au weekly dec 9
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This weekly publication covers keys updates and opportunities on the African Union agendaTRANSCRIPT
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AFRICA MOURNS NELSON MANDELA
Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president, died on Thursday night, December 5. Following his death, here is what some prominent African leaders have said:
Dr Nkosazan Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission: Mandela fought a good fight and has bowed out with great reverence. His passing on is a great loss to his family, to our continent and indeed to humanity itself. The African Union dips its banners and rededicates Africa to continue to honour his legacy.
Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International: We honour President Mandela not only for his vision, courage and sacrifices for the liberation of South Africa but for promoting forgiveness and reconciliation following the end of apartheid. Madiba spoke for all oppressed people in the world. He was the most consistent and powerful voice for social justice in the 20th century.
Thabo Mbeki, ex-South African president: President Mandela and his generation discovered the mission of their generation. Thus, President Mandela’s departure demands of those of us who remain, South Africans and all Africans on the rest of our Continent, that we commit ourselves selflessly to address the many challenges we face.
Peta Thornycroft, journalist reporting outside Mandela’s home: Somehow it isn't a grieving crowd; it is people who have come out in the middle of the night, some in their dressing gowns, not to cry, but to remember him, to say how much they loved him.
Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa: Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu: Our world is a better place for having had a Nelson Mandela, and we in South Africa are that bit better. How wonderful if his successors were to emulate him and if we were to value the great gift of freedom he won for us at the price of so much suffering.
The African Union Commission will have a wall of remembrance on its website and Africans are encouraged to deposit messages of condolences on the site. Please go to: http://www.au.int/en/wallofremembrance-Mandela
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PEACE AND SECURITY Fighting leaves 400 dead Central African Republic
The African Union is to nearly double the number of troops it is sending to the Central African Republic, the French presidency announced on Saturday, December 7, at the end of a mini-summit in Paris.
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The announcement came just hours after France agreed to increase its number of troops from 1,200 to 1,600. On Thursday, December 5, as a new wave of violence erupted in the landlocked country’s capital, Bangui, killing about 400 people.
Further reading: http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/108986-african-union-to-almost-double-troops-in-c-africa ********************************************************************************** Africa closer to having a Standby Force for rapid intervention
African leaders were set on Saturday, December 7, to approve the acceleration of moves to create a military force capable of intervening in crises like the current conflict in Central African Republic.
A two-day summit attended by leaders of most African states was expected to wrap up with broad agreement on France's proposals to turn plans for an African Union rapid reaction force, agreed in principle earlier this year, into reality. Paris is offering to provide equipment, logistical support and advice on coordination for the force, and will seek to persuade its European Union partners to help with financing.
Further reading: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131207/african-military-force-moves-closer-reality ****************************************************************
LRA men killed, but Kony still at large
US-backed African Union troops have killed a senior commander in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a Ugandan army spokesman said on Tuesday, December 3.
US Special Forces have supported a Regional Task Force of African troops since 2011 to try to track down LRA leader Joseph Kony, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in a guerrilla war in Uganda and neighbouring states. Kony’s whereabouts are not known, but he was spotted in the Central African Republic (CAR) late last month, according to unconfirmed reports.
Further Reading: http://www.bdlive.co.za/africa/africannews/2013/12/04/lra-men-killed-but-kony-
still-at-large
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AU Panel for Egypt evaluates work done so far
The African Union High-Level Panel for Egypt convened in Addis Ababa, on 29 and 30 November 2013, where it was agreed further interaction with the Egyptian authorities and other stakeholders was necessary.
The Panel, which continues to closely follow the situation in Egypt, reiterated its commitment to do whatever it can to assist Egypt overcome the challenges confronting it, within the framework of the mandate entrusted to the Panel
Further reading: http://appablog.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/the-african-union-high-level-panel-for-egypt-concludes-consultations-in-addis-ababa/
ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND LIVELIHOODS
Austria gives 1 million Euros to support women participation in peace and security
The Austrian government signed an agreement on Friday, November 29, pledging 1 million Euros in
support of the African Union Gender, Peace and Security Program (GPSP). The agreement was signed
by Counsellor Heinz Habertheuer, of the African Development Cooperation, and the African Union
Peace and Security Department Director, El Ghassim Wane.
The money from the Austrian government will help support the GPSP's objective of strengthening
women's participation in the promotion of peace and security.
Further reading: http://austriantimes.at/news/General_News/2013-12-
03/50173/One_million_euros_from_Austrian_government_supports_African_peace_and_security_
programme
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UPCOMING EVENTS
DATE EVENT VENUE DEPARTMENT CONTACT
Dec. 11-13
Understanding the African Union Training
African Union Commission
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Information and Communication
Oxfam International Liaison Office with the African Union
Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union [email protected]
Rinret Dabeng Capacity Development Coordinator Oxfam International Liaison Office with the African Union [email protected]
Dec. 9-10
Consultation with African Media on the African Union Agenda 2063
Yaoundé, Cameroun
Information and Communication
Ms. Afrah M. Thabit Directorate of Information and Communication E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Dec. 13-17
Ordinary
Session of
Conference of
Ministers
Responsible
for Mineral
Resources
Maputo, Mozambique
Trade and Industry
Mr. HUSSEIN HASSAN Head of industry Department of Trade and Industry African Union Commission Tel:+25115182950 Fax:+25115182970 Email: [email protected]