renaissance Africaine”. Leur rapport sera soumis pour adoption à la 20ème Conférence des Chefs d’Etats et de Gouvernement, les 27 et 28 janvier.Procédure: L’agenda de la réunion du Conseil Exécutif prévoit des délibérations sur les différents rapports des réunions ministérielles organisées par la Commission de l'UA au cours des six derniers mois. Il prévoit également l’examen du rapport d'activité de la Commission, des recommandations du COREP sur la mise en œuvre des décisions antérieures du Conseil exécutif et de l'Assemblée, et du rapport du
comité ministériel sur les candidatures.Le Conseil exécutif examinera également le Rapport annuel 2012 de la Commission, les statuts de l'Université panafricaine (UPA), le Comité ministériel des candidatures, le Comité ministériel Ad-hoc sur le barème des contributions; le rapport d'étape de la Commission sur la transformation de la Commission de l'Union africaine en Autorité de l'Union africaine, avant de procéder à l'examen des points proposés par les Etats membres.
L'un des moments forts de la réunion du Conseil exécutif sera l'élection de deux membres de la Commission notamment, le Commissaire aux Ressources humaines, aux sciences et à la technologie et le Commissaire chargé des affaires économiques, afin de compléter la liste des huit commissaires de la Commission de l'Union africaine.Les ministres éliront aussi cinq membres du Conseil de Paix et de Sécurité (CPS), un juge de la Cour Africaine des Droits Humains et des Peuples (CADHP), onze membres du Conseil consultatif sur la corruption et d cinq membres de la Commission de l'Union africaine sur le droit international.
Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter le site internet de l'Union africaine: www.au.int et visitez la page web 20ème Sommet de l'UA à l'adresse suivante: http://summits.au.int/en/20thsummit/
Les journalistes sont invités à couvrir les cérémonies officielles d'ouverture et de clôture de la 22ème session ordinaire du Conseil exécutif, les 24 et 25 janvier 2013.
Les journalistes qui souhaitent interviewer des dirigeants de la Commission de l'UA lors du Sommet sont priés de soumettre leurs demandes à Mme Esther Tankou Azaa E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com
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January 22, 2013
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Centre for Citizens’ Participation on the African Union (CCP-AU) is launching a booklet called ‘THE AFRICAN UNION WE WANT!’ a compilation of views, aspirations, expectations and perspectives of African Citizens from all walks of life.
WHO: The Centre for Citizens’ Participation on the African Union (CCP-AU)
WHAT: Launching a booklet ‘THE AFRICAN UNION WE WANT!’
WHEN: WENESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013 AT 1700 hrs
WHERE: AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION, BREIFING ROOM 1
SPEAKERS:
Mr. Donald Deya, CCP-AU Board Chairperson
Dr. Chantal Midzié Abessolo, CCP-AU Board Vice Chairperson
Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, CCP-AU Board Member
Ms. Janah Ncube, CCP-AU Executive Director
The CCP-AU is an independent network of national, regional and continental civil society organizations and citizens working to promote the African Union and ensuring that the AU is a people driven entity.
CONTACTS:
Centre for Citizens’ Participation on the African Union (CCP-AU)
Tel: + 251-923 090 217/ + 254 – 702 622 922
+ 251-911 484 237
Email: eyob.balcha@ccpau.org
info@ccpau.org -
January 21, 2013
JOINT MEDIA ADVISORY/ INVITATION
A Training and Capacity Building Programme for African media professionals
When: 22-23 January 2013 beginning 09:00 a.m
Where: African Union Commission (Briefing Room 2)
Who: Co- hosted by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Addis Ababa and the African Union Commission Directorate of Information and Communication (AUC DIC)Objectives
§ Enhancing awareness among media practitioners on the institutional transformation of the AU and on the structure, functioning, challenges and prospects of the African Peace and Security Architecture and its linkage to other sub-regional, regional and global organizations;
Enhancing awareness of the broader African development agenda
§ Facilitate dynamic interaction between African journalists and key actors, based on contacts at AU headquarters;
§ Facilitate the creation of a network among relevant journalists/editors in the target region on integration issues especially those on peace and security; and
§ Production of articles, reports and programs of quality on issues relating to the training programme
§ Continued production of articles, reports and programs based on AU and African development issues after attending the Summit.
Participants: Prominent media professionals/journalists from different African countries including Ethiopia.
Journalists are invited to cover the official opening ceremony on January 22, at 9:00 am.
Contact Persons
Alemayehu Eyasu, Workshop Coordinator fesethiopia@yahoo.com; Tel. +251 111 233245/ (0)911 702500
Wynne Musabayana, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission, Musabayanaw@africa-union.org tel: +251 (0) 922406157
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January 21, 2013
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January 21, 2013