Friday, July 30, 2010
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 30, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The 15th AU Summit held in Kampala, Uganda, from 19 to 27 July has adopted the following decisions:
On the Theme of the Summit: “Maternal, infant and child Health and Development in Africa” adopted actions to be undertaken in various Member State, in particular the actions aimed at attaining the MDGs 4, 5 and 6, including the launching of CARMMA, mobilisation of adequate resources for integrated health programmes up to 15% of national budgets, the sharing of best practices within regions, regular evaluation and reporting of progress achieved by Member States;
On the five (5)-year review of the Abuja call for accelerated action towards universal access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis AND Malaria (ATM) services in Africa, the Assembly, decided to extend the Abuja Call for Accelerated Action Towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Services in Africa (the Abuja Call) to 2015 to coincide with the MDGs. The Assembly urged Member States to accelerate the implementation of the “Abuja Call” through the strengthening of health systems, financing of health research, partnerships with relevant stakeholders; and a multi-sectoral and integrated approach to disease control.
On the state of Peace and Security in Africa, the Assembly welcomed the efforts deployed by the AU and the Regional Economic Communities / Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), with the support of the international community, towards the full operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture, in particular the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the African Standby Force (ASF). The Assembly reiterates its concern at the continued impasse in the process aimed at restoring constitutional order in Madagascar, due mainly to the refusal of the de facto authorities to cooperate with the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) towards the implementation of the Maputo Agreements of 6 August 2009 and the Addis Ababa Additional Act of 6 November 2009. The Assembly encourages the SADC Mediator, former President Joachim Chissano, to pursue and intensify his consultations with the Malagasy parties, with a view to facilitating an early and consensual return to legality, in accordance with the AU relevant instruments and decisions.
The Assembly urged the Comorian parties to work in good faith for the strict implementation of this Agreement, including the organization, within the scheduled timeframe, of the harmonized elections of the President of the Union and the Governors of the Autonomous Islands and the handing over of power between the President-elect and the outgoing one, and urged the international community to provide the financial and technical support necessary for the success of the process;
The Assembly reaffirmed its full support to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, and strongly condemned the attacks and other acts of violence perpetrated by Al Shabab and other terrorist groups against the TFG, the Somali people and the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The Assembly mandated the Commission to initiate the planning for the new phases of the deployment of AMISOM, supported by the African Standby Force (ASF), once operationalized. The Assembly requested the Chairperson of the Commission to appoint a High Level Personality, to galvanize international support and attention for Somalia, and the engagement of the population in governance processes, in order to enhance the legitimacy of the TFG. The Assembly also reiterated its call to the larger international community and the United Nations Security Council, in particular, to play their rightful role, including the transformation of AMISOM into a United Nations Peace Mission, and to mobilize resources commensurate with the magnitude of the challenges facing Somalia and the region;
The Assembly reiterated its concern at the continued impasse in the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea and reaffirmed AU’s readiness to assist the two countries to overcome the current deadlock through dialogue, and normalize their relations;
On Sudan, the Assembly stressed the critical importance of the partnership between the NCP and the SPLM and urged them, in consultation with the other stakeholders, to expeditiously address the outstanding issues in the CPA implementation, particularly the resolution of the issue of Abyei, the modalities for the organization of popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states, and the completion of the demarcation of the North-South border;
The Assembly expressed concern at the recent degradation of the security situation in Darfur, and called on all parties to demonstrate restraint and refrain from actions likely to further complicate the situation. The Assembly encouraged the parties to the Doha process, led by the AU‐UN Joint Chief Mediator, with the support of the Government of Qatar, to intensify their efforts towards achieving further progress, and urged the Movements that are not participating in the Doha talks to join the process without any further delay.
The Assembly welcomed the work being done by the AUHIP since its establishment in October 2009, in particular the support to the implementation of the CPA, the negotiations on the post-referendum issues and arrangements and the search for an inclusive and comprehensive solution to the conflict in Darfur.
The Assembly commended Chad and Sudan for the steps taken in this respect, as well as the two Heads of State for their vision and leadership.
The Assembly noted with concern the delays in the implementation of the calendar of elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in the execution of the DDR program. It expressed concern. The Assembly further expressed its concern at the continued activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army in CAR. The Assembly called on the Central African parties to work towards the holding of elections at the newly agreed dates (October and December 2010).
The Assembly urged the Ivorian parties to do their utmost, with the help of the Facilitator, President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso, to scrupulously implement the provisions of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement and its Supplementary Agreements, in order to create an enabling environment for the speedy holding of the elections, which should conclude the process for a way out of the crisis.
The Assembly took note of the transition and the process for the return to constitutional order as defined by the de facto authorities in Niger in consultation with the Niger parties, and requested all the stakeholders in Niger to ensure strict compliance.
The Assembly welcomed the holding on 27 June 2010, of the first round of the presidential election in Guinea and underscored the imperative need for the speedy organization of the second round of the presidential elections, to be followed by the legislative elections.
The Assembly urged the Mauritanian parties to promote political dialogue in good faith, in accordance with the Dakar Framework Agreement;
The Assembly expressed deep concern at the developments which took place in Guinea Bissau on 1st April 2010, undermining constitutional order, and condemned the continued interference of the Army in the functioning of the democratic institutions.
The Assembly reiterated its deep concern over the persistence and spread of maritime piracy, which is an international crime pursuant to relevant international instruments, including resolution 1918 (2010
The Assembly expressed satisfaction at the level attained in the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture and requested the Commission to continue and intensify its activities for the diligent and full implementation of the Tripoli Declaration and Plan of Action, including aspects relating to the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa.
On the implementation of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa, the Assembly, urged Member States to fully take ownership of this initiative, including by signing and ratifying relevant AU instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and effectively implementing the commitments contained therein, as well as by intensifying their efforts for peace. The Assembly also stressed the critical importance of the United Nations (UN) proclaimed International Day of Peace, on 21st September, as a way to provide a single rallying point for the continent to show that peace is possible the need to mobilize increased resources from within the continent to ensure real ownership and leadership in the quest for peace.
The Assembly endorsed the objectives being pursued and the activities planned, for which occasion namely:
i) Cessation of hostilities in all conflict areas which are still experiencing varying levels of violence;
ii) Distribution of humanitarian supplies, materials and services to communities in conflict areas, as well as in non-conflict areas in critical need of these.
iii) One minute of silence for peace across Africa at 10.00am GMT; on which day
iv) Relevant developmental work and community support in all AU Member States to be carried out by members of the armed and security forces;
v) One Day One Goal football games; and
vi) Make Peace Happen Lesson Plan to be taught in all schools on Peace Day or during other relevant occasions.
On the establishment of the Pan-African University, the Assembly decided the allocation of the thematic areas to the following regions and countries, while the Southern and Northern Regions were to finalize their consultations to designate the two host countries for space sciences and water and energy respectively:
i) West Africa: Nigeria for Life and Earth Sciences;
ii) East Africa: Kenya for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation;
iii) Central Africa: Cameroon for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences.
On the abuse of the principle of universal jurisdiction, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to fight impunity in conformity with the provisions of Article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. It called on all concerned States to respect International Law and particularly the immunity of state officials when applying the principle of universal jurisdiction. The Assembly urged the European Union (EU) and its Member States to extend the necessary cooperation to the African Union to facilitate the search for a durable solution to the abuse of the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction and requested. It also requested the African Group in New York to follow-up on the implementation of this Decision in collaboration with the Commission and to ensure that the concerns raised by the African Union and its Member States regarding the Abuse of the principle of universal jurisdiction by some non African States are properly addressed at the Level of the United Nations with a view to finding a durable solution and to submit a report thereon to the Assembly through the Executive Council on actions taken.
On the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Assembly, reiterated its commitment to fight impunity in conformity with the provisions of Article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union and reiterated its decision that AU Member States shall not cooperate with the ICC in the arrest and surrender of President El-Bashir of The Sudan. The Assembly decided to reject for now the request by ICC to open a Liaison Officer to the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and requested the Commission to inform the ICC accordingly.
On the Hissene Habré Case, the Assembly requested the Government of Senegal, the Commission and Partners, particularly the European Union to continue consultations with the view to the holding of the Donors Round Table. The Assembly invited all partner countries, institutions and well wishers to attend the Donors Round Table that will be organized in this regard in Dakar, Senegal in November 2010.
On the transformation of the African Union Commission into the African Union Authority, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to the vision of gradually transforming the African Union Commission into the African Union Authority in order to strengthen the institutional building processes of the African Union and to accelerate the integration of the continent.
On the African Maritime Transport Charter, the Assembly, endorsed the Charter and urged the Member States to speed up signature and ratification of the African Maritime Transport Charter in order to ensure its speedy entry into force to facilitate accelerated development of maritime transport in the Continent.
On the Staff Regulations and Rules, the Assembly adopted the Staff Regulations and Rules of the African Union;
On the third Africa-European Union Summit, the Assembly, requested the Commission in collaboration with Member States to engage the EU side to discuss the possibility of adopting “economic growth, job creation and investment” as the overarching theme of the Summit.
On the Second Afro-Arab Summit, the Assembly, endorsed 10 October 2010 as the proposed date for the Second Afro-Arab Summit and urged Member States to actively participate in the Summit and Pre-Summit meetings as well as activities at the highest possible level.
On the theme, date and venue of the Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the Assembly, decided that the dates of the Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly which will hold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the Theme devoted to Shared Values with an emphasis on the putting in place of a Pan-African Governance Architecture, shall be the following:
i. Twenty-first Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee: 24-25 January 2011;
ii. Eighteenth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council: 27-28 January 2011;
iii. Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly: 30th January to 31st January 2011.
On the theme of the July 2011 AU Summit, the Assembly, decided that the theme for the Summit in July 2011 will be “Accelerating Youth empowerment for sustainable development”.
On the date and venue of the twenty-third Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the Assembly welcomed the offer by the government of the Republic of Gabon to host the twenty-third ordinary session of assembly of the African union scheduled for July 2014 in Libreville, Gabon. The Assembly accepted the offer and requested the Commission in consultation with the host country to propose in due course, dates for the holding of the meetings of the Libreville Summit.
On strengthening of the cooperation among the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to address the Development Challenges OF Africa, the Assembly encouraged Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission; Mr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank; and Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa to pursue their on-going joint efforts to deepen the relationship among the three Pan-African institutions.
On the support the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project on the African Continent, the Assembly, endorsed the African bid to host the SKA on the African continent, thereby providing the world with the unique instrument for frontier research and discovery, cementing Africa’s commitment to contribute to global scientific excellence and enterprise.
On the integration of the African regional organization for standardization, the Assembly, requested the Commission to work in collaboration with the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) and its relevant Sub-Committees, and the Republic of Kenya in compiling a report on ARSO including the structural and financial implications of ARSO’s integration into the AU structures for consideration by the Assembly through the Executive Council;
On the commemoration of Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security, the Assembly decided that an Africa Food and Nutrition Security Day (AFND) will be commemorated on 30 October every year.
On the promotion of cooperation, dialogue and respect for diversity in the field of human rights, the Assembly decided to support the UN Human Rights Council as a global forum for dialogue on human rights issues based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, objectivity and non-selectivity.
On the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards, the Assembly decided to name the African Union Scientific Awards as “African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards”.
On the establishment and operationalisation of the African Petroleum Fund, the Assembly decided on the establishment of the African Petroleum Fund, the financing of which will be on a voluntary basis.
On Climate Change negotiations, the Assembly endorsed the recommendations of CAHOSCC on the streamlined single negotiation structure at the Ministerial and Experts’ levels, with a view to ensuring effective coordination of the negotiation on climate change towards the 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) and COP 17 in Cancun, Mexico and in South Africa in 2010 and 2011, respectively, as follows:
Algeria to serve as Coordinator at the Ministerial level with Mali in its capacity as current Chairperson of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment to serve as Co-Coordinator;
The Democratic Republic of Congo to serve as Coordinator at the Experts’ level together with Nigeria as Co-Coordinator;
The African Group of Technical Negotiators to establish a Bureau.
The Assembly also endorsed the recommendations of CAHOSCC for the continuation of the membership of the Republic of South Africa, the host of COP 17, within CAHOSCC, as well as the inclusion of the Democratic Republic of Congo in its capacity as the Chairperson of the African Group of the Technical Negotiators
It further endorsed the Decision of CAHOSCC to hold a meeting before COP 16 scheduled in Cancun, Mexico in December 2010.
On the reform of the United Nations Security Council, the Assembly reaffirmed the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council containing the African Common Position, called for its intensive promotion and stressed the need for Africa to continue to speak with one voice on this question. The Assembly directed that the African Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the Committee of Ten continue to work closely with other African Permanent Representatives to the UN as well as with other Interest Groups in the context of the ongoing inter-governmental Negotiations on the Security Council Reform Process;
On the appointment of the members of the Panel of the Wise, the Assembly decided in line with the provisions of article 11 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU, to re-appoint, for a further and final mandate of three years, the following personalities as members of the Panel of the Wise, at the expiration of their terms on 17 December 2010:
President Ahmed Ben Bella (North Africa),
Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (East Africa);
The Assembly further decided in line with article 11 of the PSC Protocol, to appoint, for a mandate of three years, starting from 18 December 2010, the following personalities as new members of the Panel of the Wise:
President Kenneth Kaunda (Southern Africa);
Mrs. Marie Madeleine Kalala-Ngoy (Central Africa);
Mrs. Mary Chinery Hesse (West Africa).
On the prevention and combating of terrorism, the Assembly requested all African States to work closely together, directly and through the relevant organs of the AU, to implement enhanced measures for cooperation, mutual legal assistance and coordination between the security services, in order to boost Africa’s collective action against terrorism. It also requested the Commission to carry out all the consultations required and initiate appropriate measures to mobilize wide support and effective contribution of the international community towards combating terrorism in Africa, including cutting off its financing sources and ending the payment of ransom. The Assembly requested further the Commission to submit regular reports on the status of the fight and cooperation against terrorism in Africa.
On the alternative sources of financing, the Assembly mandated the African Union Commission, through the Ministers of economy and Finance, to expeditiously finalize the current work on this matter for its consideration and final adoption in January – February 2011.
On appointment of a Member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Assembly decided to appoint the following person as a member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as elected by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Kampala, Uganda:
Name
Country
Term of Office
Mrs. Lucy ASUAGBOR
Cameroun
3-year term
On the appointment of Members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Assembly decided to appoint the following persons as Members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as elected by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Kampala, Uganda:
No Name
Country
Term of Office
1 Miss Amal Muhammad AL-HANQARI
Libya
5-year term
2 Mr. Alfas M. CHITAKUNYE
Zimbabwe
5-year term
3 Mr. Benyam DAWIT Mezmur
Ethiopia 5-year term
4 Mrs. Fatima DELLADJ-SEBAA
Algeria 5-year term
5 Mr. Clement Julius MASHAMBA
Tanzania
5-year term
6 Ms. Félicité MUHIMPUNDU
Rwanda 5-year term
On the appointment of Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Assembly decided to appoint the following persons as Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as elected by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Kampala, Uganda:
No Name
Country
Term of Office
1 Miss Amal Muhammad AL-HANQARI
Libya
5-year term
Mr. Fatsah OUGUERGOUZ
Algeria
6-year term
Mr. Augustino S. L. RAMADHANI
Tanzania
6-year term
Mr. Duncan TAMBALA
Malawi
6-year term
Ms. Eisie Nwanwuri THOMPSON
Nigeria
6-year term
Mr. Sylvain ORE
Côte d’Ivoire
4-year term
On procedures relating to items proposed by Member States to the Assembly, the Assembly urged Member State and the Commission to strictly comply with the Rules of the Policy Organs.
On the Report of Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) on NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA), the Assembly requested NPCA to scale up technical support to AU Member States on Agriculture and Food Security by providing necessary technical guidelines on access to global financing to boost CAADP implementation and requested the AUC and NPCA to finalize the Assessment Report on G8/Africa partnership commitments by the January 2011 AU Summit for presentation by African Leaders at the 2011 G8/Africa Outreach.
On the implementation of the previous decisions of the African Union, the Assembly requested the Commission to take necessary measures to elaborate in collaboration with the Permanent Representatives’ Committee the guidelines on the preparation and adoption of decisions, including the number of decisions, the timeframe for reporting and to make appropriate recommendations to the Assembly, through the Executive Council at its next Ordinary Session in January/February 2011.
On the partnership for the eradication of mother-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, the Assembly invited all Member States to intensify efforts relating to antiretroviral treatment and prevention of mother-to child transmission and to extend such efforts to primary health centres. The Assembly underscored the need to propagate throughout the continent, programs for the total eradication of mother-child transmission so that no child may be born with HIV/AIDS. It requested the coordination, within the shortest time possible, of collective action of all African actors concerned, with help of interested international partners, to put a final end to the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child.
On the accession of African countries to the Convention on banning the use of certain conventional weapons with a traumatic effect or which strike indiscriminately, the Assembly, invited African States to massively accede to this Convention in order to strengthen their contribution to the building and consolidation of International Humanitarian Law, particularly the formulation of international rules for the control of conventional weapons.
On African Cultural Renaissance Day, the Assembly decided to celebrate 3 April every year as African Cultural Renaissance Day throughout the Continent.
SOURCE: African Union Commission (AUC)
On the Theme of the Summit: “Maternal, infant and child Health and Development in Africa” adopted actions to be undertaken in various Member State, in particular the actions aimed at attaining the MDGs 4, 5 and 6, including the launching of CARMMA, mobilisation of adequate resources for integrated health programmes up to 15% of national budgets, the sharing of best practices within regions, regular evaluation and reporting of progress achieved by Member States;
On the five (5)-year review of the Abuja call for accelerated action towards universal access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis AND Malaria (ATM) services in Africa, the Assembly, decided to extend the Abuja Call for Accelerated Action Towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Services in Africa (the Abuja Call) to 2015 to coincide with the MDGs. The Assembly urged Member States to accelerate the implementation of the “Abuja Call” through the strengthening of health systems, financing of health research, partnerships with relevant stakeholders; and a multi-sectoral and integrated approach to disease control.
On the state of Peace and Security in Africa, the Assembly welcomed the efforts deployed by the AU and the Regional Economic Communities / Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), with the support of the international community, towards the full operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture, in particular the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the African Standby Force (ASF). The Assembly reiterates its concern at the continued impasse in the process aimed at restoring constitutional order in Madagascar, due mainly to the refusal of the de facto authorities to cooperate with the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) towards the implementation of the Maputo Agreements of 6 August 2009 and the Addis Ababa Additional Act of 6 November 2009. The Assembly encourages the SADC Mediator, former President Joachim Chissano, to pursue and intensify his consultations with the Malagasy parties, with a view to facilitating an early and consensual return to legality, in accordance with the AU relevant instruments and decisions.
The Assembly urged the Comorian parties to work in good faith for the strict implementation of this Agreement, including the organization, within the scheduled timeframe, of the harmonized elections of the President of the Union and the Governors of the Autonomous Islands and the handing over of power between the President-elect and the outgoing one, and urged the international community to provide the financial and technical support necessary for the success of the process;
The Assembly reaffirmed its full support to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, and strongly condemned the attacks and other acts of violence perpetrated by Al Shabab and other terrorist groups against the TFG, the Somali people and the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The Assembly mandated the Commission to initiate the planning for the new phases of the deployment of AMISOM, supported by the African Standby Force (ASF), once operationalized. The Assembly requested the Chairperson of the Commission to appoint a High Level Personality, to galvanize international support and attention for Somalia, and the engagement of the population in governance processes, in order to enhance the legitimacy of the TFG. The Assembly also reiterated its call to the larger international community and the United Nations Security Council, in particular, to play their rightful role, including the transformation of AMISOM into a United Nations Peace Mission, and to mobilize resources commensurate with the magnitude of the challenges facing Somalia and the region;
The Assembly reiterated its concern at the continued impasse in the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea and reaffirmed AU’s readiness to assist the two countries to overcome the current deadlock through dialogue, and normalize their relations;
On Sudan, the Assembly stressed the critical importance of the partnership between the NCP and the SPLM and urged them, in consultation with the other stakeholders, to expeditiously address the outstanding issues in the CPA implementation, particularly the resolution of the issue of Abyei, the modalities for the organization of popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states, and the completion of the demarcation of the North-South border;
The Assembly expressed concern at the recent degradation of the security situation in Darfur, and called on all parties to demonstrate restraint and refrain from actions likely to further complicate the situation. The Assembly encouraged the parties to the Doha process, led by the AU‐UN Joint Chief Mediator, with the support of the Government of Qatar, to intensify their efforts towards achieving further progress, and urged the Movements that are not participating in the Doha talks to join the process without any further delay.
The Assembly welcomed the work being done by the AUHIP since its establishment in October 2009, in particular the support to the implementation of the CPA, the negotiations on the post-referendum issues and arrangements and the search for an inclusive and comprehensive solution to the conflict in Darfur.
The Assembly commended Chad and Sudan for the steps taken in this respect, as well as the two Heads of State for their vision and leadership.
The Assembly noted with concern the delays in the implementation of the calendar of elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in the execution of the DDR program. It expressed concern. The Assembly further expressed its concern at the continued activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army in CAR. The Assembly called on the Central African parties to work towards the holding of elections at the newly agreed dates (October and December 2010).
The Assembly urged the Ivorian parties to do their utmost, with the help of the Facilitator, President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso, to scrupulously implement the provisions of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement and its Supplementary Agreements, in order to create an enabling environment for the speedy holding of the elections, which should conclude the process for a way out of the crisis.
The Assembly took note of the transition and the process for the return to constitutional order as defined by the de facto authorities in Niger in consultation with the Niger parties, and requested all the stakeholders in Niger to ensure strict compliance.
The Assembly welcomed the holding on 27 June 2010, of the first round of the presidential election in Guinea and underscored the imperative need for the speedy organization of the second round of the presidential elections, to be followed by the legislative elections.
The Assembly urged the Mauritanian parties to promote political dialogue in good faith, in accordance with the Dakar Framework Agreement;
The Assembly expressed deep concern at the developments which took place in Guinea Bissau on 1st April 2010, undermining constitutional order, and condemned the continued interference of the Army in the functioning of the democratic institutions.
The Assembly reiterated its deep concern over the persistence and spread of maritime piracy, which is an international crime pursuant to relevant international instruments, including resolution 1918 (2010
The Assembly expressed satisfaction at the level attained in the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture and requested the Commission to continue and intensify its activities for the diligent and full implementation of the Tripoli Declaration and Plan of Action, including aspects relating to the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa.
On the implementation of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa, the Assembly, urged Member States to fully take ownership of this initiative, including by signing and ratifying relevant AU instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and effectively implementing the commitments contained therein, as well as by intensifying their efforts for peace. The Assembly also stressed the critical importance of the United Nations (UN) proclaimed International Day of Peace, on 21st September, as a way to provide a single rallying point for the continent to show that peace is possible the need to mobilize increased resources from within the continent to ensure real ownership and leadership in the quest for peace.
The Assembly endorsed the objectives being pursued and the activities planned, for which occasion namely:
i) Cessation of hostilities in all conflict areas which are still experiencing varying levels of violence;
ii) Distribution of humanitarian supplies, materials and services to communities in conflict areas, as well as in non-conflict areas in critical need of these.
iii) One minute of silence for peace across Africa at 10.00am GMT; on which day
iv) Relevant developmental work and community support in all AU Member States to be carried out by members of the armed and security forces;
v) One Day One Goal football games; and
vi) Make Peace Happen Lesson Plan to be taught in all schools on Peace Day or during other relevant occasions.
On the establishment of the Pan-African University, the Assembly decided the allocation of the thematic areas to the following regions and countries, while the Southern and Northern Regions were to finalize their consultations to designate the two host countries for space sciences and water and energy respectively:
i) West Africa: Nigeria for Life and Earth Sciences;
ii) East Africa: Kenya for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation;
iii) Central Africa: Cameroon for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences.
On the abuse of the principle of universal jurisdiction, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to fight impunity in conformity with the provisions of Article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. It called on all concerned States to respect International Law and particularly the immunity of state officials when applying the principle of universal jurisdiction. The Assembly urged the European Union (EU) and its Member States to extend the necessary cooperation to the African Union to facilitate the search for a durable solution to the abuse of the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction and requested. It also requested the African Group in New York to follow-up on the implementation of this Decision in collaboration with the Commission and to ensure that the concerns raised by the African Union and its Member States regarding the Abuse of the principle of universal jurisdiction by some non African States are properly addressed at the Level of the United Nations with a view to finding a durable solution and to submit a report thereon to the Assembly through the Executive Council on actions taken.
On the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Assembly, reiterated its commitment to fight impunity in conformity with the provisions of Article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union and reiterated its decision that AU Member States shall not cooperate with the ICC in the arrest and surrender of President El-Bashir of The Sudan. The Assembly decided to reject for now the request by ICC to open a Liaison Officer to the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and requested the Commission to inform the ICC accordingly.
On the Hissene Habré Case, the Assembly requested the Government of Senegal, the Commission and Partners, particularly the European Union to continue consultations with the view to the holding of the Donors Round Table. The Assembly invited all partner countries, institutions and well wishers to attend the Donors Round Table that will be organized in this regard in Dakar, Senegal in November 2010.
On the transformation of the African Union Commission into the African Union Authority, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to the vision of gradually transforming the African Union Commission into the African Union Authority in order to strengthen the institutional building processes of the African Union and to accelerate the integration of the continent.
On the African Maritime Transport Charter, the Assembly, endorsed the Charter and urged the Member States to speed up signature and ratification of the African Maritime Transport Charter in order to ensure its speedy entry into force to facilitate accelerated development of maritime transport in the Continent.
On the Staff Regulations and Rules, the Assembly adopted the Staff Regulations and Rules of the African Union;
On the third Africa-European Union Summit, the Assembly, requested the Commission in collaboration with Member States to engage the EU side to discuss the possibility of adopting “economic growth, job creation and investment” as the overarching theme of the Summit.
On the Second Afro-Arab Summit, the Assembly, endorsed 10 October 2010 as the proposed date for the Second Afro-Arab Summit and urged Member States to actively participate in the Summit and Pre-Summit meetings as well as activities at the highest possible level.
On the theme, date and venue of the Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the Assembly, decided that the dates of the Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly which will hold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the Theme devoted to Shared Values with an emphasis on the putting in place of a Pan-African Governance Architecture, shall be the following:
i. Twenty-first Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee: 24-25 January 2011;
ii. Eighteenth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council: 27-28 January 2011;
iii. Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly: 30th January to 31st January 2011.
On the theme of the July 2011 AU Summit, the Assembly, decided that the theme for the Summit in July 2011 will be “Accelerating Youth empowerment for sustainable development”.
On the date and venue of the twenty-third Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the Assembly welcomed the offer by the government of the Republic of Gabon to host the twenty-third ordinary session of assembly of the African union scheduled for July 2014 in Libreville, Gabon. The Assembly accepted the offer and requested the Commission in consultation with the host country to propose in due course, dates for the holding of the meetings of the Libreville Summit.
On strengthening of the cooperation among the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to address the Development Challenges OF Africa, the Assembly encouraged Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission; Mr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank; and Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa to pursue their on-going joint efforts to deepen the relationship among the three Pan-African institutions.
On the support the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project on the African Continent, the Assembly, endorsed the African bid to host the SKA on the African continent, thereby providing the world with the unique instrument for frontier research and discovery, cementing Africa’s commitment to contribute to global scientific excellence and enterprise.
On the integration of the African regional organization for standardization, the Assembly, requested the Commission to work in collaboration with the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) and its relevant Sub-Committees, and the Republic of Kenya in compiling a report on ARSO including the structural and financial implications of ARSO’s integration into the AU structures for consideration by the Assembly through the Executive Council;
On the commemoration of Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security, the Assembly decided that an Africa Food and Nutrition Security Day (AFND) will be commemorated on 30 October every year.
On the promotion of cooperation, dialogue and respect for diversity in the field of human rights, the Assembly decided to support the UN Human Rights Council as a global forum for dialogue on human rights issues based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, objectivity and non-selectivity.
On the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards, the Assembly decided to name the African Union Scientific Awards as “African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards”.
On the establishment and operationalisation of the African Petroleum Fund, the Assembly decided on the establishment of the African Petroleum Fund, the financing of which will be on a voluntary basis.
On Climate Change negotiations, the Assembly endorsed the recommendations of CAHOSCC on the streamlined single negotiation structure at the Ministerial and Experts’ levels, with a view to ensuring effective coordination of the negotiation on climate change towards the 16th Conference of Parties (COP 16) and COP 17 in Cancun, Mexico and in South Africa in 2010 and 2011, respectively, as follows:
Algeria to serve as Coordinator at the Ministerial level with Mali in its capacity as current Chairperson of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment to serve as Co-Coordinator;
The Democratic Republic of Congo to serve as Coordinator at the Experts’ level together with Nigeria as Co-Coordinator;
The African Group of Technical Negotiators to establish a Bureau.
The Assembly also endorsed the recommendations of CAHOSCC for the continuation of the membership of the Republic of South Africa, the host of COP 17, within CAHOSCC, as well as the inclusion of the Democratic Republic of Congo in its capacity as the Chairperson of the African Group of the Technical Negotiators
It further endorsed the Decision of CAHOSCC to hold a meeting before COP 16 scheduled in Cancun, Mexico in December 2010.
On the reform of the United Nations Security Council, the Assembly reaffirmed the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council containing the African Common Position, called for its intensive promotion and stressed the need for Africa to continue to speak with one voice on this question. The Assembly directed that the African Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of the Committee of Ten continue to work closely with other African Permanent Representatives to the UN as well as with other Interest Groups in the context of the ongoing inter-governmental Negotiations on the Security Council Reform Process;
On the appointment of the members of the Panel of the Wise, the Assembly decided in line with the provisions of article 11 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU, to re-appoint, for a further and final mandate of three years, the following personalities as members of the Panel of the Wise, at the expiration of their terms on 17 December 2010:
President Ahmed Ben Bella (North Africa),
Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (East Africa);
The Assembly further decided in line with article 11 of the PSC Protocol, to appoint, for a mandate of three years, starting from 18 December 2010, the following personalities as new members of the Panel of the Wise:
President Kenneth Kaunda (Southern Africa);
Mrs. Marie Madeleine Kalala-Ngoy (Central Africa);
Mrs. Mary Chinery Hesse (West Africa).
On the prevention and combating of terrorism, the Assembly requested all African States to work closely together, directly and through the relevant organs of the AU, to implement enhanced measures for cooperation, mutual legal assistance and coordination between the security services, in order to boost Africa’s collective action against terrorism. It also requested the Commission to carry out all the consultations required and initiate appropriate measures to mobilize wide support and effective contribution of the international community towards combating terrorism in Africa, including cutting off its financing sources and ending the payment of ransom. The Assembly requested further the Commission to submit regular reports on the status of the fight and cooperation against terrorism in Africa.
On the alternative sources of financing, the Assembly mandated the African Union Commission, through the Ministers of economy and Finance, to expeditiously finalize the current work on this matter for its consideration and final adoption in January – February 2011.
On appointment of a Member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Assembly decided to appoint the following person as a member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as elected by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Kampala, Uganda:
Name
Country
Term of Office
Mrs. Lucy ASUAGBOR
Cameroun
3-year term
On the appointment of Members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Assembly decided to appoint the following persons as Members of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as elected by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Kampala, Uganda:
No Name
Country
Term of Office
1 Miss Amal Muhammad AL-HANQARI
Libya
5-year term
2 Mr. Alfas M. CHITAKUNYE
Zimbabwe
5-year term
3 Mr. Benyam DAWIT Mezmur
Ethiopia 5-year term
4 Mrs. Fatima DELLADJ-SEBAA
Algeria 5-year term
5 Mr. Clement Julius MASHAMBA
Tanzania
5-year term
6 Ms. Félicité MUHIMPUNDU
Rwanda 5-year term
On the appointment of Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Assembly decided to appoint the following persons as Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as elected by the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Kampala, Uganda:
No Name
Country
Term of Office
1 Miss Amal Muhammad AL-HANQARI
Libya
5-year term
Mr. Fatsah OUGUERGOUZ
Algeria
6-year term
Mr. Augustino S. L. RAMADHANI
Tanzania
6-year term
Mr. Duncan TAMBALA
Malawi
6-year term
Ms. Eisie Nwanwuri THOMPSON
Nigeria
6-year term
Mr. Sylvain ORE
Côte d’Ivoire
4-year term
On procedures relating to items proposed by Member States to the Assembly, the Assembly urged Member State and the Commission to strictly comply with the Rules of the Policy Organs.
On the Report of Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) on NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA), the Assembly requested NPCA to scale up technical support to AU Member States on Agriculture and Food Security by providing necessary technical guidelines on access to global financing to boost CAADP implementation and requested the AUC and NPCA to finalize the Assessment Report on G8/Africa partnership commitments by the January 2011 AU Summit for presentation by African Leaders at the 2011 G8/Africa Outreach.
On the implementation of the previous decisions of the African Union, the Assembly requested the Commission to take necessary measures to elaborate in collaboration with the Permanent Representatives’ Committee the guidelines on the preparation and adoption of decisions, including the number of decisions, the timeframe for reporting and to make appropriate recommendations to the Assembly, through the Executive Council at its next Ordinary Session in January/February 2011.
On the partnership for the eradication of mother-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, the Assembly invited all Member States to intensify efforts relating to antiretroviral treatment and prevention of mother-to child transmission and to extend such efforts to primary health centres. The Assembly underscored the need to propagate throughout the continent, programs for the total eradication of mother-child transmission so that no child may be born with HIV/AIDS. It requested the coordination, within the shortest time possible, of collective action of all African actors concerned, with help of interested international partners, to put a final end to the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child.
On the accession of African countries to the Convention on banning the use of certain conventional weapons with a traumatic effect or which strike indiscriminately, the Assembly, invited African States to massively accede to this Convention in order to strengthen their contribution to the building and consolidation of International Humanitarian Law, particularly the formulation of international rules for the control of conventional weapons.
On African Cultural Renaissance Day, the Assembly decided to celebrate 3 April every year as African Cultural Renaissance Day throughout the Continent.
SOURCE: African Union Commission (AUC)
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