Events
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November 14, 2015AU Commission Chairperson condoles with FranceAddis Ababa, Ethiopia – 14 November 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr.
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November 13, 2015Valletta Migration Summit: “No part of the world can be a fortress. We should be open to legal migration.” – AU...
Press Release Nº334/2015
Valletta, Malta – 12 November 2015: African and European Union leaders ended a two-day Summit on migration, agreeing on a number of measures, “to decisively and together manage migration flows in all its aspects.” They concluded a two-day Summit in Valletta, Malta, which culminated in their committing to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, by considering migration and mobility in their development, programming and implementation strategies.
According to the final declaration of the Valletta Summit on Migration, the common response of the African and European leaders will, among others, primarily focus on reducing poverty, promoting peace, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, on supporting inclusive economic growth through investment opportunities and the creation of decent jobs, thus rekindling hope notably for the African youth.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission pointed out the attitude of some European countries putting up a fortress approach to solving the migration issue. “There is no part of the world that can be a fortress. We should be open to legal migration,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma remarked, while extending deep appreciation to those European countries that have been working tirelessly to save the lives of the migrants and treating them in a humane and dignified manner.
Reacting to the supposed processing centres to be constructed for the migrants, the AU Commission Chairperson was very clear on the AU’s position: “The African Union is not in support of, and cannot endorse the establishment of the so-called processing centres in Africa. The processing centres, or whatever they may be called, are de facto detention centers that will constitute a serious violation of human rights and re-victimization of migrants. Especially women and children would be at great risks of falling prey to rape and human trafficking, including the trafficking in human organs.”
The idea of the processing centres was a key issue during the negotiations between the African and European Teams of negotiators. Putting into perspective the overall situation of migration in times of economic growth, AU Commission Chairperson quoted Dr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa:
“In every moment of History growth has generated outward migrants from the same location. It is indeed happening with Chinese and Indians right now as it is in Africa. Growth spins the chances for a new life but its distribution, particularly at the early stages of a country take-off, is uneven and unpredictable. Those who see their neighbor with means and hope they do not have, venture out. It would have been absurd to propose bombing the boats that were sailing to South America full of migrants escaping the misfortunes of the two World Wars aftermath. These migrants were seeking better lives. Yet their countries were growing like never before, thanks amongst others to the Marshall Plan.”
The African and European leaders also agreed to strengthen international protection of migrants and step up assistance, acknowledging the need to facilitate legal migration and mobility for entrepreneurs, students and researchers.
An EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa of €1.8 billion was launched to implement the agreed Valletta Summit on Migration Action Plan, aimed at addressing the root causes of the irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa. The Fund will benefit countries in the Sahel region and Lake Chad area; the Horn of Africa and North of Africa, said to be the major migration routes to Europe.
The AU Commission Chairperson underscored the need for a short, medium and long-term sustainable solutions, highlighting the fact the situation cannot be resolved through quick fixes. She called on Europe to partner with Africa in its Agenda 2063, whose thrust is in development and modernisation of the continent through industrialisation, skills training and promoting entrepreneurship that will create jobs for African young people lured by Europe in search of a better life.
Media contact:
Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +251 911 201 632; +251 934 996 893 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org
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
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November 12, 2015
Valletta Migration Summit: “No part of the world can be a fortress. We should be open to legal migration.” – AU Commission Chairperson
Go to attachmentsPress Release Nº334/2015
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November 10, 2015
Africa-EU Migration Summit in Valletta, Malta
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November 10, 2015Africa-EU Migration Summit in Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta – 10 November 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has arrived in Valletta, Malta, to participate in the Valletta Summit on Migration, scheduled to hold from 11 to 12 November 2015. The Summit will provide a platform for African and European Leaders to exchange views and take decisions on the challenges and opportunities arising from migration and mobility within the two continents.
The AU Commission Chairperson will speak on the way Africa and Europe can partner and work collaboratively to reap the benefits of labour migration as well as on way to overcome the challenges around irregular migration in the immediate, medium and long terms.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, will also present the opportunities that Agenda 2063 avails to the African continent to rekindle the hopes and aspirations of Africa’s women and youth, through enhanced industrialisation, skills training and empowerment, decent job creation, as well as the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
The death of thousands of Africans in the Mediterranean Sea remains an issue of great concern to Africa and Europe, warranting the need to pursue dialogue aimed at agreeing on measures to prevent the recurrence of the tragedies resulting from irregular migration and human trafficking.
Participating AU and EU Member States are expected to agree on an Action Plan and issue a joint final declaration at the end of the Summit.
Media contact:
Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; +251 911 201 632; +251 934 996 893 E-mail EnohebenJ@africa-union.org -
November 06, 2015AU welcomes newly elected President of Tanzania, re-elected Presidents of Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea
Press Release Nº 330/2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 5 November 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has welcomed the newly elected President of Tanzania, H.E. John Magafuli, who was sworn in on Thursday, 5 November 2015, following his victory at the general elections that took place on Sunday, 25 October 2015. The AUC Chairperson also congratulated Presidents Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and Alpha Condé of Guinea for their re-election in office in their respective countries.
“I am greatly pleased to send this congratulatory message to President John Magafuli and the people of Tanzania. It was refreshing to witness the peaceful transition which took place in the country on the 25 October and it is my hope that this great nation will continue moving forward in this trajectory,” Dr Dlamini Zuma said. She has also congratulated outgoing President Jakaya Kikwete for his statesmanship, leadership and contribution to Tanzania and the African Union during his tenure of office.
H.E. Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, and current Chairperson of the African Union and other Heads of State and Government attended the inauguration ceremony, to equally welcome the new President Magafuli in Tanzania.
The AU Commission Chairperson also congratulated President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and President Alpha Condé of Guinea for their re-election to the Presidency in their respective countries, stating: “I am also delighted to congratulate Presidents Alassane Ouattara and Alpha Condé of Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea as they begin their second and final terms in this high office”.
Save for very few exceptions, elections in Africa in 2015 have gone very well, reflecting a very positive trajectory for the continent. The AU Commission Chairperson expressed her fervent hope that the remaining elections for this year and about twenty others planned for next year will be organised peacefully and in a democratic manner wherein the People of the continent fully exercise their sovereign right in determining their leaders.
Office of the Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission
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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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November 05, 2015AU Commission Chairperson commiserates with families of South Sudan plane crash victims
Press Release Nº326/2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 5 November 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has expressed commiseration with the victims and families of the dozens of people who lost their lives in the plane crash in Juba, South Sudan, in the morning of Wednesday 4 November 2015.
“News of this terrible tragedy came as a shock as we are still in the process of mourning the victims of the Russian airliner that crashed over the weekend”, Dr Dlamini Zuma said. “And now, only a few days later, we stand in commiseration with the South Sudanese, Armenians and Russians once again. It’s my hope and prayer that we won’t have to deal with more calamities like this in the near future. My prayers are with the relatives of all those who were killed.”
The cargo plane, which crashed barely minutes after take-off from Juba’s International Airport, is said to have been carrying 18 people aboard; although the numbers still have to be confirmed. All the passengers were killed, save a little boy, and many more perished when the airline crashed into a farming community less than a mile from the airport, according to news sources.
Office of the Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission
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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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November 05, 2015AU Commission Chairperson congratulates Africa-Against-Ebola Campaign for 2015 Global Leadership AwardPress Release Nº324/2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 4 November 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has congratulated the Chairman and Board of Trustees of the Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Trust on their recognition by the UN Foundation. The Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Trust was recipient of the 2015 Global Leadership Awards at the annual Global Leadership Dinner, organised by the UN Foundation on Tuesday 3 November in New York City.
As patron of the historic partnership of the African Union and African Businesses - Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Trust - the AU Commission Chairperson said The Trust was very instrumental in funding the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease. Having contributed well over $30 million, together with the Trust, the AU was able to deploy over 850 health workers at critical times to the most affected areas of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“We share the pride and honour of the outstanding work by the Africa's leading entrepreneurs in partnering with, and supporting the African Union,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed her excitement at the news of the award. “Given the results of this innovative partnership, and the effective model for health financing, we will continue to work together with the Trust as we move to a broader challenge of setting up the Africa Centre for Disease Control. Warm congratulations to the Trust and the leadership," the AU Commission Chairperson remarked.
In handing the award to Mr. Strive Masiyiwa and Yusuf Manji of the Trust, former Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Kofi Annan said, "This unique and historic private sector initiative sought not only to confront Ebola today, but to strengthen health systems to be ready for the threats of tomorrow. Tonight we recognize a Board of Directors who have risen to the challenge of promoting the livelihood and long-term wellbeing of the West Africa region."
United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, attended the ceremony and was one of the five recipients of this year’s Awards. Apart from the UN Secretary and the Africa Against Ebola Trust, the other three honourees were: Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani; Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran; and United Nations Free & Equal Campaign.
The Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Trust is a registered charity, in partnership with the African Union. It was established following the African Business Roundtable on Ebola convened on Saturday, 8 November 2014, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by the AU Commission.
Bureau of the Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission
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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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November 04, 2015AU and South Africa sign Nuclear Energy Commission host agreementAddis Ababa, Ethiopia – 4 November 2015: The African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, signed, on Wednesday, 4 November 2015, the Host Country Agreement for the establishment of the Headquarters of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE).
The Host Agreement will allow AFCONE and its Secretariat to function fully and effectively to implement the mandate of the African Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba), which entered into force in July 2009.
According to the AU Commission Chairperson, the African Commission on Nuclear Energy will play a key role in supporting sustainable development on the continent, notably in supporting key Agenda 2063 priority areas such as infrastructure, health, agriculture, industrialization and energy (amongst other priorities). The Chairperson of the Commission stressed the positive role that AFCONE will play in advancing the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
On her part, the South African Minister for International Relations expressed the satisfaction of her government to host the Pan-African institution, noting the significant contribution towards the ultimate goal of achieving a world in which nuclear weapons no longer exist.
Following the signing, the Chairperson of the AU Commission seized the opportunity to call on all concerned States to ratify and accede to the Treaty of Pelindaba and its Protocols without further delay. She further expressed her appreciation to the Republic of South Africa for being graciously hosting of a number of other AU organs.
About the Treaty of Pelindaba
The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Pelindaba, was signed in Cairo, Egypt, on 11 April 1996 and entered into force on 15 July 2009.The Treaty, for which the Chairperson of the African Union Commission is the depositary, prohibits the development, manufacture, stockpiling, acquisition, testing, possession, control or stationing of nuclear explosive devices in the Zone territory of States parties and the dumping of radioactive waste in the African Zone.
It also prohibits any attack against nuclear installations in the Zone by the parties and requires them to maintain the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear material, facilities and equipment, which are to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
The Treaty has three Protocols. The first two commit States parties not to use or threaten to use a nuclear device against any territory within the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, as well as not to undertake, assist or encourage the testing of any nuclear explosive device anywhere within the Zone.
These two Protocols are open for signature by the five recognized nuclear-weapon States.
The third Protocol, which is open for signature by France and Spain, concerns the territories for which they are de jure or de facto internationally responsible, and which are situated within the Zone. The Protocol commits them not to contribute to any act that constitutes a violation of the Treaty.
About AFCONE
The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) was established by Article 12 of the Treaty of Pelindaba as the body responsible for, inter alia, ensuring States Parties compliance with their obligations under the Treaty and its Protocols and promoting regional and sub-regional programmes for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.In 2012 AFCONE adopted its programme of work which consists of four pillars focusing on: a) monitoring States parties' compliance with their Treaty obligations; b) nuclear and radiation safety and security; c) nuclear sciences and applications; and d) partnerships and technical cooperation with the relevant regional and international bodies.
The Secretariat of AFCONE will be located in Pretoria, South Africa, and will be headed by an Executive Secretary. AFCONE is financed by States Parties assessed contributions, as well as grants from international partners.
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November 02, 2015
Press Release Nº314/2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 31 October 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has expressed condolences to the families of the 224 passengers who lost their lives in the Russian airliner that crashed in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula on Saturday 31 October 2015.
“It is with deep sorrow that I extend sincere condolences to the grieving families who lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy”, Dr Dlamini Zuma said in a statement this morning. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ relatives and Africa joins the Governments and people of Egypt, the Russian Federation and other grieving nationalities in mourning this profound loss.”
The Russian passenger plane, flight KGL9268, is said to have been carrying holiday makers from the Sharm el-Sheikh Red Sea resort in Egypt to the Russian city of St. Petersburg when it crashed into the central part of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. All 224 people on board were killed, including 17 children, 7 cabin crew and three Ukrainian tourists.
Investigators currently believe the crash was precipitated by a mechanical fault which resulted in the plane crashing vertically into a mountainous region of the Sinai Peninsula. The Egyptian authorities have formed a committee to investigate the tragedy, according to a report released by the Prime Minister’s office.
Office of the Spokesperson of the Chairperson
African Union Commission
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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 27, 2015
Press Release
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 27 October 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, leaves Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday 27 October 2015, for New Delhi, India, to attend the Third Africa-India Summit currently being held in New Delhi, India, and scheduled to last from the 26 to 29 October 2015. The objectives of the Summit include improving the existing diplomatic, political and economic partnership between African countries and India, in addition to increasing development cooperation between both parties.
The AU Commission Chairperson will be joining other African Heads of State and Government participating in the Summit in New Delhi.
“I am pleased to participate in this Summit, and welcome the opportunity to discuss ways of boosting the long-standing relationship between Africa and India, across specific sectors of comparative advantage, in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063,” Dr. Dlamini Zuma said before leaving the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Aside from participating in the Summit discussions, Dr. Dlamini Zuma will also hold bilateral meetings with some Heads of various delegations.
Over a thousand dignitaries and delegates have gathered in India’s capital city of New Delhi, including Heads of State and Government, Ministers, business leaders, Regional Economic Communities and other non-State actors.
The Africa-India Summit unfolds at three levels: the governmental level, the foreign ministries and finally senior government officials. The Senior Officials began meeting with their Indian counterparts, Monday 26 October 2015, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex. The Summit ends on 29 October 2015, with the adoption of a final declaration of the Heads of State and Government.
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October 27, 2015
Press Release Nº307/2015
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 26 October 2015: The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma congratulates the governments and the peoples of both the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the United Republic of Tanzania for holding serene and peaceful elections on 25 October, 2015.
The AU Commission Chairperson said the massive participation by the Ivoirians and Tanzanians in the general elections reflects their understanding of the importance of exercising their civic duty and fundamental rights. It is an indication of the maturation of the democratization process on the continent.
The regularity of conducting elections in African countries, and the active citizen engagement in electoral processes clearly demonstrate the citizens’ commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. This commitment enhances prospects for peace, political stability and development in Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania. It is adequately indicative that through the ballots, the guns will be silenced by 2020.
As the votes are being counted, the AU Commission Chairperson calls on all Ivoirian and Tanzanian stakeholders to respect the voice of the electorate, to remain calm, with the same serenity they demonstrated on the day of the voting. She urges all political actors to always put the interest of their country above all other interests.
The AU Commission Chairperson also reiterates the need for stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania to resort to officially recognised peaceful disputes resolution mechanism, should there be any election-related disputes.
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
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Addis Ababa | Ethiopia