AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone 517 700 Fax : 517844
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Third Ordinary Session 4 – 8 July 2003 Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I
ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE AU COMMISSION FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH TO JUNE 2003
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 1 Chapter I ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF THE INTERIM CHAIRPERSON
A. Activity Report of the Administration Directorate B. Activity Report of the Finance and Budget Directorate C. Activity Report of the Women, Gender and Development Directorate D. Activity Report of the Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa (CSSDCA Unit) E. Activity Report of the Office of the Legal Counsel
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE
1. Most of the activities carried out within the Division were oriented towards the implementation of the Durban Decision, which assigned the Commission the mandate to submit proposals on the Structure, the Human Resources requirements, the conditions of services of staff of the Commission and their financial implications. During the period under review i.e. February to June 2002, the Human Resources Development division undertook the following activities in the under mentioned fields covering staff related issues:
♦ General Administration, ♦ Pension, Insurance, Staff Welfare & Benefits ♦ Training and Career Development
1. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION:
1.1. Appointments/Recruitment
1.1.1 Headquarters
2. The following staff members were appointed to the posts indicated :
1. Ms. Gbanny A.P. Kouaho, (GSB5)– Domestic Staff 2. Ms. Nidri Amenari – (GSB5)- Domestic Staff
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1.2.1 Lilongwe Office Ms. Susan Yoyo Sikaneta, (P6) Executive Secretary 28/02/03
1.2.2. Cairo Office
Amb. Muftah Musbah Zawam, (P6) Executive Secretary 17/04/03
3. Due to the ongoing exercise of establishing the Structure and Conditions of Service for the African Union, there was no long-term recruitment during this period. However, in view of the reduced number of staff within the Commission and upon the approval of the relevant bodies within the African Union, a number of Consultants, were recruited on short term contracts to assist with the workload at both the AU Headquarters and its Regional and Representational Offices.
1.2. SEPARATION OF STAFF FROM THE SERVICE OF THE ORGANZIATION
Retirement on attaining the age of sixty (60) in compliance with Article 51 (a) (i) of the AU Staff Rules:
Professional Category
♦ English Reviser (P4) - Headquarters ♦ Executive Secretary (P6) - Brussels ♦ Socio-Econ. Officer (P4) - Geneva
General Service Category
♦ Administrative Assistant (GSA6) - Headquarters
Retirement after 30 years of service in compliance with Article 51 (a) (ii) of the AU Staff Rules:
Professional Category
♦ English Proof Reader (P2) - Headquarters
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Termination of contract
Ms. Gbanny Yvette - (GSB5)- Domestic Staff
Death ♦ Mr. Ousman Ngum Security Guard – Banjul Office
2. PENSION, INSURANCE, STAFF WELFARE AND BENEFITS
4. On the activities relating to Pension, Insurance, Staff Welfare and Benefits, the following were undertaken:
Day-to-day activities
5. Updating the database within the Human Resources Development Division continued.
2.1 Pension
6. Following the proposals made by the Working Group on Conditions of Service and the team, which was dispatched to ILO Headquarters in Geneva during December 2002, this Unit has been in close contact with the focal point designated by ILO to assist the Commission in the revision of the Pension Fund. In this respect the ILO representative submitted a preliminary study, which was studied by the Commission and forwarded to the Actuarial firm BACON WOODROW for its comments. All parties have been able to work out a draft Terms of Reference for the activities to be undertaken. The next step will be to agree on a time frame as well as the identification of the actors to be involved in this exercise.
7. In the same vein, the Commission sought the assistance of the African Development Bank (ADB) for this exercise. The necessary follow- up will be made so as to start this exercise as soon as possible.
2.2. Insurance
8. It has been necessary to reorganize all the Insurance Policies of the Commission, by integrating additional coverage, like the Public liability coverage and Electronic equipment coverage therein. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 4
9. All the policies have been aligned to start on 1 st January of every year and the Motor Policy has also been updated to exclude the old vehicles.
10. A site visit was conducted during this period, with representatives of United Insurance Company, the local insurance company. Among others, the need to improve on the protection of the various buildings and equipment of the Commission was emphasized. In this respect, it was recommended to install fire extinguishers within the premises of the Commission. A preliminary study was made and should be completed soon with the involvement of all interested Divisions/Units to determine the type and number of equipment the Commission would require.
11. With regard to an outstanding claim in respect to a former Commissioner of the ACHPR, necessary contacts have been made with the International Airline Passengers Association (IAPA). The Commission received from IAPA the relevant documents pertaining to the claim and these were forwarded to the Commissioner.
12. A proposal to change the current Group Accident Policy for the AU Observer Missions into a Term Life Policy has been made to some selected insurance companies, with the relevant information. The changes will enter into force as soon as favorable response is received from them.
2.3. Staff Welfare and Benefits
13. The issue of whether the Commission should keep its current Medical Assistance Plan or shift to an Insurance Medical Plan was discussed at the level of the Commission. The Working Group on Conditions of service recommended that a study be undertaken with the assistance of Experts/Consultants to determine the best option for the Commission. The preliminary consultations within the Commission are ongoing with the view of drafting the Terms of Reference as well as the identification of Experts/Consultants to carry out the study.
14. The activities also covered the Cafeteria. A number of issues were raised in respect of the employment of the staff of the Cafeteria, the health status of this category of staff, the quality and price of food and the health of the Staff of the Commission. Following a meeting of the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 5
Social Sub-Committee on Cafeteria some measures have been taken to address the issues raised. Actions are being taken in that respect.
2.4. Medical Insurance
15. A proposal has been made to put in place a medical insurance policy for the AU Consultants. The companies, which have been contacted, have submitted their offers. The exercise has been completed and the Commission will be able to put the appropriate policy in place for the AU Consultants.
3. TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT UNIT
16. The following activities were undertaken during the period under review:
(a) TRAINING PROGRAMME
(i) Language Ability Course
Language courses continued to be taught at various levels in Arabic English and French. The Portuguese Language classes could not be taught owing to unavailability of teachers.
Total enrolment of participants per course was as follows: Arabic (Levels I and II) 10 French (Levels I, IV, V, VI, and VIII) 32 English (Intermediate & Advanced) 10
- In addition to group training, individual tuition was offered to 5 Senior Officers.
- The total number of participants who attended language courses within the period under review is 57.
(ii) Computer Training Programme
o The basic Computer Training Programme organized by the Training Unit and conducted by the Organisation and Methods, Systems, and Information Technology (OMSIT) EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 6
Division resumed on 14 th April to 16 May 2003. Thirty-six (36) staff members benefited from the training.
o The next phase of the training programme will be on specialized applications like MS Excel 2000, MS Access 2000, Desktop Publishing Software, Transit Professional (Translating Software) and VHL Medical Data care. The programmes will be conducted for specific groups
(iii) Training Course for Master Trainers in Pest Risk Analysis
A Senior Officer from AU/CPI / Yaounde Office attended the Course for Master Trainers in Pest Risk Analysis held from 1 to 13 June 2003 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The training programme was sponsored by the Tuskegee University in the “Building Capacity for Pest Risk Analysis in Africa”. . (iv) Orientation Programme for Newly Appointed Executive Secretaries of AU Offices in Malawi and Egypt
The orientation programme for the two (2) Executive Secretaries, namely Amb. Muftah Musbah Zawan, Executive Secretary, AU Cairo Office and Ms Susan Y. Sikaneta, Executive Secretary, AU Lilongwe Office was held from 6 to 9 May 2003.The programme was to enable the newly appointed Executive Secretaries get acquainted with the work of various Departments in the Commission, according to the established practices of the Organisation.
(v) Internship /Attachments
The Unit processed a total of six (6) requests for internship/ attachment with the Departments of Peace and Security and the Office of the Legal Counsel. Four (4) of them were Ph.D. degree students.
The Unit was involved in processing applications from students of various Institutions based in Addis Ababa, as well as non-African Students, to utilize the services of the AU Library for research for academic work.
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4. REGISTRY SERVICES UNIT
17. During the period under review, the Registry Services Unit carried out its normal routine duties. As the mailing office of the Organisation, it processed all in-coming and out-going mail. It ensured the timely dispatch of all normal mail as well as urgent mail by the use of facsimile and courier services. The use of the Internet has enabled the Registry Services Unit to track all sent packages on the websites of both courier companies DHL and UPS in order to know the status of each package dispatched. Results of this package tracking are printed and filed.
18. Computerization of the filing system within the Departmental Registries, which started some time ago, is still in progress.
5. ORGANISATION AND METHODS, SYSTEMS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (OMSIT)
19. The OMSIT Division is responsible for evaluating the needs of and advising on new technology for the Commission and its Regional Offices; studying methods of work and making recommendations for their improvement; studying the needs of personnel in view of an optimal work organization; developing computer applications required by various Departments; supporting Departments in the re-engineering of operational and administrative processes and the continuous improvement of these processes; providing technical assistance to the AU Website; training staff members in the latest computer applications as well as providing general maintenance, troubleshooting services and arranging for the repair of all Information Technology (IT) equipment of the Commission.
Connectivity of Member States Embassies represented in Addis Ababa to the OAU Campus Area Network
20. The Division has been working in close collaboration with the UNDP Project RAF-97/028 with regard to the connectivity of African Embassies in Addis Ababa to the AU Campus Area Network. Forty-one out of forty-five Embassies have now been connected. Three Embassies could not be connected because of communication infrastructure problems. One new Embassy is still being set up and is also awaiting newly ordered equipment to arrive. In addition, the UNDP Project RAF- EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 8
97/028 is in the process of purchasing computers for those Embassies that did not receive new ones.
21. The UNDP Project RAF/97/028 officially handed over the AU LAN to the AU on Thursday, 15 May 2003, after completion of Phase I of the Project. The Division also carried out several on-site corrective maintenance on the communication infrastructure between Embassies and the Commission.
Computers, Accessories and Network equipment for the Commission and Regional Offices
22. The Division has continued installing and configuring the new workstations and accessories for staff members. As recommended by the External Auditors, the equipment that was being stored in three containers was moved to some rooms in the New Conference Building, until their distribution. During the period under review, a total of 12 computers and accessories have been installed for TPST Consultants and PASU Project staff members.
Training of Staff Members
23. During the period under review, the Division, in collaboration with the Training Unit of the Human Resources and Development Division (HRDD), has continued training staff members in the new Information Technology applications namely:
Know your Hardware and Software Windows 2000 Professional Operating System The AU Network System and Email Policy Intranet and Internet Manipulations Features of Microsoft Word 2000 Basic and Advance Microsoft Outlook 2000 Communication and Organizer Software.
24. A total of thirty-six (36) staff members were trained, during the period under review, making a total of 184 staff members trained since October 2002.
25. During the period under review, a survey has been carried out to assess the number of staff members to be trained in additional Computer applications (MS Excel 2000, Ms Access 2000, MS Publisher, CorelDraw EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 9
10 and Corel Ventura, Transit Professional (Translating Software), VHL (Medical Datacare). Preparation of Training Manuals for the special applications is underway.
Internet Dedicated Lines and Mail Server
26. During the period under review, forty (40) additional users (Consultants and Short-Term Staff) have been added onto the network as well as access to the Internet. The Division has configured an external mail server for connectivity of the network to the outside world. This service, which is currently under test, will enable all AU network users, including Embassies represented in Addis Ababa to send and receive mail to and from the outside world using the official African Union e-mail address ( [email protected] ).
AU Website
27. During the period under review, the Division prepared an AU Website Policy, which will guide the Commission in the development and maintenance of any African Union Website. The Division has also been participating in meetings with the UNDP, New York, for the design, development and hosting of the new African Union Website for the Maputo Summit.
Troubleshooting of IT Equipment and LAN
28. Troubleshooting of computers in the Commission as well as the Local Area Network (LAN) has been going on, during the period under review. The Division has been responding to staff members’ requests for preventive and corrective maintenance as well as repairs of their IT Hardware (Central Processing Units, Monitors, Printers, Network Cards and Patch Cables, Modems, UPS and Stabilizers).
The AU ID and Pass Unit
29. During the period under review the ID and Pass Unit continued issuing ID as follows: -
Staff Members 34 Short-Term Staff & Consultants 162 Permanent Passes for Ambassadors 27 EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 10
Staff Members’ Private Drivers 18 Service Providers 17 TOTAL 258
Other Activities
30. Preparation of IT specifications; evaluation of quotations received; inspection of IT equipment upon delivery has been carried out. At the request of the Human Resources Development Division, the Division has modified the Personnel Database system.
The AU Medical Centre
31. The Medical Centre has continued to improve its facilities for the benefit of Staff of African Diplomatic Mission accredited to the AU and Staff of the Commission.
Activities:
The Medical Centre Laboratory
32. The services of the Consultant Laboratory Technologist for upgrading the Laboratory may be realized in June 2003. The modernization process is progressing.
Conferences and Seminars
33. The Medical Centre was actively involved with preparation, as well as the presentation of technical papers at the 1 st Conference of the African Union Ministers of Health in Tripoli, on 25 to 30 April 2003.
Revenue
34. The sum of Eth. Birr 53,575.10 was collected from February to April 2003.
Services
35. A mass assessment of prostate specific antigen for all male staff members over 50 years of age is underway and will be completed by the end of June 2003. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 11
Training
36. The Medical Centre Pharmacist undertook a mission to Kampala, Uganda for negotiations with the Joint Research Council for organization of seminars and training of Medical Centre staff in the management of HIV/AIDS cases.
Disease Spectrum
37. There were no epidemics during the period and no new HIV cases were reported.
AU Medical Centre Statistics For the Period February – May 2003
1. General Consultation 1977 2. Paediatric Consultation 741 3. Electrocardiograph 46 4. Neurological Consultation 4 5. Gyn + Obs Consultation 257 6. Ophthalmologic Consultation 196 7. Injections 273 8. Vaccination 771 9. Hospital Admission 18 10. AU Clinic Admission 28 11. Ultrasound Studies 131 12. Dental 519 13. 14 Hour Weekend and Holiday Duty 502
SECURITY SERVICES UNIT
38. During the period under review, the Security Services Unit carried out its normal routine duties, namely providing adequate security in and around the premises and also ensuring the safety of personnel and property, especially during meetings; and assisting staff members in both traffic cases and loss of property.
39. The Security Services Unit is planning to equip itself with security gadgets such as detectors in order to enhance its effectiveness.
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MAINTENANCE AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES UNIT
40. The Maintenance and Transportation Services Unit is responsible for general maintenance of AU premises, vehicles and equipment. The activities carried out by the Unit during the reporting period may be summarized under the following headings:
A. New Construction Works
The improvement of the AU Premises (Phase II) including upgrading the fence wall, electrical and telephone systems, construction of car sheds, asphalting, provision of security lights and cameras has been completed. The design work of Phase II that includes façade treatment of all existing buildings, external and internal fittings (windows, glasses etc) toilet renovation and provision of fire hazard systems is completed and ready for implementation.
B. Renovation, Alteration and Maintenance Works
The renovation of different offices, provision of curtain/blinds in various offices and other miscellaneous works have been executed.
Daily monitoring, upkeep of and improvement to sanitary and electrical including lighting systems, ensuring constant water supply, carpentry works involving repairs to and/or replacement of furniture and fittings, servicing the interpretation equipment and upkeep of stand-by automatic generators, water pumps and air- conditioning systems continue. General cleaning and janitorial services including garbage disposal; garden improvement and maintenance especially through introduction of new decorative plant/flower species and general enhancement of the garden aesthetics also continue.
C. Transportation and Miscellaneous Services
These services which were routinely performed during the reporting period cover maintenance and repair of AU vehicles, supervision and control of drivers, vehicles allocation and fuel issuance. The Unit also followed up on payments for utilities while ensuring proper contractual performance by outside companies/contractors.
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The AU Fuel Filling Station is now operational and is facilitating purchase of fuel and, washing of the AU official vehicles. The station is open to staff of African diplomatic missions accredited to the AU and staff members of the AU Commission. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 14 B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE DIRECTORATE OF FINANCE AND BUDGET
41. During the period under review, the Directorate performed the following major functions:
1. Collecting income totalling US $9,959,243.23, broken down as follows: US$ - Contributions from Member States 6,948,391.94 - Incomes from various donors 2,951,071.35 - Income from interest on deposits 24,610.15 - Income from Medical Centre 10,112.54 - Income from the scale of 19,982.42 unserviceable vehicles /items - Miscellaneous incomes 5,074.83 Total US$ 9,959,242.23
42. Disbursing expenses amounting to US $ 11,751,471.78, including staff emoluments, broken down as follows:
US $ Common staff costs 7,569,251.69 Expenses from extra-budgetary 2,682,148.47 and special funds Expenses charged to Peace Fund 1,449,891.86 Expenses charged to the previous 50,179.76 budget Total US $ 11,751,471.78
43. Transferring subventions to the Regional and Sub-regional Offices, Observer Missions and Liaison Offices amounting to US$ 2,800,317.47.
44. Participating in meetings of the Committee on Contributions.
45. Acquiring goods and services to ensure effective functioning of the Commission in accordance with a procurement plan approved by the Tender board, as follows:
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A. Headquarters
- Photocopying papers US$52,580.00 - Evaluation of fixed assets US$14,668.53 - Official Car for PATTEC US$18,500.00
B. Regional Offices
1. Abidjan
i) Representational car US $ 24,878.00 ii) 2 Nissan Patrol 4x4 US$ 80,000.00 iii) Office furniture US$ 32,402.00 iv) Car hire for a year US$ 24,000.00
2. Kinshasa
- two Toyota Land Cruiser Prado US$68,000.00
3. Burundi
- air freight of military vehicles from Addis Ababa to Bujumbura US$ 102,400.00 - three Toyota Land Cruiser Prado US$100,800.0 0
4. Brussels
- Office Car: US$ 23,604.00
The total expenditure on purchase of equipment and supply of services amounted to US$ 541,832.53.
46. Preparing invitations to tender for procurement of goods and services in keeping with the Financial Rules and Regulations and other existing texts of the Organization.
47. Preparing contracts for tenders.
48. Processing documents for official travels. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 16
49. Follow-up on the selection of a travel agency for the Commission.
50. Following up on previous recommendations of the Board of External Auditors.
51. Implementing previous recommendations of the internal auditor.
52. Following up on the decisions of the Second Ordinary Session of the Executive Council.
Financial Transactions Accounting.
53. The activities in this area include the following:
1. Recording of Accounting entries
The following periodic statements were prepared, thanks to the use of accounting of software for daily recording entries:
- Accounts ledger - Advances recoverable ledger - Accrued accounts ledger - Monthly salary statement
2. Correcting of Entries
All wrong entries identified during this period have been corrected.
3. Preparation of Financial Statement for the 7-month period (June-December 2002).
• The Financial statement covering the period June to December 2002 was prepared and submitted to the Board of External Auditors as working document of the audit exercise carried out in May and June 2003.
• The Directorate also prepared the draft budget for the period September to December 2003 and for the financial year 2004.
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• The Directorate attended all the conferences and meetings where administrative, budgetary and financial matters were discussed; it provided relevant technical inputs and made disbursements whenever required. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 18
C. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE WOMEN, GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE
54. The bulk of the work of the Women, Gender and Development Directorate (Gender Directorate) during the period under review involved tracking, monitoring, participating in, and backstopping the process work of the Commission directed at implementing the Durban decisions regarding the interim period, in order to ensure that gender was taken on board appropriately and adequately in all aspects. These tasks included, among others, the following: the process of putting in place the structure and other aspects of the AU Commission, revisiting and recasting the programmatic thrust of the AU Commission, reviewing the conditions of service of members of staff, meetings on the establishment of the Economic Social and Cultural Council, elaboration of the relations between the AU and the Regional Economic Communities, working out how Specialized Technical Committees should be linked to the AU, and exploring sources of alternative funding for the AU. This has been very intensive work which has consumed most of the time, attention and energy of the two officers in the Directorate; it is also work that will need to be continued in the post-Maputo period in order to lay down a proper foundation for effective gender mainstreaming in the AU. In addition, the Gender Directorate managed to undertake the activities set out hereunder.
A) Mainstreaming Gender into Commission Activities directed at Implementing the Durban Decisions During the Interim Period
55. The Gender Directorate participated in and serviced the April 2003 Session of the AU Labour and Social Affairs Commission (LSAC), that was held in Grand Bay, Mauritius. While recognizing the imperative need for continued liaison between the work of the gender programme of the AU and the LSAC, this Session of the LSAC recommended that a Specialized Technical Committee on Women, Gender and Development be established to strengthen the Commission’s gender mainstreaming initiatives and interventions in the different sectors.
56. The AU participated at the meeting on Mainstreaming Women’s Effective Participation Within the African Union that was organized by Femme Africa Solidarite in collaboration with the African Women Committee on Peace and Development. The objective of the meeting was EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 19 to explore ways in which the women of Africa could participate more effectively in mainstreaming gender into the African Union and its NEPAD Programme. In addition to the organizers, the meeting was attended by members of the UN system and leading NGOs working in the field of Women and Gender. Among other things, the meeting resolved to establish a Secretariat of NGOs to coordinate civil society activities directed at ensuring that gender is mainstreamed into AU activities and processes.
B) Activities Related to Women’s Rights
57. In conformity with the need for the AU to work towards the elimination of harmful practices that are inimical to the advancement of women and children in Africa and elsewhere in the world, the AU presented a paper on Combating Female Genital Mutilation at a Conference organized by the German Foreign Ministry to mark the International Women’s Day on 8 March 2003 in Berlin, Germany.
58. The Directorate participated at the Second Experts’ Meeting as well as the ensuing Meeting of Ministers to consider the Draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights relating to the Rights of Women in Africa which was held from 24 to 28 March 2003 at the AU premises in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This second meeting, which was a follow up to the First Experts’ Meeting on the same issue, was in fact a resumed session of the first meeting which was organized by the continental body in November 2001. The Ministerial Meeting adopted the Draft Protocol and recommended its transmission to the relevant AU policy organs for endorsement and adoption.
59. The Gender Directorate further participated in the Meeting of Experts and the subsequent First AU Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa that were held from 5 to 9 May 2003, in Kigali, Rwanda. The Conference was organized as a follow-up to the First OAU Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa that was held in Grand Bay, Mauritius, in April 1999, during which the Grand Bay Declaration and Plan of Action were adopted. During the Kigali meetings, participants were, inter alia , updated on the situation vis-à-vis the Draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights relating to the Rights of Women in Africa. Among other things, the Conference made the following recommendations: the need to ensure early adoption, signing and ratification of the Draft Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa; EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 20 the need to ensure that the Draft Protocol is included, implemented, monitored and reported on as an integral part of the African human’s rights regulatory framework; the need to strength the Gender Directorate of the Commission; and the need to establish a Specialized Technical Committee on Women, Gender and Development.
C) NEPAD Forum on Gender
60. In recognition of the fact that the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) is a programme of the AU, the Gender Directorate participated at the NEPAD Forum on Gender which took place in Libreville, Gabon, from 27 to 30 April 2003. The objective of the Forum was to come up with strategies for ensuring that a gender perspective is meaningfully reflected in the structures of power and authority, policy interventions and development initiatives aligned to the NEPAD Programme, from the various Regional Economic Communities, to the different countries and organizations on the African continent, at various levels of management, and through different phases of programmes and projects, and is filtered down to communities and individual households. The Forum, which took place at the City of Democracy, and was opened by H.E. President Omar Bongo of the Republic of Gabon, brought together representatives of government, civil society, international women’s associations and experts on various issues linked to the mandate of NEPAD.
D) Summit of African First Ladies’ Mission on Peace and Humanitarian Issues
61. The fourth Summit of African First Ladies Mission on Peace and Humanitarian Issues was held from the 14 th to 16 May 2003, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. This Summit was held as a follow up to the First and Second Summits, both of which took place in Abuja, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Third Summit that was held in Libreville, Gabon. More specifically, the Malabo Summit was organized within the framework of the decision by the Third Summit that Statutes and Rules of Procedure should be prepared for the First ladies Summit. Consequently, the principal objective of the Malabo Summit was to present the First Ladies with the Statutes and Rules of Procedure for their consideration and adoption.
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E) Collaboration, Networking and Liaison with Different Stakeholders
62. In addition to the above, the Directorate continued its collaboration with institutions and partners which have a common vision with the AU, with special reference to those partners whose mandates complement the work of the AU.
63. Coming now to the issue of gender equality, I am most pleased to report that, following upon the pace-setting decision taken by the Inaugural Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Durban, South Africa, in July 2002, mandating gender equality in the apportionment of the portfolios of the Commission, and taking into account the nominations by the Member States and the work done by the Ministerial Panel in the pre-selection of candidates for the posts of Commissioner, that it should be possible, during the actual selection in Maputo, in July 2003, to ensure that each region is represented by one man and one woman as required by the relevant Articles of the Statutes of the Commission as adopted by the Assembly in Durban, South Africa, last year.
64. Regarding the challenge of mainstreaming gender into all the activities of the Commission of the African Union, I would like to inform you that in the period between Durban and Maputo, most of the work at the level of the Commission involved ensuring that gender is taken into account in all the processes that were undertaken as part of the interim activities leading up to the Maputo Summit. What the work that has been done in this area so far has made very clear is that a lot of resources will be required to translate the almost incredible political will that has been shown by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government into pragmatic gains for, the men and women of Africa. It would be a grave mistake and misfortune to lose this historic window of opportunity due to resource considerations. Therefore, while the Commission will do all in its power to mobilize extra-budgetary funds for some of its gender work, it will be necessary to make meaningful budgetary provisions for these activities.
65. In addition, it will be necessary to put in place a structure that underpins and facilitates this gender work. In this regard, it will be recalled that, as envisioned in Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitutive Act, Specialized Technical Committee (STC) will be the driving force behind EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 22 the work of the various Portfolios and Directorates of the Commission. It will be further recalled that, so far, as at the time the Constitutive Act was elaborated and STCs established, the assumption was that gender issues would be located within the same portfolio as social affairs, and that, therefore, the STC for Social Affairs would be the one to address gender matters. Placement of gender directly under the Chairperson de- likes social affairs and gender, and leaves gender without an STC to perform these critical oversight functions. It is in this regard that the following forums, among others, have all recommended the establishment of an STC on Women, Gender and Development, to strengthen gender mainstreaming initiatives and interventions in all sectors of AU programmes and activities: the Workshop on Mainstreaming Gender into the African Union that was organized in May 2002 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; the Second OAU-Civil Society Conference that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2002; the April Workshop on Mainstreaming Gender into the African Union that was organized in May 2002 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2003 Session of the AU Labour and Social Affairs Commission that was held in Grand Bay, Mauritius; the Conference on Mainstreaming Gender into the African Union which took place in Dakar, Senegal, in April 2003; the NEPAD Forum on Gender which took place in Libreville, Gabon, in April 2003; and the First AU Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa that was held in May 2003, in Kigali, Rwanda. It is my hope that this call will be given due consideration by Member States when the matter comes up.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 23 D. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE ON SECURITY, STABILITY, DEVELOPMENT AND COOPERATION IN AFRICA (CSSDCA) UNIT
I. Introduction
66. During the period under review, the Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa (CSSDCA) Unit took a number of initiatives to consolidate the CSSDCA Process. These include, a technical workshop on the monitoring and evaluation process and activities designed to consolidate the development of both the Civil Society and Diaspora agendas and to build on the function of the CSSDCA Process as an interface mechanism for the African Union. The Unit also remains closely engaged with the development of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
II. Technical Workshop on the CSSDCA Monitoring and Evaluation Process
67. The CSSDCA Unit organized a Technical Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, from 2-4 June 2003 that brought together experts in a number of areas covered by the CSSDCA Memorandum of Understanding, representing African, International, Intergovernmental and Civil Society Organizations; representatives of the Regional Economic Communities, Ambassadors from Addis Ababa and representatives of various Directorates in the Commission.
68. The Workshop addressed the institutional and administrative requirements of monitoring and evaluation, at the national, sub-regional and regional levels, the sources of data for monitoring and evaluation, the issue of timelines and prioritization of indicators as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding, and the question of overlap between the monitoring processes of the CSSDCA and the African Peer Review Mechanism of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development NEPAD.
III. Civil Society Provisional Working Group Meeting
69. During the period under consideration, the CSSDCA Unit also focused on continuous engagement with civil society organizations and their involvement in the activities of the African Union. As part of this EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 24 process, a second statutory meeting of the AU-Civil Society Provisional Working Group was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 11-13 June 2003 to finalize the Draft Code of Conduct and Ethics for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the criteria for accreditation and affiliation of African Civil Society Organizations in furtherance of the work that began at the 1 st meeting held in Accra, Ghana, from 23-25 October 2002. The Provisional Working Group also discussed modalities relating to the participation of Civil Society Organizations and professional and social groups in the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), with emphasis on provisions of the Draft Statute of ECOSOCC. The objective is to refine the provisions contained therein for consideration by policy organs of the AU at this meeting in Maputo.
IV. Diaspora Agenda
70. The CSSDCA Unit continues to sustain an active agenda to mainstream the African Diaspora in the African Union. Since, the Washington Forum of December 17-19, 2003, the Unit has been working actively with Western Hemisphere African Diaspora Network (WHADN), its various working groups and its Secretariat, established under the auspices of Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA), to support the AU agenda in various fields ranging from Health, Education, Peace and Security, etc.
71. Also, prominent international financial and other institutions have expressed support for the programme. Hence, representatives of the CSSDCA Unit were invited to Washington DC, to make a presentation on the Diaspora project including plans and programme for support on 16 April 2003. The meeting ended on a positive and encouraging note and expectations are that this will translate into concrete political and material support in the near future. While in Washington, the CSSDCA Unit in concert with WHADN also worked on the establishment of the legal entity that would support the creation of the AU Endowment Funds. Progress on this score is proceeding rapidly.
V. Interface Activities
72. The CSSDCA Unit was involved with the preparations and conduct of the African Conference on Elections, Democracy and Governance held in Pretoria on 7-10 April 2003. The Conference served as a policy development forum for consideration of issues pertaining to elections, EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 25 electoral processes and multiparty politics in line with one of the cardinal objectives of the CSSDCA Process. The Conference also produced a set of detailed guidelines for election observation and monitoring and a feasibility study on the establishment on an Electoral Assistance Fund as demanded by the CSSDCA Memorandum of Understanding and the Durban Summit Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (AHG/Dec 1.1 XXXVIII).
Development of the African Peer Review Mechanism of NEPAD, March to June 2003
73. The CSSDCA Unit remains engaged with the development of the NEPAD Peer Review Mechanism. The Unit participated actively in various NEPAD Steering Committee meetings held in Cape Town and Abuja between March and June 2003. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 26 F. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL COUNSEL
INTRODUCTION
74. This report covers the period February 2003 to July 2003. During the period under review, the Office of the Legal Counsel has, in discharging its mandate, carried out the following activities: a) Implementation of the Constitutive Act of the African Union
75. The Office of the Legal Counsel has been engaged in the elaboration of the legal instruments for some of the organs of the Union, namely, the Court of Justice, and the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC). In this regard, the Draft Protocol of the Court of Justice has been approved by Ministers of Justice and will be submitted to the Executive Council and the Assembly of the Union for its consideration. Furthermore, the process of elaborating a draft Protocol on the Composition, Functions, Powers and Organization of ECOSOCC is almost completed. b) Draft African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption
76. It will be recalled that the Draft Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption was approved by the Second Ordinary Session of the Executive Council held in N’Djamena, Chad, in February 2003, which recommended it to the Assembly of the Union for adoption. In this regard, the Office of the Legal Counsel circulated the Draft Protocol to all Member States indicating that, if approved, the Convention will be made available for signature immediately thereafter. c) Review of AU Treaties
77. It should be pointed out that with regard to Treaties and Conventions, the Office has finalized the review of all OAU Treaties and Conventions to determine if they are relevant to the African Union. In this connection, the comments and observations received from Member States have been incorporated into the study. It is expected that a Meeting of Experts will be convened in the latter part of this year to consider the results of that exercise.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 27 d) Depositary Functions
78. The Office of the Legal Counsel has continued to perform depositary functions on behalf of the Interim Chairperson by constantly reminding Member States of the status of signature and ratification or accession of the various treaties. It has also continued to submit to each session of Council, a report on the status of AU Treaties and drew the attention of Member States to the need to sign and ratify all the treaties. e) Permanent Consultative and Advisory Services
79. In discharging its consultative and advisory functions, the Office of the Legal Counsel provided, among others, legal advice to the Policy organs and the Commission regarding the interpretation of the various treaties, Rules of Procedure, Staff Rules and Regulations, Financial Rules and Regulations and other administrative or institutional issues.
80. Thus, the Office was involved in the preparation of the following legal instruments:
• Draft Rules of Procedure of the Labour and Social affairs Commission;
• Draft Rules of procedure of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child;
• Draft Guidelines for Initial State Reports;
• Plan of Action for the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child;
• Draft Protocol of the Court of Justice;
• Draft Protocol on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights relating to the Right of Women;
• Draft Kigali Declaration of the First AU Ministerial Conference on Human Rights;
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 28 f) Agreements examined and cleared within the Reporting Period:
1. Agreement between the AU and the Government of Chad for the hosting of the 2 nd Ordinary Session, 3 -6 March 2003;
2. Host Agreement between the AU and The Government of Mauritius 1 st Ordinary Session of Social Affairs, 10 -15 April 2003;
3. Host Agreement between the African Union and the Libyan Government on the 1 st Ordinary Session of Ministers of Health, 26 - 30 April 2003;
4. Host Agreement between the AU and the Government of Mauritius on the First Meeting of Experts/Judges and PRC, 4-8 June 2003;
5. Agreement between the AU and the Government of Rwanda Government on the 2 nd Ministerial Conference on Human Rights, 5 - 9 May 2003;
6. Aircraft Charter Agreement between the AU and Ethiopian Airlines relating to Transportation of Equipment to Comoros, 12 February 2003;
7. Grant Agreement between the Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa and State of Eritrea, 21 April 2003;
8. Agreement between the AU and Ernst and Young to review the AU Accounting System, 21 June 2003;
9. Grant Agreement between the AU and The Royal Norwegian Government for support of Stand By Force arrangements and Modalities for the Military Staff Committee of the Peace and Security Council of the AU, 12 June 2003;
10. Grant Agreement between the AU and Denmark on support to the non-earmarked Peace Fund, 3 June 2003;
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 29
11. Agreement between the AU and The European Commission - Cease-fire Observer Mission in Burundi, 9 April 2003;
12. Financing Agreement between the AU and the ACP Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa support to Peace-Building and Transition Activities of the AU, 2 April 2003;
13. Agreement between the AU and the French Government on Contribution to the Peace Fund, 24 April 2003;
14. Agreement between the AU and Japan on support to the Peace Fund, 1 November 2003;
15. Agreement between the AU and M/s. Zenbaba Gardening Cleaning and Painting PLC, 17 April 2003;
16. Agreements between AU and Nitsuh Cleaning Services (NCS), 16 April 2003;
17. Agreement between the African Union and UNDP - Support for the Implementation of the Peace and Security Fund, 15 May 2003. g. Missions
1. Evaluation Mission to N’djamena, Chad for the organization of the Ordinary Sessions of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) and the Executive Council, January 2003;
2. Meeting of the Ad hoc Ministerial Conference on the proposed amendments to the Constitutive Act, Sun City, South Africa January 2003;
3. 2nd Ordinary Session of the Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Nairobi, Kenya February 2003;
4. Labour and Social Affairs Commission, April 2003, Grand Bay, Mauritius, April 2003;
5. Experts and Ministerial meetings on the Court of Justice, June 2003. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 30
CHAPTER II
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY DIRECTORATE B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE POLITICAL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY DIRECTORATE
I. INTRODUCTION
81. During the reporting period, the Peace and Security Directorate continued its Conflict Prevention and Management activities on the Continent. The past months were marked by an acceleration in the peace processes in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the pursuit of negotiations aimed at concluding peace agreements in other areas including Somalia and The Sudan. It is also worth mentioning the sudden new developments in the situation in the Central African Republic, as evidenced by the coup d’ Etat of 15 March 2003, which necessitated a number of specific measures on the part of the AU.
82. Against this background characterized by an increasingly greater involvement of the AU in the search for solutions to conflict situations, the Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution met twice and was provided with all the necessary assistance by the Peace and Security Directorate.
83. The follow-up on the issue of terrorism and implementation of the decisions of the Durban Summit featured prominently in the activities of the Directorate. Regarding this latter point, issues dealt with focused on the Protocol of the AU Peace and Security Council, the Common Defense and Security Policy and the Structures of the Commission.
84. Furthermore, the staff of the Directorate participated in several meetings dealing with themes falling within its area of competence. The Directorate also received the visit of many delegations.
85. During the period under review, the Team Management Project continued to lend its support to the Directorate. Lastly, mention should EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 31 be made of the signing, between the AU and UNDP, of support programmes relating to the AU Peace and Security agenda.
II. CONFLICT SITUATION RELATED ACTIVITIES
a) The Comoros
86. During the period under review, the Comorian socio-political situation remained precarious due to a combination of factors: the non- implementation of the remaining aspects of the Fomboni Framework Agreement for Peace and National Reconciliation, and strikes by different sectors of the society.
87. Within the framework of resolving this crisis, the Interim Chairperson of the Commission dispatched to the archipelago, from 21 to 26 April 2003, his Special Envoy to the Comoros, Mr. Francisco Madeira, accompanied by an Information Analyst from the Peace and Security Directorate and an Officer from the AU Liaison Bureau in Moroni. The objective was to find out from the parties involved their perception of the situation and how to get out of the blockage. The Special Envoy held discussions with the Presidents of the Islands as well as with the Union President.
88. The AU Liaison Office in Moroni continued to be actively involved in the search for a solution to the Comorian crisis. It participated in the meetings of the Comité de Suivi of the Fomboni Framework Agreement, maintained continued liaison with the members of the international community stationed in the Comoros and ensured that contact was maintained between the President of the Union and the Island Presidents, on the one hand, and the Headquarters of the African Union, on the other.
b) Madagascar
89. During the period under consideration, the efforts of the Peace and Security Directorate focused on the follow-up of the decision of the Central Organ of February 2003 on Madagascar. On 19 March 2003, the Interim Chairperson of the Commission addressed a letter to Mr. Marc Ravalomanana, President of the Republic of Madagascar, informing him that the Central Organ Summit held in Addis Ababa in February 2003 had, in the light of the developments which had taken place in EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 32
Madagascar, especially the holding of legislative elections in December 2002, recommended to the Assembly of the Union to recognize him as the legitimate President of Madagascar.
90. On 31 March 2003, General Marcel Ranjeva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, responded to the letter from the Interim Chairperson, stating that the recommendation by the Central Organ for the Assembly to recognize Marc Ravalomanana as the legitimate President of Madagascar converged with the wishes of the Malagasy people and was the logical conclusion of the efforts of the African Union to support the process of development and reconciliation following the crisis of 2002. He expressed the sincere gratitude of the government and people of Madagascar to the African Union for its diligence and devotion in its search for a solution to the Malagasy crisis.
c) Somalia
91. The African Union, through the Peace and Security Directorate and the Special Envoy of the Interim Chairperson, Ambassador M. A.Foum, has continued to closely follow the evolution of the situation in Somalia since the N’Djamena Session of the Executive Council. The period under review has witnessed a number of developments and initiatives from the Commission.
92. On 1 and 2 April 2003, and in view of the need to take concrete measures on the ground, the Peace and Security Directorate received a delegation from the IGAD Technical Committee led by Major General J. A. Musomba for consultations, in Addis Ababa. The consultations focused on the potentials for collaboration between IGAD and AU in undertaking a fact-finding mission to Somalia to collect information on outbreaks of hostilities and, subsequently, to set up an AU monitoring mechanism to support the implementation of the cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, the Commission effected a contribution of US$ 50,000.00 to the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference.
93. The Special Envoy participated in the Joint IGAD Partners’ Forum meeting, held at the Italian Embassy, in Addis Ababa, on 8 April 2003. The meeting discussed, among other things, the situation in Somalia, paying particular attention to the Somalia reconciliation process in M’bagathi, Kenya.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 33
94. Further, the Commission met with Ambassador Carlo Ungaro, the Italian Special Envoy for Somalia, at the AU Headquarters, on 9 April 2003. Discussions focused on the preparations for carrying out a census of combatants and a DDR process in Somalia, in the aftermath of the conclusion of the Somalia National Reconciliation Conference.
95. Additionally, the Special Envoy held various consultations involving the Somali leaders, international observers and the UN team in M’bagathi. As this report was being finalized, a Joint AU/IGAD delegation was undertaking a fact-finding mission to Somalia.
d) Ethiopia - Eritrea
96. During the period under review, and as part of its continued involvement in the peace process between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Commission maintained regular contacts with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and other partners in the peace process, as well as with the parties. On 4 April 2003, the Interim Chairperson convened a meeting with the guarantors of the peace process to examine ways of moving forward the implementation of the Algiers Agreements.
97. At the level of the AU Liaison Mission in Ethiopia-Eritrea (OLMEE), the Senior Political Representative (SPR) has pursued his liaison activities with the parties, United Nations Mission in Ethiopia (UNMEE) and other institutions involved in the peace process, both in Addis Ababa and Asmara. In this respect, it is worth mentioning that, during the period under review, Major-General Ralph Chisheta, Zambian Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff, Lt. General Fischer, the Commander of Botswana Defence Forces, and Brigadier E.D. Ndaitwa, Chief of Operations of the Namibian Armed Forces, visited OLMEE Offices and were briefed on the structure of OLMEE, its mandate and activities, as well as on various aspects of the peace process from the AU perspective.
98. The Senior Military Representative (SMR) has continued to conduct inspection visits to the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), and liaise with military commanders and officials of the parties and UNMEE. OLMEE liaison teams continued to deploy and patrol the TSZ in conjunction with UNMEE, though at a lower number and frequency due to financial constraints. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 34
e) The Sudan
99. During the period under review, the Directorate has continued to follow closely the peace process in the Sudan and to provide support to the ongoing negotiations between the parties.
100. In this respect, the Special Envoy of the Interim Chairperson for the Sudan, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, participated, from 4 to 19 March 2003, in Karen, Kenya, in the negotiations on the three conflict areas of Abyei, Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile. From 14 to 16 March 2003, Ambassador Kingibe traveled to Khartoum, for discussions with the Sudanese authorities on the peace process.
101. The Special Envoy was also a witness to the signing, on 15 March 2002, in Karen, between the Government of the Sudan (GoS) and the SPLM/A, of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cessation of Hostilities for a further period of three months to be effective until 30 June 2003. On the same occasion, the parties also extended the Agreement to protect non-combatant civilians and civilian facilities from military attacks until 31 March 2004.
102. The Directorate participated in the Fourth Session of the Political Committee Task Force on Security Arrangements, which was held in Nairobi, from 7 to 16 April 2003. The Special Envoy participated in the negotiations on power and wealth sharing, in Machakos, from 7 to 21 May 2003.
103. Finally, and as part of the AU support to the negotiation process, the Commission made a contribution of US$50,000 to the IGAD Secretariat for peace in the Sudan.
f) Burundi
104. During the period under consideration, the Commission continued both at the level of the Peace and Security Directorate and the AU Mission in Burundi (MIOB), to be actively involved in the peace process in Burundi. On 30 April 2003, the Interim Chairperson of the Commission attended the ceremony of handing-over power by the outgoing President, Major Buyoya, who led the first phase of the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 35 transition, to the Vice President, Domitien Ndayizeye, who is expected to lead the second phase of the transition.
105. During the period under review, MIOB continued to work in close collaboration with the other Missions present in Bujumbura for the restoration and maintenance of confidence among the protagonists of the Burundian conflict. It should be noted in this connection that the Special Representative is a member of the informal ceasefire support group working for the removal of the huddles that periodically block the implementation of the ceasefire.
106. Within the framework of the Executive Council of the Arusha Agreement Implementation Commission, MIOB helped prepare the 12 th and 13 th Ordinary Sessions of the Implementation Commission. During these two sessions held in Bujumbura from 17 to 21 March and from 19 to 23 May 2003 respectively, Ambassador Mamadou Bah, Special Representative of the Interim Chairperson of the Commission, briefed Members of the Commission on the status of the deployment of observers of the African Union and the African Mission.
107. The Special Representative participated in the meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys to Burundi organized in New York on 15 April 2003 by the United Nations Political Affairs Department. The meeting discussed the situation in Burundi on the eve of the deadline of 1 May 2003 and prospects for the establishment of the African Mission.
108. In implementation of the Decision of the Central Organ of 14 January 2003, the Military Observers of the African Union, drawn from Burkina Faso, Gabon, Mali, Togo and Tunisia, 43 in number, were deployed within the country, in the following provinces: BUBANZA, GITEGA, MAKAMBA, KAYANZA and RUYIGI.
109. At its 91 st Ordinary Session, the Central Organ approved the deployment, for an initial period of one year, of the African Mission in Burundi. As part of the preparation of the deployment of the Mission, the Special Representative of the Interim Chairperson and leader of the political component of the Mission, Ambassador Mamadou Bah, signed two reference documents with the transitional Government, namely, the Agreement on the status of the Force (SOFA) and the Rules of Engagement. Furthermore, several technical meetings were organized in Addis Ababa and Bujumbura to adopt the budget of the Mission and EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 36 discuss other operational details. The Special Representative and the Force Commander, General Sipho Binda of South Africa, attended these meetings. At the time of finalizing this Activity Report, preparations are underway for the deployment of the African Mission.
110. MIOB organized periodic meetings with the partners with a view to a better definition of their areas of intervention and coordination of all activities related to the Ceasefire Agreements, particularly the cantonment of combatants.
111. Furthermore, during the reporting period, MIOB participated in all the ad hoc mechanism meetings on the national programme for the disarmament, demobilization and re-integration of ex-combatants which was in the process of being finalized by both local and World Bank experts. In addition to these meetings, the Special Representatives, met on several occasions with World Bank experts to exchange views on the demobilization and re-integration issue.
112. On 29 April 2003, the Special Representative received UNHCR Regional Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region, Madam Wairimu Karago, with whom he discussed the issue in light of new prospects arising from positive political developments and the deployment of Military Observers of the African Union and the African Force. Still within the context of this repatriation process, the Mission embarked on an “OAU/AU” village construction project of about fifty houses, as its contribution to efforts to receive the returnees. The Interim Chairperson seized the opportunity, while in Bujumbura on the occasion of the handing-over power by President Buyoya to Vice President Ndayizeye, to lay the foundation stone of this village.
g) Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
113. The Special Representative of the Interim Chairperson of the Commission in the DRC and Head of the AU Liaison Office in Kinshasa, Mr Martin Bongo, was in contact with all the parties, trying to bridge the gap between the various positions, within the framework of the Inter- Congolese Dialogue. He also worked in close collaboration with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and his Special Envoy for the Inter-Congolese Dialogue. Furthermore, he held regular consultations with the office of the Facilitator of the Dialogue in EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 37
Kinshasa and took part in the Pretoria III inter-Congolese political negotiations held from 24 February to 6 March 2003.
114. The Special Representative of the Interim Chairperson participated in the conclusion of the Dialogue held in Sun City, South Africa, from 1 to 2 April 2003, culminating in the adoption of the Final Act of the inter- Congolese negotiations. As a follow-up on this Final Act, the Special Representative of the Interim Chairperson participates in the weekly meetings of the International Support Committee for the Transitional Institutions, together with the other members, including the United Nations, the representatives of the Permanent Members of the Security Council, the European Union, as well as other African and European countries.
h) Central African Republic (CAR)
115. Following the coup d’ Etat of 15 March 2003 engineered by General François Bozize and the meeting of the Central Organ of 17 March 2003, the Special Envoy of the Interim Chairperson visited the region from 14 to 21 April 2003. In Gabon, he met successively with the Minister of State and Foreign Minister, Mr Jean Ping, President El Hadj Omar Bongo; in Central Africa, the Foreign Affairs Secretary of State, Herve Charles Wenezoui, Prime Minister Abel Goumba, the Head of State General François Bozize, representatives of the European Union and BONUCA, as well as representatives of the Civil Society; and in Chad, President Idriss Deby.
116. Several recommendations were formulated by the Special Envoy. At the time of finalizing this activity report, these recommendations were being examined in order to determine the next stages of AU action.
i) Côte d’Ivoire
117. During the period under consideration, the AU continued to be involved in efforts aimed at the implementation of Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. This agreement gave rise to acts of violence and has been resisted in Abidjan, with frequent violations of the ceasefire. The Committee on the Follow-up on the Implementation of the said agreement, which held its meetings in a tense atmosphere, set out to resolve the problems by conducting, whenever necessary, the necessary investigations, and reminding the protagonists of the need to honour EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 38 their commitments. The AU Special Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Professor Andre Salifou, participated actively in these efforts.
118. The Accra Round Table on Côte d’Ivoire which brought together the Ivorians Political Forces on 7 March 2003, helped to break the deadlock, thus paving the way for the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. The AU was represented at the talks by its Special Representative.
119. As a corollary to the Accra Round Table, the inaugural cabinet session of the Government of National Reconciliation was held in Yamoussoukro on 13 March 2003. The Interim Chairperson of the Commission graced the session with his presence, thereby demonstrating the AU support for the peace process set in motion.
120. In the same vein, a mission of the AU Commission proceeded to Côte d’Ivoire from 29 March to 6 April 2003 to inaugurate the AU Liaison Office in Abidjan. The aim was to ensure that all the requisite conditions are in place to enable the Special Representative to effectively accomplish his mission and contribute to the efforts of the Follow-up Committee.
j) Liberia
121. During the period under review, the AU has intensified its collaboration with the international community in order to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Liberia.
122. From 14 to 15 April 2003, the Peace and Security Directorate participated in the mission undertaken by the two Co-chairs of the International Contact Group on Liberia (ICGL) to Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The Co-chairs are the Foreign Minister of Ghana, representing the Chairman of ECOWAS, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and EU Special Representative to the Mano River Union (MRU). The purpose of the mission was to revitalize the Liberian peace process in furtherance of peace and stability in that country and in the Mano River region as a whole. The delegation, which met with the leaders of the three countries, representatives of LURD and Civil Society groups, conveyed the conclusions of the 2 nd Working Session of the ICGL, held in New York on 28 February 2003.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 39
123. The Peace and Security Directorate was also represented at the 3 rd meeting of the ICGL, held in Brussels, Belgium, on 12 May 2003. The meeting was briefed on the mission of the co-chairs to the Mano River Union (MRU) countries. It was also briefed on the Joint UN/AU/ECOWAS Needs Assessment Mission to Liberia, on 9 and 10 May 2003.
k) Western Sahara
124. During the reporting period, the Directorate has continued to follow the situation in the Territory. On the ground, the AU Mission in Western Sahara has maintained close collaboration with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, in the overall effort to contribute towards progress in the stalemated peace process in the dispute over Western Sahara.
125. To that end, the Senior Representative of the AU Interim Chairperson, Ambassador Yilma Tadesse, has continued his regular consultations with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary- General, Ambassador William Lacey Swing, to review and exchange information related to the peace process as a whole. The consultations focused in particular on developments concerning the latest peace initiative submitted to the Parties by Mr. James Baker, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General.
126. The Senior Representative has also continued to maintain close contact with the two parties, through the Moroccan and POLISARIO Coordinators with MINURSO, in order to exchange views and consult with them on matters of relevance to the evolution of the peace process. The Senior Representative traveled to Tindouf, during the visit of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, to meet Mr. James Baker and follow developments related to his recent peace plan for the Territory.
127. During the period under review, the AU Office in Western Sahara undertook an assessment mission in the camps in Tindouf, to evaluate the extent of the gravity of the food deficiency situation faced by the Saharawi refugees. It has, within the same period, participated in MINURSO missions intended to work out programmes of confidence- building measures to be launched, linking by telephone and mail EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 40 services, the refugees in the camps with their families and relatives residing in the Territory.
III. SUPPORT FOR THE CENTRAL ORGAN
128. During the period under review, the Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution held two meetings in Addis Ababa at the Ambassadorial level: one on 17 March, and the other on 2 April 2003.
129. The meeting of 17 March reviewed the situation in the Central African Republic, in the light of the coup d’Etat of 15 March 2003 in Bangui. It called for the restoration of constitutional rule and requested the Interim Chairperson to dispatch his Special Envoy to the region. As a follow-up to the communiqué issued by the Central Organ, the Interim Chairperson dispatched his Special Envoy for CAR to the region to consult with the leaders concerned on the best ways to overcome the crisis in CAR and restore constitutional rule.
130. The session of 2 April 2003 reviewed the preparations for the deployment of the African Mission in Burundi. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Defence of South Africa, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The Minister of Defence of South Africa briefed the meeting on the preparations being made for the deployment of the African Mission in Burundi. Following its deliberations, the Central Organ mandated the deployment of the African Mission in Burundi (AMIB) for an initial period of one (1) year. At the time of finalizing this Activity Report, steps were underway for the deployment of the African Mission.
131. The Peace and Security Directorate provided the support required to the Central Organ throughout the meetings, and ensured the follow- up on the implementation of the decisions taken.
IV. TERRORISM
132. During the period under review, the activities of the Directorate focused on three major areas:
i) campaign for more ratifications of the Algiers Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and the effective implementation by Member States of the Plan of EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 41
Action adopted by the Algiers High Level Inter- Governmental Meeting held from 11 to 14 September 2003;
ii) ii) solicit and review comments from Member States to finalize the draft Protocol to the Algiers Convention; and
iii) popularize the Algiers Convention.
133. In this respect, the Directorate sent a reminder and Questionnaire on the draft additional Protocol to all Member States in April 2003, to expedite and guide their comments on the draft Protocol; reviewed and sent acknowledgements to responses received from Member States on the draft Protocol; formally registered, in March 2003, the Algiers Convention, as a public document of the United Nations to popularize it among the wider diplomatic community and to ensure easy access to the document. The Directorate also contributed to the Security Council report and compilation of counter-terrorism activity reports from regional and international organizations, and also participated at the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) Special meeting with International, Regional and Sub-regional Organizations, held in New York, on 6 March 2003.
134. In follow-up to the Algiers Plan of Action and the Council’s decision on the High Level Inter-Governmental Meeting on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, a delegation composed of Minister Abdelkader Messahel of Algeria and a representative of the Commission visited Vienna, Austria, from 11 to 14 May 2003, to consult with the UN Office for Drug Control and Crime prevention on the establishment of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism. The delegation also held discussions with the officials from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
V. IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS OF THE DURBAN SUMMIT
a) Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC)
135. During the period under review, the Directorate continued its activities aimed at facilitating operationalization of the Protocol relating EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 42 to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.
136. The Directorate, assisted by African independent personalities, prepared a document on the modalities for the functioning of the Panel of the Wise.
137. It also, with the help of two United Nations experts, finalized the preliminary draft of the Rules of Procedure of the Peace and Security Council. The United Nations team also prepared a document on the modus operandi of the Secretariat of the Peace and Security Council, as provided for in the Protocol, as well as the structure of the said Secretariat.
138. With regard to the African Standby Force and the Military Staff Committee, the Peace and Security Directorate, assisted by the UN, put in place a team of consultants which prepared a guideline document. The document was submitted to the Consultative Meeting between the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities held in Addis Ababa from 14 to 15 April 2003. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Regional Economic Communities, the UN and countries that took the initiative to strengthen peace keeping capacities in Africa.
139. The Consultative Meeting was followed by a meeting of Governmental Experts from Member States in Addis Ababa from 12 to 14 May 2003, preparatory to the Third Meeting of Chiefs of Staff held from 15 to 16 May 2003. The meeting of Chiefs of Staff adopted a framework document on the African Standby Force and the Military Staff Committee. The document formulates a number of recommendations on the modalities for the establishment of the African Standby Force and the Military Staff Committee.
140. The 3 rd Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Sun city, South Africa, from 12 to 15 May 2003, considered the framework document adopted by the Chiefs of Staff.
141. Efforts are also underway for the signing and ratification of the Protocol on the Peace and Security Council. As at 30 May 2003, the Protocol was signed and ratified by 38 and 6 Members respectively
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b) African Common Defence and Security Policy
142. As part of the follow-up on the decision adopted in Durban in July 2002 on the need for an African Common Defence and Security Policy, the Commission, with the help of a team of consultants, prepared a guideline document which was submitted to an Experts Meeting in Randburg, South Africa from 27 to 29 March 2003.
143. Following that meeting, the Commission was requested to prepare a revised document based on the recommendations of the Experts and taking into account the relevant chapters of the guideline document and the Memorandum of Understanding submitted by South Africa. This revised document titled “Draft Framework Document on African Common Defence and Security Policy” was examined by a Second Experts’ Meeting held in Sun City on 19 May 2003. It was later submitted together with the amendments made by the Experts’ Meeting, to the Third Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council held in Sun City from 21 to 25 May 2003.
c) Structures of the Peace and Security Directorate
144. As part of the implementation of the Commission’s programme during the interim period, the Peace and Security Directorate, with the assistance of the United Nations, made inputs to the brainstorming and formulation of proposals on the structure of the Directorate. These proposals which took into account the wider mandate entrusted to the AU in the area of Conflict Prevention and Resolution, as well as the need for a close synergy between the constructive “Units” of the Directorate, were examined by the Sub-Committee on Structure, Human Resource Requirements and Conditions of Service.
VI. PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS AND VISITS TO THE PEACE AND SECURITY DIRECTORATE
145. In addition to the meetings and missions related to conflict situations referred to earlier, the Peace and Security Directorate during the period under review participated in a number of meetings and received the visit of various institutions and organizations.
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A. Participation in Meetings and Other activities.
a) Senior Leader Seminar, Addis Ababa, 24 February to 7 March 2003
146. The Directorate was represented at the Senior Leader Seminar organized by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 24 February to 7 March 2003. Civilian leaders, policymakers, military officers, researchers and practitioners from African countries, the United States and some European countries attended the Seminar. The Seminar considered issues ranging from designing national defense strategies to civil-military relations and defense economics.
b) G8 Experts’ Meeting (Berlin, 7-8 March, and Paris, 17 March 2003)
147. As part of the preparation of a Joint G8-AU/NEPAD Plan of Africa’s capacity building in the area of peace keeping, the Directorate participated in two Experts’ Meetings of G8 member countries held in Berlin and Paris from 7 to 8 and 17 May 2003 respectively. At the Berlin meeting, it was agreed that the Protocol on the Peace and Security Council should serve as a starting point for the assistance provided to the AU in the area of peace keeping. At the Paris meeting, the AU and NEPAD representatives presented the framework document on the establishment of the Africa Standby Force and the Military Staff Committee, which was adopted by the 3 rd meeting of Chiefs of Staff held in Addis Ababa from 15 to 16 May 2003.
148. The on-going efforts form part of the implementation of the Plan of Action adopted by the G8 Summit at Kananaskis, Canada, in June last year. Relevant recommendations will be submitted to the G8 Summit scheduled to take place in Evian, France from 1 to 3 June 2003.
c) Participation at the funeral of the Late Oumarou Sanda, Head of the AU Liaison Office in the Comoros – 28 April 2003
149. A staff from the Directorate represented the Commission at the funeral of the Late Mahaman Oumarou Sanda, Head of the AU Liaison EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 45
Office in the Comoros, who passed away in Johannesburg, South Africa. The funeral took place on 18 April 2003.
150. On that occasion, the representative of the Commission conveyed the condolences of the AU to the bereaved family and the Niger authorities to whom he delivered a letter. The late Mahaman Oumarou Sanda who carried out his duties with devotion and selflessness is survived by a widow and two children.
d) The UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Capacity-Building and Partnerships for Implementation” Bonn, Germany, 28-29 April 2003
151. At the invitation of the Development Policy Forum InWent-Capacity Building International, the Peace and Security Directorate participated in the above-mentioned meeting, which was aimed at discussing capacity building and partnerships for the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms. The representative of the AU chaired the Session IV on “Regional Initiatives on Small Arms Control”.
e) Preparation of the First Ladies Summit, Malabo, 14-15 May 2003
152. An officer of the Peace and Security Directorate led a two-person delegation to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 14 to 16 May 2003, with a view to providing technical advice in the context of preparations being made then towards the First Ladies Summit scheduled to be held later that month.
f) Meeting on the Role and Contribution of African Trade Unions in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building in the Great Lakes, 19-21 May 2003, Nairobi, Kenya
153. At the invitation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Union-African Regional Organization (ICFTU-AFRO), the Peace and Security Directorate participated in the above-mentioned meeting. On that occasion, the AU representative made a presentation on the theme: “Institutions/Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution in Africa”.
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g) Workshop on Strengthening Africa’s Regional Capacities and Strategies for Conflict Prevention, Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery, Addis Ababa, 19 – 21 May 2003
154. The Directorate was represented at a three-day Workshop on “Strengthening Africa’s Regional Capacities and Strategies for Conflict Prevention, Peace Building and Post Conflict Recovery,” organized by UNDP’s Peace Building Initiatives in Africa and held at the UN Conference Centre, in Addis Ababa, from 19 to 21 May 2003. The purpose of the Workshop was to operationalize the programme to strengthen Africa’s regional capacities and strategies for conflict prevention, peace-building and post conflict recovery. Among the participants were representatives of SADC and ECOWAS, development partners such as the World Bank, the European Commission, DFID, NORAD and USAID, and the UN System.
B. Visits to the Peace and Security Directorate
a) Visit of a delegation from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation, 5 March 2003
155. The objective of the visit was to explore modalities of cooperation between the Centre and the AU/PSD, particularly in conflict resolution and peace-building, in order to promote and enhance security and stability in Africa.
b) Visit to the AU by the Delegation from the United States Air Force Air War College, 11 March 2003
156. As part of the effort aimed at broadening their perspective on Ethiopia and the role of the African Union, 16 students and Faculty members from the United States Air Force Air War College visited the Commission of the African Union on 11 March 2003. The delegation was received by the Director of Peace and Security Directorate, who made a presentation on AU activities on Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. He also briefed the delegation on the African Union Military Observer Mission in Burundi, as well as on the relationship between the African Union and the Regional Organizations in the area of conflict management.
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c) Visit of the Lagos State University Centre for Development and Democratic Studies in Africa (LASU/CDDS) Delegation, 12-14 March 2003
157. The objective of the visit was to discuss possible collaboration between the CDDS and the Peace and Security Directorate in the domain of peace, security and stability in Africa. The consultation focused on areas relating to research on Conflict Prevention, Security Sector Reform and Governance, as well as the African Standby Force, provided for by the Protocol relating to the Peace and Security Council of the AU.
d) Visit of a UNOPS Delegation 15 to 21 March 2003
158. The objective of the visit was to discuss the modalities for the implementation of the AU/UNDP capacity-building project, and to address some of the concerns expressed by the AU partners regarding the project document. During the visit, a meeting was held between the Peace and Security Directorate, UNOPS and members of the Informal Technical Working Group (ITWG), a group of like-minded donors contributing to the Programme for strengthening the Conflict Management Centre (CMC). The objective of the meeting was to brief donors on developments surrounding the new AU/UNDP Capacity Building Project, and to address the concerns expressed by the AU Donors/Partners.
e) Visit of a GTZ Delegation, 11 April 2003
159. The objective of the meeting was to discuss issues relating to the German support to the Peace and Security Directorate.
VII. EUROPEAN 10 MILLION EURO CONTRIBUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE AFRICAN UNION’S PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA
160. The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) signed a Euro 10 million financial agreement in support of Peace and Security Agenda of the AU on 2 April 2003. European Commissioner, Paul Nielson and the Interim Chairperson of the Commission of the AU, Mr. Amara Essy, signed the agreement at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, on behalf of the two organizations.
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161. The Euro 10 million is to support AU’s agenda with regard to the following peace-building activities:
(i) peace agreement negotiations, facilitation and implementation, liaison office support in the sub-Saharan countries, and in other possible conflict areas;
(ii) post-conflict initiatives, electoral observations, work with Civil Society and other institutional support for peace and security, including short-term training on election observation in selected African countries;
(iii) appointment and deployment of the Panel of the Wise;
(iv) local project support staff and equipment for the Peace and Security Directorate.
VIII. AU/UNDP PROJECT DOCUMENT ON THE SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA OF THE AFRICAN UNION
162. The first phase of the UNDP Capacity Building Project (RAF/97/028) ends on 30 June 2003, following the signing of the Project Document entitled: “Support for the Implementation of the Peace and Security Agenda of the African Union” between the AU and the UNDP on 16 May 2003. The new project document RAF/02/018/A/01/31 marks the second phase of the UNDP project, which seeks to provide technical and financial assistance to the African Union, aimed at enhancing its capacity for conflict prevention, security and peace building in Africa.
163. The overall cost of the Project is US$6.3 million for the three-year duration, to which the UNDP will contribute US$2 million, while the shortfall of US$4.3 million will be contributed by AU Partners. The project activities will focus on:
(i) Capacity-building of the Peace and Security Directorate;
(ii) ensuring the effective operation of the Peace and Security Council;
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(iii) strengthening institutions and programmes for preventive diplomacy, peace and security; and
(iv) developing capacity for outreach and resource mobilization for the AU Peace and Security Agenda.
164. The new project provides for the merger of the two Project Teams (the Project Management Team and the UNDP Project - RAF/97/028). The decision, by the AU, to merge the two teams is aimed at avoiding duplication of work, bringing synergy and ensuring rational use of resources for capacity building within the AU/PSD, including effective coordination and implementation of project activities.
IX. ACTIVITY CARRIED OUT BY PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM (PMT)
165. The primary responsibility of the Project Management Team (PMT) is to provide administrative and programme support, as well as management oversight functions, aimed at ensuring that the various activities within the CMC are prioritized, planned and implemented in a timely and efficient manner under the OAU/AU Programme for strengthening the capacity of the Conflict Management Centre, adopted in March 1999. During the period under review, the PMT, among others:
- organized and serviced the meetings of the Informal Technical Working Group (ITWG) – which bring together AU Partners providing Support for the Programme for Strengthening the CMC - of 12 March and 7 May 2003;
- prepared monthly reports and annual report on progress made under the CMC Capacity-Building Project;
- assisted in preparing a document on the Terms and Conditions of AU Field Mission Staff;
- developed job profiles for CMC Staff and the PMT;
- prepared a number of documents relating to management /administrative procedures, aimed at improving the CMC operations, including draft Rules for AU/CMC Consultants.
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- prepared financial and narrative reports on utilization of donor contributions to AU/PSD;
- analyzed and summarized expenditures of the AU and General Peace Funds as well as the Special Contributions;
- developed and maintained a computerized system for tracking the use of donors funds;
- prepared budgets for conferences, meetings and project documents.
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B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE POLITICAL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
166. During the reporting period, the Department of Political Affairs carried out the following activities, pursuant to its mandate.
I. DEMOCRATIZATION AND ELECTION MONITORING/ OBSERVATION
167. During the period under review, the Department participated in election observation and Fact-Finding Missions in the following Member States: Bénin, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda and Togo.
a) Legislative Elections in Bénin
168. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Bénin, the Commission sent a Fact-Finding Mission during the Legislative Elections, held on 30 March 2003 in that country. The AU was unable to send an observer mission per se , since the invitation was transmitted after the deadline laid down in the July 2002 Durban Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (Article V.3) which stipulates that Member States should ensure that invitations to the AU to participate in election observation or monitoring are sent at least two months before the date of the elections.
169. The report of this Fact-Finding Mission indicates that generally, the campaign was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, that voting was organized in an orderly and disciplined manner and that the people of Bénin demonstrated a high sense of civicism. The results announced by the Constitutional Commission showed that the Presidential party obtained 54 seats and the Opposition 29 seats.
b) Presidential and General Elections in Nigeria
170. At the invitation of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Commission sent a 21-Member Observer/Monitoring Team, led by Prof. Abdoulaye Bathily, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Senegal, to observe and monitor the National Assembly Elections and the Presidential and Gubernatorial Elections held on 12 April and 19 April 2003 respectively, organized and conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 52
171. The Team, which stayed in the country from 03 – 23 April 2003 covered both elections in various regions of Nigeria, including Kano/Kaduna/Jos in the North, the Lagos Area in the West, the Port Harcourt Area in the South, the Enugu Area in the South and the Federal Capital Territory and the Abuja Municipality.
172. At the end of its mission, the Team submitted a comprehensive report on the conduct of the elections exercise in general, where 30 political parties contested, including 20 parties for the presidential elections together with its observations and recommendations for implementation at the level of the Government and the Commission of the AU.
173. In spite of the reported incidents of violence and irregularities in some areas, on the whole, the elections were conducted in a congenial atmosphere that offered Nigeria the opportunity to strengthen the democratic process and good governance. It is hoped that the political stakeholders in future elections will endeavour to consolidate and deepen the culture of tolerance and peace in order to make democratic transition, a sustainable success and that aggrieved parties will fully utilize the existing legal mechanisms to redress matters of dispute.
c) By-Elections in Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
174. As a first time experience, the Commission took part in the By- Elections held on the island of Pemba on 18 May 2003, at the invitation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The participation of the AU was basically representational in order to ensure an AU presence on the Island and observe the outcome of the elections.
175. It will be recalled that owing to the inconclusiveness of polling on the Isles in October 2000, the OAU had been obliged to pull out its Team that had covered the General Elections in Tanzania, at the time.
176. The Pemba By-Elections in the 17 Constituencies organized by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the House of Representatives, and the 15 others organized by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for the Union Parliament widely covered by the AU and other international observer groups, were generally peaceful and well organized logistically and procedurally by both Commissions, which greatly EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 53 enhanced the free and unrestricted participation of the people in the elections process. A comprehensive report was submitted on the outcome of the By-Elections.
d) Rwanda
177. At the invitation of the Electoral Commission of the Republic of Rwanda, the Commission of the African Union sent a fact-finding mission for the Constitutional Referendum organized in that country on 26 May 2003. The mission stayed in Rwanda from 21 to 28 May 2003.
178. The Referendum is the first phase in a series of consultations intended to end the transition period in Rwanda, which began in 1994, and endow the country with regular democratic institutions.
179. In its report, the fact-finding mission underscored the enthusiasm of the Rwandan people who voted in great numbers. Indeed, about 98% of the voters performed their civic duty and the elections were conducted in an atmosphere of serenity.
180. The provisional results announced by the National Electoral Commission show that the Draft Constitution was adopted with 93% of the electorate voting in favour. This high turnout is an eloquent proof of the determination of the Rwandan people to overcome the sad and tragic events of 1994.
e) Togo
181. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Togo, the Commission sent a Mission to observe the Presidential Elections organized in that country on 1 June 2003. The mission comprising 7 observers stayed in Togo from 23 May to 5 June 2003.
II. AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON ELECTIONS, DEMOCRACY GOVERNANCE
182. The Commission prepared and organized, jointly with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, the African Conference on Elections, Democracy and Governance, in Pretoria, South Africa, from 7 to 10 April 2003.
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183. This Conference brought together Chairpersons of Electoral Commissions and other bodies responsible for managing the electoral process, members of Constitutional Courts, Parliamentarians, as well as researchers and academics.
184. The Pretoria Conference examined and enriched three documents submitted by the Commission, namely, the Draft Guidelines on Election Observation and Monitoring, the Draft Declaration on Elections, Democracy and Governance in Africa and the Prospects of establishing an Electoral Assistance Fund. The Conference recommended that these documents should be submitted for consideration by the decision- making organs of the African Union in Maputo in July 2003.
185. At the end of its deliberations, the Conference adopted a Declaration on Elections, Democracy and Governance.
186. A detailed report on this important Conference is submitted to Council in a separate document for its consideration.
III. RATIFICATION AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE PROTOCOL TO THE TREATY ESTABLISHING THE AFRICAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY ON THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT
187. It should be recalled that the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, meeting in its Fifth Extraordinary Session in Sirte, Libya, on 2 March 2001, adopted the Protocol on the Pan-African Parliament. The Commission of the African Union subsequently carried out a sensitisation campaign for the signing and ratification of the Protocol by Member States with a view to its rapid entry into force.
188. It should also be noted with satisfaction that the African Parliamentary Union as well as other African Parliamentary fora in the different regions of the Continent initiated actions geared towards the same objective.
189. In this respect, it is worth pointing out that a meeting of African Parliamentarians held in Cape Town, South Africa on 28 June 2002, adopted a Declaration calling for the establishment of a Steering Committee representative of African Parliaments to coordinate efforts aimed at accelerating the ratification process and the operationalization EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 55 of the Protocol. This Declaration was adopted by the Summit of the African Union held in Durban in July 2002.
190. As part of the implementation of this Declaration, the Steering Committee, comprising two Member States per region (Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, Libya, Mali, Rwanda, SADR, South Africa, Tanzania and Togo) met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 28 April 2003 and elected Dr. Frene Ginwala, President of the National Assembly of South Africa, as Chairperson of the Committee. During its deliberations, the Committee appealed to all Member States which have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the Protocol as soon as possible. The Committee further recommended that Member States brief the Commission on their constitutional processes and procedures for the ratification of treaties, and in particular the Protocol on the African Parliament. It requested that the Commission should send to National Parliaments the texts of all the AU treaties, for information and appropriate action. The Committee agreed to work closely with the existing regional parliamentary structures and in particular, parliamentary fora such as SADC, CEMAC, UMOEA, ECOWAS, the East African Parliament, UMA and IGAD to promote the ratification process and the operationalization of the Protocol.
IV. HUMAN RIGHTS
191. After much efforts exerted by the Commission, the Second Meeting of Experts on the Draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Relating to the Rights of Women, which had been postponed on several occasions owing to insufficient confirmations of participation by Member States, was held from 24 – 26 March 2003 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was followed by the Meeting of Ministers responsible for Human Rights issues in Africa, from 27 – 28 March 2003, at the same venue.
192. The Ministers considered the various proposals submitted by the Experts as well as the completed and revised Draft Protocol and adopted the final text of the 32-Articles Draft Protocol, which is being submitted to the current session of the Executive Council and Assembly of the African Union for adoption and subsequent signature and ratification by Member States.
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193. Similarly, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, the Meeting of Experts on the First AU Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa, was organized and held by the Department from 5 – 6 May 2003, in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting was followed by the Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa, from 8 – 9 May 2003, at the same venue.
194. The Ministers considered the recommendations submitted by the experts on the various sectors relating to the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa and adopted the Kigali Declaration, which forms the basis of the revised agenda of the AU on human rights in Africa.
195. Detailed reports on the two Ministerial Meetings (Draft Protocol on the Rights of Women and the Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in Africa) are submitted separately for consideration by the Executive Council.
V. HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS
196. The major activities in those areas included visits to Member States that were affected by the problem of refugees and displaced persons, participation in meetings and seminars as well as monitoring on a regular basis the humanitarian crisis that produced mass movements of population on the continent.
a) Field visits to Member States
197. Between November 2002 and May 2003, the African Union Commission on Refugees together with staff members from the Commission undertook mission to African countries that were faced with grave humanitarian crises. They evaluated the humanitarian situation and assisted the affected population. They also raised the awareness of the international community in order to get more needed assistance for the people. The countries visited were Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, The Sudan, Chad, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
198. Consequently, as a way of expressing solidarity, donations were extended to the people and governments as follows:
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Côte d’Ivoire 75,000.00 Guinea 50,000,00 Mali 50,000.00 Burkina Faso 50,000.00 Ghana 50,000.00 Sudanese Red Cross Society 50,000.00 Saharawi Red Crescent Society 100,000.00 Chad 50,000.00 Republic of Congo 50,000.00 Democratic Republic of Congo 50,000.00 The Grand Total thus amount to: 575,000.00
b) Participation in the 53 rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner’s Programme (EX-COM): 30 September to 4 October 2002, Geneva
199. As is customary, the African Union was invited to the EX-COM meeting held from 30 September to 4 October 2002 and was represented at two levels, namely, Commission of the Union and African Union Commission on Refugees. The delegation of the Commission was led by Ambassador Said Djinnit, Interim Commissioner in charge of Peace and Security and Political Affairs, while the African Union Commission on Refugees was represented by H.E. Simataa Akapelwa, the former Ambassador of Zambia in Ethiopia and the then Chairman of the Commission.
200. The two delegations delivered statements. The Interim Commissioner also chaired the panel discussions on NEPAD with regard to the refugee situation in Africa. The meeting noted the positive developments taking place, especially in the area of voluntary repatriation, and the Zambia Initiative which centers around integration of refugees in host communities and was well received by UNHCR and the donors.
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c) Conference on Refugee Protection in Africa: How to Ensure Security and Development for Refugees and Local Hosts, 10 to 14 November 2002, Uganda
201. The Division also participated at the Conference on “Refugee Protection in Africa: How to Ensure Security and Development for Refugees and Local Hosts”. The Conference took place in Uganda from 10 to 14 November 2002, and was organized by the Stanley Foundation in cooperation with the Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights, the African Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) and the Refugee Law Project (RLP) of Makerere University in Kampala. The meeting focused on Security, Economic and Social relations between the refugees and local host communities. It brought together 50 participants from governmental and non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, Red Cross, key donors as well as six African countries hosting the largest refugee populations in Africa.
d) Seminar between the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: 20 – 21 March 2003, Ethiopia
202. During the period under review, the Division together with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and UNHCR organized a seminar on Protection for African Refugees and seeking solutions to their problems. The organizations collaborated on cooperation modalities on human rights on the continent. This culminated into the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ACHPR and UNHCR and was signed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UNHCR in Niger in May 2003.
e) Mission of African First Ladies Summit, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 14 – 16 May 2003
203. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, a staff member from the Department of Political Affairs participated in the assessment for the preparations of the African First Ladies Summit from 1 – 6 May 2003 and also in the Fourth Summit from 14 – 16 May 2003, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 59
204. The delegation of the Commission to the Summit was led by H.E. Mr. Amara Essy, Interim Chairperson. The Summit adopted its Statutes and Rules of Procedure and thereafter the Mission of the African Ladies which deals with Peace and Humanitarian issues was institutionalised, in accordance with the framework of the Fourth World Conference on Women that was held in Beijing, China in 1995.
f) Meetings of the AU Commission on Refugees
205. The Commission on Refugees held series of meetings at the level of its Bureau and the Commission of the Whole in order to review the progress made on the continent in the area of refugees, returnees and displaced persons. Within the framework of the cooperation between African Union and UNHCR in May 2003, Ambassador Fisseha Yimer, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner’s Programme (EX-COM) visited the AU Headquarters and on that occasion addressed the members of the Bureau of the Commission on Refugees.
g) World Refugee Day
206. As is customary, the African Union Commission carried out some activities in celebration of Africa Refugee Day that falls on 20 June every year. The Commission requested Member States to commemorate the event by carrying out various activities based on this year’s theme, “Youth: Building the Future Together”. They were further requested to inform the Commission about such activities.
207. In Addis Ababa, the Commission on Refugees together with the African Union Commission and the AU partners organized many activities that included visits to refugee camps in Ethiopia and the Interim Chairperson’s statement that was syndicated to different parts of the world. The Commission therefore ensured that the day received maximum publicity.
VI. AFRICAN CANDIDATURES FOR POSTS WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
208. The Ministerial Committee on Candidatures examined, alongside the Second Ordinary of the Executive Council held from 3-6 March 2003 EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 60 in N’Djamena, Chad, various African candidatures for posts within the international system. At the end of its deliberations, it submitted its report to Council, which adopted Decision EX.CL/Dec.19 (II). 209. As part of the follow-up on and implementation of this Decision, the Commission transmitted the said Decision to all Member States to obtain the latter’s support for the different African candidatures, as well as to the Executive Secretaries of the AU in New York and Geneva for follow-up with the relevant bodies.
210. Furthermore, the Commission received series of African candidatures, which it forwarded to Member States for their support.
VII. CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
211. The Commission participated in the 13 th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement held from 20 to 25 February 2003 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. One hundred and four (104) countries participated in this Conference, including forty-seven (47) Member States of the African Union.
212. The Conference, whose theme was the continuation of the revitalization of the Movement of Non-Aligned States, adopted an important declaration on the said revitalization, placing special emphasis on the promotion of multilateralism and better protection of the interests of developing countries, in a new world where globalization tends to change the face of the world.
213. The Conference also adopted a final document reviewing all major Political, Economic or Social issues of the day. Concerning African, the Conference noted with satisfaction the transition from the OAU to the African Union as well as major development projects such as NEPAD. The Conference also examined all conflict situations in Africa, calling for their peaceful resolution.
214. Moreover, the Commission participated as an observer in the 30 th Session of the OIC Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Teheran from 28 to 31 May 2003. The Interim Chairperson gave an important speech at the opening ceremony in which he highlighted matters of common interest between the two Organizations, as well as the new Political, Economic and Social developments in Africa and the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 61 world and defined the main guidelines for cooperation between the two bodies. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 62 CHAPTER III
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY DIRECTORATE B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE RURAL ECONOMY AND AGRICULTURE DIRECTORATE C. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTORATE D. PATTEC
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY DIRECTORATE
Introduction
215. Besides the Interim Period activities, which focused on the operationalisation of the African Union, the Commission endeavoured to implement its programme on infrastructure and energy portfolio. Action in this regard was taken in relation to a wide range of aspects including matters of transit transport facilitation, liberalisation of air transport services and development of transport and communications infrastructure. In particular, there were notable developments in three sectors. These are: air transport, surface transport and communications.
Air Transport
216. The Commission has continued to pursue the issue of liberalisation of air transport services in the continent. This is an important responsibility of the African Union as the chairperson of the Monitoring Body of the Yamoussoukro Decision on the liberalisation of air transport markets in Africa. In that connection, the Commission was invited and participated in the second Meeting of the Coordination and Monitoring Committee and Council of Ministers for the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on air transport liberalisation in West and Central Africa which took place in Lomé, Togo in late February 2003. The meeting was organised by ECOWAS and CEMAC, which have reached an agreement to jointly implement the Yamoussoukro Decision for their regions. The meeting was convened to consider and adopt a comprehensive strategy in the form of a Technical Note for the implementation of the Decision in West and Central Africa.
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217. At the international level, the Commission attended the 5 th Worldwide Air Transport Conference and the 34 th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) held consecutively in Montreal, Canada, from 24 th March to 1 st April 2003. The air transport conference focused on the challenges and opportunities of liberalisation of air transport services. Such key issues as carrier ownership and control, market access, fair competition and regulation, consumer interests and dispute resolution were deliberated upon. These are issues that are at the core of the success of the Yamoussoukro Decision in Africa.
218. The Extraordinary Assembly session dwelt mostly on matters of aviation security and its financing. They, in particular, considered ways of strengthening the International Fund for Financing of Aviation Security IFFAS.
Surface Transport
219. The Commission participated in the preparation of an African Action Plan for transit transport in the context of a global programme under the auspices of the United Nations. This was undertaken during the African preparatory meeting to the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked, Transit Developing Countries, Donor Countries, Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation that took place in Addis Ababa in early May 2003. The Ministerial conference is scheduled for Kazakhstan in August 2003 and is being organised by the Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Land-locked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing Countries (OHRLLS).
220. The Action Plan comprehensively addresses the multitude of constraints to smooth international transport in the continent. The issues covered include infrastructure development and management, harmonisation of physical standards and operating procedures, streamlining of legal and regulatory regimes, promotion of transport corridors as well as the application of the various traffic facilitation measures on a multilateral basis.
221. Subsequently, the Commission attended a meeting of the Working Group of the Union of African Railways (UAR) on the Development of the Railway Infrastructure that also took place in Addis Ababa in May 2003. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 64
The meeting dealt substantively on problems of interconnectivity of railway networks in the continent. The highlights of the meeting were the consideration of the re-designed UAR Master Plan of railway interconnections in Africa as well as the NEPAD short-term railway Plan of Action.
222. Financing of transport infrastructure has been an outstanding issue that has been well acknowledged as a major factor in sector development. In this regard, the Commission is in the process of implementing a project for the promotion of innovative financing schemes for transport infrastructure. To that effect, preparation of the project documents including terms of reference for a study on the subject matter has been undertaken. The study would soon be carried out once the process of identifying and engaging consultants has been accomplished.
Communications
223. In the field of Telecommunications, the Commission has been steadily facilitating the implementation of the project for providing assistance to the development of the Telecommunications Industry in Africa (INDAFTEL). The project was launched early in March 2003 in Addis Ababa at the Headquarters of the Commission by the first meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee (IACC) in which the African Union is the chairperson. The meeting considered the progress made in preparations for the project implementation, the project budget, resource mobilisation strategy, promotional mechanisms, institutional arrangements and the work programme. The initial phase of the study, which involves assessment of the existing situation, is already underway.
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B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE DIRECTORATE OF RURAL ECONOMY AND AGRICULTURE
224. During the period under review, the activities of the Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture, like other technical departments, focused on the implementation of the Durban and Lusaka Decisions on monitoring and strengthening of cooperation programmes between the Union and its development partners.
1. Follow-up on the Implementation of the Durban Decisions on the Transition Period .
225. Work on the programmes and structures of the various organs of the Commission was started internally in working groups set up to that effect and was pursued by the Sub-Committee on Structure, and the PRC, until the eve and after the Executive Council Session in N’Djamena.
226. The proposed programme and structure of the Directorate were submitted, examined and amended before being presented to the PRC for adoption and onward transmission to the Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council in Sun City, South Africa. The amendments made to the programme of activities of the new Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture focused mainly on animal husbandry, fisheries and aquaculture, management of natural resources, desertification control and rural poverty control.
227. The Directorate was unable to attend some of the meetings of the Specialized Technical Committees due to inadequate staffing, especially the meeting convened to consider and amend the terms of reference of the consultants mandated to define the roles of the Specialized Committees and their relationship with the organs of the Union.
2. Follow-up on the Africa/Europe Dialogue on Food Security and Environmental Issues.
228. The dynamism generated in Ouagadougou, particularly with regard to the strengthening of technical cooperation between African and European partners was maintained in the following areas:
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• Technical consultations within Africa, between the Commission and Member States to give concrete expression to the Ouagadougou Decisions. These technical meetings provided a forum for fruitful exchange of views between European and African partners on how to carry the dialogue forward, particularly in the area of food security.
• The mission of Mrs Claire Mandouze of the European Commission to Addis Ababa enabled the two parties to discuss in greater detail Food Security and Environmental projects submitted in Ouagadougou by the African side. The meetings held at the Commission and at the Embassy of Tunisia (team leader of the group on food security) made it possible to dispel any lingering doubts in the minds of the European partners about the possible duplication of projects and programmes submitted to them under NEPAD and UNEP, etc…
• Seminar on the framework of cooperation between the two Commissions. After the N’Djamena Session, the discussions between the Chief Executives of the two Commissions, and the mission to Addis Ababa of top officials of the European Commission brought to the fore the need to organize this seminar in the month of April 2003 at the Headquarters of the Union in Addis Ababa.
229. Like the other departments, the Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture participated actively in the discussions and exchange of views during the above seminar.
• NEPAD Plan of Action on Environment. The drawing up of the above plan was the culmination of a long process supported by UNEP under the GEF programme for medium size projects, during which nine specialized workshops and a wrap-up meeting were held.
230. More information on this activity will be provided in the part of the report dealing with environments; it will contain the draft plan of action expected to be considered by a special session of the AMCEN in Maputo on 9 and 10 June 2003. Furthermore, it should be noted that due to inadequate resources, the Directorate was unable to attend the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 67 specialized workshop on desertification control programmes and projects that took place in Algiers, Algeria from 19 to 20 January 2003. 231. Lastly, it is worth pointing out that the publication of this plan of action at the end of April 2003 afforded the Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture the opportunity to exchange views with the European partners on the role and duties of the various stakeholders, including the African Union, as far as its implementation is concerned.
3. Afro-Arab Trade Fair for Agricultural Investment
232. Following the evaluation of past Afro-Arab Trade Fairs, the African Union deemed it necessary to explore the possibility of organising the first ever trade fair on agricultural investment promotion in the RECs of Central Africa and West Africa. The Directorate of Rural Economy and Agriculture got down to business, focusing its activities on the following areas:
• Consideration and reformulation of the terms of reference of the proposed regional consultancy to prepare the ground for the organization of the trade fair. The Directorate and PASU held two working sessions, culminating in the adoption of final draft of the terms of reference which will subsequently be submitted to the RECs concerned.
• Preparatory mission despatched by the Commission to the authorities of the host country (Cameroon) and to the RECs. The said mission took place from16 to 22 March 2003, and provided an opportunity to discuss and agree on the Terms of Reference, the modalities for organizing the trade fair and the inputs to be made by the various actors.
233. Consequently, applications for financial assistance were sent to donors of the two parties concerned to solicit their support and participation in the trade fair which is now scheduled to take place in the last quarter of the year 2003.
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4. Follow-up on the Activities of the Sub-regional Offices, particularly the Integrated Development Programme for the Foutah Djallon (PRAI-MDF)
234. The Directorate was part of the mission sent to assess the OAU assets in the Conakry Office, with a view to transferring of its assets and liabilities to the African Union. The Directorate seized every opportunity to contribute to efforts aimed at the reopening of the Conakry Office and the reactivation of the Foutah Djallon Programme (PRAI-MDF); concrete proof of this was the consultation held between the delegation of the African Union and the FAO Forestry Division, the accredited executing agency of the PDF-B project <
235. In the same vein, H.E. Nankoman Keita, Minister of Environment of Mali, and Current Chairperson of the Conference of Ministers of Member States of the Foutah Djallon Programme, paid a working visit to the Headquarters. The meeting organized on the occasion and co-chaired by the Minister and the Interim Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, Rural Economy and Agriculture focussed on issues pertaining to technical and administrative aspects regarding the re-opening of the Office as well as the effective reactivation of programmes; the minutes of the meeting was duly signed by the two parties.
5. Preparation of the Conference of African Ministers of Agriculture
236. Following the high-level consultations between the Commission and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Interim Chairperson decided, even before the N’Djamena Executive Council Session, to convene the 2 nd Extraordinary Conference of the Ministers of Agriculture of the African Union prior to the Maputo Summit. Consequently, soon after N’Djamena, the Directorate prepared the Conference with the support of the FAO, and participated in the following meetings:
• The 17 th Session of the FAO Committee on Agriculture, held from March 31 to April 4,2003 in Rome, during which the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 69
Directorate had series of consultations with the relevant FAO departments with a view to finalizing preparations for the Conference of African Ministers of Agriculture and cementing the close ties of cooperation between the two institutions;
• Joint African Union/FAO/NEPAD Secretariat Meeting held from May 2 to 5, 2003 in Pretoria, South Africa, to consider and finalize the draft working papers of the Conference. The revised documents produced by this meeting have been circulated to all the organs of the Commission for the purpose of harmonizing the position of the Commission on the subjects that would be considered by the Conference, namely:
- The document entitled: “Responding to Food Security and Agriculture by mobilizing Africa to implement the Agricultural Challenges”;
- The document: “Implementation of the Comprehensive Programme for Agriculture in Africa: Presentation of the Plan of Action and Process”.
• Participation at the joint FAO/AU final mission to assess the logistical and technical facilities for the June 1 to 3 Conference in Maputo.
6. Other Activities
237. The Directorate carried out various other activities falling under its mandate of liaising between the Commission and its various partners in the area of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development; these activities include:
• Working visit to the Commission by officials of the NEPAD Secretariat, focusing on agriculture and trade in February 2003;
• Participation in the meeting of the “PATTEC Policy and Mobilization Committee” held at the Headquarters of the Commission on 10-12 February 2003;
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• Working visit by officials of the African Development Bank (ADB) based in Tunis and Addis Ababa in April 2003;
• Working visit by officials of UNEP within the framework of consolidating cooperation between the two institutions, particularly on the implementation of NEPAD and other Conventions on Environment in April 2003;
• Participation in the opening ceremony, with the FAO Representative in Ethiopia in attendance, of the “Seminar on Vaccines Production and Quality Control” organized by the FAO at the PANVAC Headquarters in Debre Zeit from 7 to 21 April 2003.
• Working visit by the Accra-based Executive Secretary of the “Forum for Agronomic Research in Africa (FARA)” for the purpose of establishing strong links between the African Union and the African Agronomic Research Centres at regional and sub-regional levels, end of April 2003;
• Two working visits by officials of the Animal Production and Health Division of the FAO on matters relating to the reactivation of PANVAC in March and May 2003;
• Participation in the opening ceremony of the “Training Programme for East and Southern Africa on GIS Applications to Trypanosomiasis Control” organized by PATTEC at the University of Addis Ababa, on 19 May 2003. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 71
C. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTORATE .
238. During the period under review, the Commission was involved in a number of multi-agency programmes in the area of environment and natural resources management. Prominent amongst these were the following:
Africa Stockpiles programmes.
239. The Commission collaborated with partners to carry on activities related to the development of the Africa Stockpiles Programmes (ASP), which is designed to remove all stockpiles of obsolete pesticides from Africa. Out of fifteen countries, eight, namely: Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Mali, Tanzania, Tunisia, Morocco and Lesotho, which have been found prepared enough, in terms of in-country institutional arrangements and ratification of the relevant Convention, particularly the Stockholm Convention, have been selected to participate in the first phase activities of removal and prevention. The remaining seven will engage in prevention activities until they could make sufficient progress in the ratification of the Stockholm and related conventions. Appraisal missions were fielded to most of the eight countries to develop fundable country projects that could be implemented between now and 2005. The Commission will continue to participate in the activities of the Programme Advisory Committee of the ASP to ensure that all Member States benefit from the Programme.
International Strategy on Disaster Reduction.
240. As a member of the Inter-Agency Task Force of the International Strategy on Disaster Reduction (IATF-ISDR), the Commission of the African Union participated in all the meetings of the Task Force. The Working Groups of the Task Force on Climate and Disaster, Early Warning, El Nino and Wildland Fires, which were set up in 2000, have virtually concluded their works. The outcomes of the activities of the Working Groups would provide the ISDR with information for policy formulation for disaster mitigation, reduction and prevention within the United Nations System.
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African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
241. Following the recommendations of the Ninth Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) held in Kampala, Uganda, the African Union made available to all Member States, the translated draft revision of the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (Algiers Convention) for their further review and comments. No substantive comments were received from Member States and the draft revision of the Convention has been submitted to Council and the Summit of Heads of State and Governments for their respective endorsement and adoption.
Other Activities
242. In other areas the Commission participated in many other international and regional activities. Amongst these were the third World Water Forum; consultation on the establishment of an Africa Environment Information System (AEIN); regional preparatory activities for the Second Early Warning Conference (EWC II) and the sub-regional consultations for the preparation of an action plan for the implementation of the environment component of NEPAD. Within the framework of the Africa-Europe Cooperation, proposals were made to the European Commission for assistance to the Environment and Natural Resources Sector of the Commission of the African Union in order to strengthen activities in this area. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 73 D. PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAN- AFRICAN TSETSE AND TRYPANOSOMOSIS ERADICATION CAMPAIGN (PATTEC).
Background 243. The OAU Summit held in Lome, Togo, in July 2000, adopted Decision AHG/Dec. 156 (XXXVI) , urging Member States to act collectively and rise to the challenges of eradicating tsetse flies from the Continent of Africa. In accordance with this Decision, the OAU Secretary General was assigned the task of initiating, mobilising and coordinating the activities of a Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC).
244. Within the context of this assignment, the Secretary General:
• Commissioned a Task Force of experts who prepared a Plan of Action to guide the process of implementing the objectives of the PATTEC Initiative. The Plan of Action was endorsed by the OAU Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, in July 2001 (AHG/Dec. 169 (XXXVII) and referred for implementation to the relevant offices in the affected Member States.
• With assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency, established a PATTEC Co-ordination Office to help mobilize, organise and coordinate the various activities in the tsetse eradication campaign.
• Officially launched the tsetse and trypanosomosis eradication campaign.
• Appointed members of the PATTEC Policy and Mobilisation Committee, a body comprising senior experts, policy officials and diplomats, charged with the task of guiding and overseeing the activities of the campaign.
• Sought and obtained international consensus on the objectives of PATTEC and promise of support for its implementation from mandated organsations (UN ECOSOC, FAO, IAEA and WHO) as well as the African Development Bank, Regional Economic Communities and NEPAD.
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• Was mandated by Decision CM/Dec. 661 (LXXVI) , adopted in Durban, July 2002, to actively remind Member States about their individual and collective obligations in the execution of the campaign and required to report on the progress made to the Summit every year.
• Obtained the recommendations and approval of the Advisory Committee and Executive Council to include a modest budgetary provision in the budget of the AU Commission to cater for the activities of the PATTEC Coordination Office.
Activities of the PATTEC Coordination Office (February - June 2003)
245. The PATTEC Coordination Office performed the following activities:
• Prepared a work plan for the implementation of the PATTEC Plan of Action.
• Acknowledged the initiation of the tsetse fly eradication projects in Mali, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and welcomed advanced plans in the initiation of similar activities in The Sudan, Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria.
• Made official consultations with several regional organizations, including the African Development Bank, the COMESA Secretariat, the SADC Secretariat, the ECOWAS Secretariat, NEPAD as well as with governments of several Member States on the implementation of the objectives of PATTEC.
• Received indication of interest from Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Zambia to host regional centers for tsetse eradication.
• Held two (2) meetings of the PATTEC Policy and Mobilisation Committee.
• Developed plans for the production and dissemination of publicity and public information materials.
• Organised meetings between groups of countries to discuss intervention strategies, plans and modalities for executing tsetse EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 75
eradication campaigns, including: ECOWAS countries, Ethiopia, The Sudan, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Republic of South Africa and Mozambique.
• Managed a Training Course for 19 participants from 13 countries in East and Southern Africa on the application of GIS in tsetse and trypanosomosis eradication campaigns.
246. The Council/Assembly is kindly requested to:
(i) Endorse the proposed organisational structure and recommended staff complement (as shown in appendix A) for the management of the PATTEC Coordination Office.
(ii) Advise the Secretariat on the ways and means for mobilising the resources necessary for the implementation of the Summit Decision on tsetse eradication.
(iii) Support and supplement the efforts of the Secretariat to remind the Member States about the need to prioritise the obligations of the PATTEC initiative in their national plans and programmes, reiterating the necessity for African countries to collectively take charge of the activities and obligations of the campaign.
(iv) Note the imperative necessity for the active involvement of Member States in a spirit of collective commitment to the goal of achieving the obligations of the task of eradicating tsetse flies from Africa.
(v) Thank the International Atomic Energy Agency for its support to, and cooperation with, the Member States and the Secretariat in the efforts to implement the Summit Decision on tsetse eradication.
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Appendix A
Proposal for the Organisation and Management of the PATTEC Coordination Office in the Commission of the African Union
Preamble Decisions AHG/Dec.156 (XXXVI) , AHG/Dec. 169 (XXXVII) and CM/Dec. 661(LXXVI), arose from the urgent need to mobilize the commitment and sustained action necessary for the eradication of tsetse- transmitted diseases from Africa. Within the framework of these decisions, the Commission of the African Union was assigned the task of initiating and coordinating a Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC). In order to fulfill the obligations of this assignment, the Commission established an office to help coordinate and expedite the implementation of the PATTEC initiative.
There is need to approve the proposed functional organization of the PATTEC Coordination Office in order to give the office the necessary legal status, mandate and operational framework and enable the Commission accomplish the task of mobilizing and coordinating the activities of the campaign for eradicating tsetse-transmitted diseases, as assigned by the Summit.
Following are the brief particulars of the PATTEC Coordination Office, the details of which are provided in the document entitled: Introduction to the Background and Operation of the PATTEC Coordination Office.
THE PATTEC COORDINATION OFFICE
Vision The vision of the PATTEC Coordination Office (PCO) is to create awareness, drum up action and mobilize the commitment and support necessary to attain an African Continent free from threat and effects of tsetse-transmitted diseases in the shortest possible time.
Mandate The mission of the PCO is to actively encourage affected Member States and partners to initiate and sustain the action necessary for eradicating trypanosomosis through the systematic creation of tsetse-free zones and to provide a mechanism through which the efforts in the campaign can be strengthened, organized and coordinated. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 77
Objectives
The objectives of the PCO are to:
a. Improve human and animal health and remove major constraint to land use agricultural productivity, through the eradication of tsetse-transmitted diseases,
b. Increase awareness about the significance of tsetse-transmitted diseases as a severe constraint to Africa’s socio-economic development and the availability of technical means to eradicate the disease,
c. Mobilize the support and resources necessary to effectively fight the disease,
d. Increase the capacity and effectiveness of Member States tsetse and trypanosomosis intervention activities, through provision of training and capacity building services,
e. Encourage the preparation of national plans and strategies on tsetse and trypanosomosis control and eradication,
f. Initiate the necessary action in affected Member States through the development of tsetse and trypanosomosis eradication project proposals,
g. Coordinate the activities of the PATTEC initiative, through establishment of contact with relevant focal points,
h. Promote collaboration between affected Member States, through development of joint plans and strategies to address a trans- boundary problem,
i. Generally provide information on the purposes and progress of the PATTEC initiative.
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Core Functions
(a) Serve as the “Spokes-Office” for the Commission on all matters related to the PATTEC initiative and its implementation;
(b) Encourage member states to lend emphasis to the objectives of the PATTEC initiative and include its implementation in national budgets and development priorities;
(c) Seek support from banks, donor countries and other development partners and agencies, including organization of donors’ conferences and generally mobilising resources and commitment to support and sustain action in the campaign;
(d) Identify appropriate partners, auspices and functional frameworks, through which the activities of the campaign will be more efficiently executed;
(e) Increase awareness among political and community leaders, parliament, government officials, stakeholders and decision makers; organize interviews with various media; arrange public debates and discussions on PATTEC and its significance; manage a website, produce a periodic newsletter; write articles; prepare booklets, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures and other publicity and public information materials; make presentations at conferences and workshops and generally promote the cause and purposes of the PATTEC initiative;
(f) Carry out training and capacity building activities; enhance knowledge-based decisions for the initiation and management of tsetse and trypanosomosis intervention activities and the selection and application of appropriate technologies in the campaign;
(g) Provide advice in the management and monitoring of execute tsetse and trypanosomosis control and eradication projects;
(h) Carry out mapping and zoning of the African tsetse belt to identify potential project areas; EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 79
(i) Collate and disseminate information relevant to the implementation of the Summit decision on tsetse and trypanosomosis eradication;
(j) Consultation with relevant Member States and other partners to maintain vigil and sustained action; coordinate and mediate inter-country dialogue to emphasize action and encourage cooperation and the execution of joint approaches.
Organizational Structure
PROPOSED ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PATTTEC COOORDINATION OFFICE
PATTEC COORDINATOR (P6) Policy and Mobilisation Committee (PMC) (And Secretary to the MPC)
Admin.Assistan t/Secretary Assistant PATTEC PATTEC CoCo-ordinator-ordinator (P4) (P4) Messenger/Driver (GSB7) PATTEC Support Experts Non-Core/Fixed Term Contracted Staff
Proposed Staff Complement
The proposed staff complement of the PATTEC Coordination Office is as follows:
1 PATTEC Coordinator (P6) 1 Assistant PATTEC Coordinator (P4) 1 Administrative Officer/ Bilingual Secretary (GSA5) 1 Messenger / Driver (GSB7)
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The PATTEC Coordination Office shall have a semi-autonomous status, functioning under the legal framework and general supervision of the Commission and managed in accordance with the overall policies, administrative and financial rules, established procedures and regulations of the Commission. The small number of core staff complement listed above may be supplemented by contracting the services of Fixed-Term Experts in critical areas, as may be required from time to time, depending on the availability of the necessary funds. The budget and general support from the regular budget of the Commission to support the staff and routine activities of the office, may be supplemented with funds from extra budgetary sources to enhance the scope and activities of the office in the implementation of the PATTEC initiative
Governance: The Policy and Mobilization Committee
The Policy and Mobilsation Committee (PMC) is a body that is responsible for the policy and management concerns of the PATTEC initiative on behalf of the Member States. It is charged with the task of mobilizing support and commitment to sustain the activities of the campaign, and is generally meant to guide and oversee the activities of the PATTEC Coordination Office. The members of the PMC are appointed by the Chairperson of the Commission in consultation with Member States. The current membership of the PMC is as follows:
Members of the Policy and Mobilization Committee (PMC)
The members comprising the PATTEC Policy and Mobilization Committee are listed hereunder :
1. Chairman of the PMC (the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union).
2. Deputy Chairman (the Commissioner of the Commission of the African Union in charge of Agriculture).
3. H.E. Ambassador Al–Maawoun Keita (Mali) representing the Ambassadors from the West African Region accredited to the AU.
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4. H.E. Ambassador Mendoume Nze (Gabon) representing the Ambassadors from the Central African Region accredited to the AU.
5. H.E. Ambassador Mustaq Ahmed Moorad (Botswana) representing the Ambassadors from the Southern African Region accredited to the AU.
6. H.E. Ambassador S. Konjit (Ethiopia) representing the Eastern African Region.
7. Ambassador accredited to the AU representing Africa’s Northern Region (not yet nominated).
8. Prof. Alassane Sere, recognized Expert from West Africa.
9. Prof. Thomas Adhiambo, recoognized Expert from East Africa
10. Prof. Anya O. Anya, recognized Expert from West Africa.
11. Dr. Glyn Vale, recognized Expert from Southern Africa.
12. Dr. Chris Schofield, recognized Expert from Europe.
13. Prof. Waldemar Klassen, Recognized expert from the USA.
14. Dr. M.P. Salema, Representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
15. Dr. Raffaele Mattioli, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
16. Dr. Jean Jannin, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
17. Prof. Albert Ilemobade, Representative of the Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis (PAAT).
18. Dr. Jotham Musiime, Representative of the AU-IBAR Office in Nairobi.
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19. Dr. Solomon Haile Mariam, Representative of the International Scientific Council for Trypanosomiasis Research and Control (ISCTRC).
20. Dr. Assefa Mebrate, Representative of the Pan-African SIT Forum.
21. Dr. John Kabayo, PATTEC Coordinator and Secretary of the Committee.
Other Categories of Members of the PMC who may attend its Meetings as Observers :
- Patrons/Goodwill messengers, as may be appointed by the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union.
- Official/Special representative of any Member State of the AU, Donor country or international organization invited to attend the meeting of the Committee.
- Invited representative of any of the relevant Research Institutions in Africa.
- Representative from the Commission of the African Union Chairperson’s Office.
- Representative of the portfolio of the Commission of the African Union in charge of Agriculture.
- Any other person that may be co-opted or otherwise invited by the Committee, e.g. to assist the Committee on specific technical issues.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 83 Chapter IV
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE AFRO-ARAB COOPERATION DIRECTORATE
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
I. Population and Development 247. During the period under review and in the framework of the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development, the AU with its partners (ECA and other population institutions) participated actively in the Third Meeting of the Working Group for the follow-up of the Implementation of the Dakar/Ngor Declaration (DND) and the Programme of Action of the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD-PA) in Dakar, Senegal, 18-20 December 2002.
248. The objectives were: - To study the Global and Regional questionnaires to be used in the collection of information from different countries.
- To elaborate the work plan for the evaluation process of the ICPD+10. In March 2003 a questionnaire with guidelines was sent to Member States. Responses are awaited.
249. It was recommended that the evaluation report be presented to the African Population Commission for onward transmission to AU Council of Ministers/Heads of Sate and Government for endorsement. Member States are called upon to give serious attention to this activity.
250. The AU delegation headed by H.E. the Interim Chairperson actively participated through briefing and chairing sessions in the Conference of the African Regional Dialogue on “Strategies for Making Globalization Work for All” in Arusha, Tanzania on 8 th February 2003. This dialogue on social dimension constitutes a strategy to make globalization work for all. The social dimension should not be marginalized as it is part and parcel of the whole process. Efforts will strengthen to promote the social issues. The AU actively participated in this Dialogue. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 84
251. Another important sector which was neglected in the OAU till now is the sector of “Habitat” which constitutes one of the poverty indicators in the continent. In this regard, the Directorate considered the importance of the settlement issues in Africa and decided to reactivate this activity and reinforce cooperation with the concerted agencies. The AU Commission subsequently participated actively in the Governing Council of the UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Kenya, from 5-9 May, 2003 and convened meetings in Nairobi and in Addis Ababa to strengthen close relationship within this institution.
252. Due to the increased visibility of population activities in the AU Commission, the UNFPA has shown its readiness to re-energize the collaboration between the two organizations and to update their Memorandum of Understanding and accordingly to prepare a new cooperation project with the AU in the beginning period of the new AU structure.
253. In the framework of the new concept of decentralized cooperation in urban and rural development (from town to town or to villages), the Mayor of Milan invited the AU to the International Conference under the theme “Milan with Africa”: The Role of Cities in Co-operation Projects from 10-11 April, 2003. The AU delegation led by the Interim Chairperson participated in the dialogue on decentralized cooperation and actively participated in the discussions on efficient methods and strategies to reinforce the new type of partnership were reflected. This meeting encouraged many partners to intensify this process in the communities of Africa.
254. Within an effort to establish a network with population institutions, the Unit convened a meeting with IPPF Representatives to discuss future cooperation. In this regard, a joint AU/IPPF meeting was organized on 20 th March 2003 and during this meeting, it was agreed that the IPPF seconds an Expert to support the AU in relevant activities. The IPPF expressed interest in designating a Reproductive Health Officer to assist the Population Unit in implementing the activities agreed upon. The Officer will join the AU in June 2003.
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Population and Environment
255. The Population Unit participated actively in the Global Ministerial Environment Forum of the Twenty Second Session of the Governing Council of the UNEP, in Nairobi, Kenya 5th February, 2003. The Interim Chairman also attended the meeting and made a statement on Environment in the context of NEPAD. This was well appreciated .
Migration
256. The migration phenomenon constitutes another important challenge in this period of globalization. Pursuant to the Lusaka Decision in 2001, the Division will convene meetings with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and International Migration Policy (IMP) to discuss migration issues in the Continent. In this regard, a regional workshop is proposed for 23-26 June, 2003 to exchange views about migration and to prepare a draft Policy Plan of Action on Migration.
257. The meeting will discuss inter alia, the follow-up consultations as response to the request expressed by Participant Countries and aim at sustaining efforts towards capacity building and dialogue amongst these countries. Drawing from the recommendations adopted in Nairobi, the meeting will take an in-depth look at a more narrow set of topics that were identified as priorities for these countries.
II . HEALTH AND NUTRITION
258. The African Union intensified efforts to coordinate the implementation of commitments enshrined in the Abuja Declarations and Plans of Action on Roll Back Malaria, Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases, the Future of Children, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Ministerial Meeting on Poverty and Employment in Africa and many others. The AU has collaborated with the WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNFPA and other partners to follow-up on the implementation of pledges by African leaders.
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259. Since the challenge of disease burden is immense, African countries had to work in partnership and alliances with each other and the international community. This, however, required an environment of stability, security and peace. The war to improve the well-being of Africans requires massive mobilization of entire populations and a political, economic and social atmosphere conducive to retaining indigenous human resources. These efforts would be a path to success if the objectives of the NEPAD are to be realized and Africa to take its place in a globalized world. The AU contributed to deliberations on operationalizing NEPAD after the Durban Summit and also prepared Africa’s contribution on HIV/AIDS and other pandemics for the Ouagadougou Africa-EU Ministerial Conference in December 2002.
260. After the Durban Summit, the AU distributed to Member States and partners, the Decisions adopted on health issues with a request for implementation. Feedback is awaited. These include:
(i) Decision on the Progress Report of the Secretary General on the Follow-up on the Implementation of the Abuja Declaration and Framework Plan of Action on HIV/AIDS, TB and Other Related Infectious Diseases (ORID) - CM/Dec.658 (LXXVI).
(ii) Decision on the Report of the Secretary General on Progress being made in the Implementation of the Abuja Declaration and Plan of Action on Roll-Back Malaria - CM/Dec.669 (LXXVI).
(iii) Decision on the Development of Human Resources for Health in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities for Action – CM/Dec.673 (LXXVI).
(iv) Decision on the Status Report on Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) – AHG/Dec.174 (XXXVIII).
(v) Decision on the Control of Arterial Hypertension in Africa – AHG/Dec.179 (XXXVIII).
261. Furthermore, the AU continued to work closely with the WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF and other partners in following up the implementation of African health strategies. These include control of HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Polio eradication, etc. The AU is on various Task Forces or Steering Committees set up to facilitate the implementation of global and EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 87 continental health programmes. Activities to mark the 2002 World AIDS Day on the theme: “ Stigma and Discrimination; Live and Let Live !” are continuing. The objective is to increase awareness among communities on sustained basis. In this regard, the Interim Chairperson has appointed a Special Envoy, the renowned South African Artist, Mr. Hugh Masekela to increase advocacy on AIDS Control. Dialogue is going on with various stakeholders within and without Africa to work out strategies for better AIDS control.
262. On 25 April 2003, the Africa Malaria Control Day, the AU participated in raising awareness on this disease which is preventable and curable and yet is still very prevalent in many communities. The theme was “ Insecticide-treated Nets and Effective Malaria Treatment for Pregnant Women and Children by 2005 ” with a slogan “Roll Back Malaria and Protect Women and Children ” aimed at focusing efforts on the population’s most vulnerable groups.
263. From 26 to 30 April 2003, the AU, in collaboration with partners in the health sector, organized the 1 st Session of the AU Conference of African Ministers of Health in Tripoli, Libya. Its theme was “Investing in Health for Africa’s Socio-economic Development”. The Report on the Conference is presented separately.
264. The AU participated actively in the Workshop on “AIDS IN AFRICA: Scenarios for the Future”, held at ECA. Its objective is to predict what might be happening with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in future and plan for adequate and early intervention.
265. The AU also participated in the 56 th Session of the World Health Assembly, held in Geneva from 18 to 28 May 2003, focusing on matters relevant to Africa. The main area of focus of the Conference was promotion of healthy environment for children, the theme of the 2003 World Health Day.
266. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the outgoing Director-General of WHO was commended by highlighting the role of health in socio-economic development and mainstreaming it in various development programmes. The incoming Director-General briefed the Assembly on his vision for improving global health in the next five years. The Assembly also considered the follow-up on the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the World Summit on Sustainable EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 88
Development (WSSD) because most of the targets and indicators are health-related. They are also of special interest to Africa, the least developed continent which also harbours the highest disease burden.
III. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, SPORTS AND YOUTH
(A) Labour and Employment:
(a) Implementation of the Recommendations on the future of the Commission:
267. With regard to the recommendations on the review of the Rules of Procedure concerning quorum and the need to set up a tripartite panel of former members of the Bureau to formulate proposals on the Commission’s effectiveness, the role of the Chairman and its Bureau, and on the periodicity of future meetings of the Commission, the African Union, with ILO technical and financial assistance, recruited a consultant to prepare the preliminary draft of the Rules of Procedure of the new organ (committee or sub-committee) dealing with Labour, Employment and Social Affairs issues.
(b) Preparation and organisation of the First Meeting of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission of the African Union:
268. In preparation for the 1 st session of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission, the Commission set up a Select Committee comprising the African Union, the Embassies of Mauritius and Burkina Faso, and an Inter-Agency Working Group including the African Union, the Embassies of Mauritius and Burkina Faso as well the partner agencies of the United Nations system to prepare the First Session of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission of the African Union. This Working Group held several meetings to put finishing touches to the preparation of the meeting and to consider the final version of the agenda of the Experts’ Meeting of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission which took place in Mauritius from 10 to15 April 2003.
269. Furthermore, the Commission attended the 30 th Session of the Arab Labour Conference organised by the Arab Labour Organisation in Tunis from February 24 to March 3, 2003 during which many issues, most importantly those of migrant workers were considered. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 89
(c) Meeting of the Bureau of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission:
270. On the sidelines of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva in June 2003, a meeting of the Bureau of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission was organised by the Commission to consider the following issues:
- Periodicity, of the inter-session meetings of the Bureau of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission;
- The need for the Labour Commission to be under a Specialized Technical Committee on Labour, Employment and Social Affairs, given the technical and tripartite (government- employers-workers) nature of issues dealt with,
- Finalisation of the composition of the Tripartite Committee established in Mauritius to follow up on the preparation of a social policy framework approved by the Durban Summit in 2002 (CM/Dec.671/LXXVI).
- Implementation and follow-up on the recommendations of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission.
(d) 91 st Session of the International Labour Conference by ILO:
271. It is worth recalling that the cooperation relations between the defunct OAU, now AU, and the ILO which started in 1969 with the signing of Cooperation Agreement between the organisations have continued to grow in all areas. Within that framework of cooperation, the former OAU has been attending the meetings of the ILO International Labour Conference; the same goes for the ILO which has been regularly attending and effectively contributing to the meetings of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission. It is in this context that the Commission attended the 91 st Session of the International Labour Conference which considered many important issues, particularly those relating to the scope of application of the working relation and the ILO regulations governing activities in the area of safety and health at working place.
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(B) SPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT
272. In the area of sport, the Secretariat continued to work in close collaboration with the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) and other international bodies. The African Union was however unable to attend the 30 th Session of the SCSA General Assembly held in Abuja from 27 to 28 February 2003, due to its heavy work-load (preparation of the present Session and of the meeting of the Executive Council).
(C) UNAFRI
273. The Commission also attended the 8th Ordinary Session of the Governing Board of the Kampala based African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, commonly known as UNAFRI, from 18 to 19 March 2003. The African Union is a member of the Institute’s Governing Board. The meeting reviewed the activities of the Institute for the year 2002, considered its Plan of Action for the period 2003 – 2006, and elected new officers, in keeping with the provisions of Article V, paragraph 3 of the Statutes of UNAFRI.
(D) COOPERATION WITH DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
274. In implementing its programmes and activities, the Commission established and enhanced cooperation relations with its development partners. In this connection, the African Union cooperated with ECA, ILO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, UNHCR, FAO, UNIDO,UNDCP, ICRC and many other organisations including NGOs whose activities impact on Labour, Employment, Social Affairs and related issues.
IV. SOCIAL WELFARE
(a) Children Matters
275. During its interim period, the African Union has continued to work closely with its social partners on all children issues. These include the UNICEF, UNECA, ILO, UNHCR, WHO, ICRC as well as the African Network for the Prevention and Protection of Children Against Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN), the Save the Children-Sweden and the End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 91
Abuse Purposes (ECPAT) as well as other Organisations and NGOs dealing with children issues.
i) The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
276. During the period under review, three more countries deposited the Instruments of Ratification on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child with the African Union. The number of ratifications to-date stands at 31. An appeal is made, yet again, to those Member States which have not yet ratified the Charter, to do so as a matter of priority.
ii) The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
277. It will be recalled that after its establishment by the 37 th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001,the African Committee held its inaugural meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 29 April to 2 May, 2002. The second meeting was held in Nairobi, Kenya from 17 - 21 February, 2003 during which a number of important issues were discussed. The Committee, with the technical assistance from the UNICEF, elaborated a Work Plan on the Committee’s priority activities which included the cost estimate and the time frame for their implementation. It is worth mentioning that for the Committee to operate efficiently, it needs a well-equipped Secretariat.
278. In accordance with Article 45.2 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Chairperson of the African Committee will submit a report on the Committee’s activities to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
iii) The African Common Position on Children
279. As Council is already aware, the African contribution to the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Children held in New York in May 2002, was the African Common Position on Children which was endorsed by the 37 th Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001. At the continental level there is need to translate the commitments contained in the Plan of Action into concrete action. In monitoring the implementation process of the Plan of Action, EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 92 the AU Commission has been requested to elaborate a biennial progress report. This can only be possible if reports are received from Member States on the status of implementation of the Plan of Action in their respective countries.
iv) Child Trafficking
280. As had earlier been reported to Council, the issue of child trafficking, which is a fast growing problem on the Continent, had been addressed by the Bi-Regional Group Africa-Europe in Brussels in October 2000. Consequently, a Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings Especially Women and Children was drafted by Experts from Europe and Africa who participated in a meeting held in Stockholm from 1- 3 September, 2002. The Plan of Action was eventually adopted by the Africa-Europe 2 nd Ministerial Conference held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in November 2002. Due to the postponement of the Africa- Europe Summit originally scheduled for April 2003, the Plan of Action had not been endorsed.
v) Day of the African Child (DAC)
281. In conformity with Resolution CM/Res.1290(XL), 16 June of each year is observed as the Day of the African Child (DAC) in commemoration of the SOWETO massacre of innocent children by the then racist regime of South Africa. The theme for the DAC celebration this year was “ The Right to Registration at Birth”. To mark the day, a Press Release was issued and a programme was organized for children comprising: statements by the AU Commission, UNICEF and guest of honour from the Ethiopian Government, a drama on the theme, songs and dance. The child-friendly booklet on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child was also launched on that occasion. Diplomatic Missions, UN Agencies, NGOs, Organisations dealing with children, as well as school children attended the event. Member States are reminded to send reports on how DAC was celebrated in their countries to the AU Commission.
(b) Family
282. It will be recalled that after the proclamation of 1994 as the International Year of the Family (IYF) by the UN, the OAU Council of Ministers adopted resolutions CM/Res.1466(LVIII) and CM/LC201(XVII) EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 93 on the follow-up of the IYF calling on Member States to establish National Coordinating Committees to observe the IYF. Within the same framework an Ad Hoc Expert Group Meeting on the Impact of Economic and Social Changes on the African Family, jointly organised by the OAU and ECA, was held in Addis Ababa in 1993. The report was presented to the 17 th Session of the OAU Labour and Social Affairs Commission in 1994. The UN General Assembly has now decided that 2004 would be observed as the 10 th anniversary of the IYF. The 10 th anniversary of the IYF was discussed by the Labour and Social Affairs Commission held in April 2003 and it was decided that a Plan of Action on the Family in Africa would be Africa’s contribution to the 10 th anniversary. A Consultant would be recruited to elaborate the first draft and an Experts Group meeting would subsequently be convened to finalise it. The final draft would then be submitted to the next session of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission in April 2004. It is encouraging to report that the UNICEF has agreed to collaborate with the AU Commission on the elaboration of the Plan of Action. The AU Commission would like to thank UNICEF for its commitment.
(c) African Rehabilitation Institute (ARI)
283. It will be recalled that a Continental Plan of Action for the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (1999-2009) was adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Durban, South Africa in July 2002. The AU Commission in collaboration with the African Rehabilitation Institute (ARI) were mandated to monitor and ensure that the Plan of Action is effectively implemented. An African Regional Consultative Conference was convened by the South African Government in Johannesburg from 1 – 6 May, 2003. Among others, the Conference discussed the way forward with regard to the African Decade. Among others, the Conference recommended that: a Decade Secretariat be established; policy and legislative frameworks be established at national level for the implementation of the objectives of the Plan of Action; capacity-building and empowerment of Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) be enhanced; networking and cooperation be established between all sectors of society; and an annual implementation report be provided to be tabled to the relevant AU meeting. The ARI has been nominated to be a member of the Decade Secretariat. Negotiations are underway to include the AU Commission to the list of members. The AU Commission would like to thank the ILO for its assistance in printing the Plan of EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 94
Action in a booklet form and publicizing it during the African Regional Conference.
(d) Cooperation with other Institutions
284. The AU Commission has continued its cooperation with the following institutions dealing with social issues:
i) the African Centre for Research and Training in Social Development (ACARTSOD) which is a Centre for coordinating applied research and training activities in the field of social development at the national, sub-regional and regional levels in Africa. As Co-Chairman of the Centre's Governing Board the Commission usually attends its Governing meetings;
ii) End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Abuse Purposes (ECPAT). Cooperation has focused on child trafficking, child exploitation, child abuse, child pornography and child labour;
iii) the International Planned Parenthood Federation – African Region (IPPF-AR) which promotes family planning and responsible for parenthood in the interest of human rights, family welfare and community welfare;
iv) the Center for African Family Studies (CAFS) on Family and Reproductive Health Matters;
v) the UN Family Unit in New York on all matters related to the family and in particular the follow-up to the International Year of the Family.
V. DRUGS
285. The joint OAU/UNDCP (United Nations International Drug Control Programme) RAF/C70/97 on “Capacity Building for the Implementation of OAU Plan of Action on Drug Control in Africa” which was initially for 3 years, (1998-2001) and extended for another one year came to an end in July 2002. As continuity, the Commission of the African Union established the Drug Control and Crime Prevention EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 95
Unit. The Unit took part in many international conferences where the AU’s position was clearly articulated. Some of these are:
i. World Conference on Doping in Sports, Copenhagen, Denmark 3 –5 March 2003;
ii. Eighth Ordinary Meeting of the Governing Board of the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) Addis Ababa 17-18 March 2003;
iii. 46th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), Vienna, Austria 8-17 April 2003
286. The Drug Control and Crime Prevention Unit, has also become more actively involved in regional coordination of activities in drug control and crime prevention in partnership with other relevant UN Agencies and other International Organizations like the Inter-American Drug Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organization of American States(OAS), UNDCP, INTERPOL, as well as NGOs. Discussions are ongoing with some organizations on the possibility of developing a Model on Preventive Drug Abuse Education Curricular for Africa, where the teaching of life coping skills would be emphasized.
287. Drug Control is a crosscutting topic, with implications in almost every sphere of life, either as a cause of many problems or as a consequence of these problems. It has therefore been accepted as a challenge to mainstream drug control components into all relevant activities of the Commission of the African Union. Some of this include, traumatized child soldiers, illicit trafficking in women and children for prostitution, illicit trafficking and proliferation of fire arms and light weapons, HIV/AIDS pandemic, International organized crime, terrorism, refugees, money laundering and financial crimes, good governance and corruption, Doping in Sports etc.
288. With the challenge given to the Commission of the African Union, so that it can play its lead role in the Continent, and a lot of resources is required. For this purpose, it will be necessary to mobilise extra- budgetary funds for these work. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 96
B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE AFRO-ARAB COOPERATION DIRECTORATE
Introduction
289. During the period under review, the Commission planned to convene two important meetings: the Second meeting of Independent African and Arab Experts on Revitalization of Afro-Arab Cooperation and the 13 th Session of the Standing Commission of the Afro-Arab Cooperation. The Experts meeting was to be held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia while the Standing Commission meeting was to take place in Tripoli, Libya.
290. Unfortunately, none of this two meetings took place as scheduled. The Commission was forced to postpone the 2 nd meeting of Experts twice since most of the Experts representing the African Side were not able to confirm their participation. The 13 th Session of the Standing Commission was also postponed following the proposal made by the host country to this effect.
291. The Commission was therefore engaged mainly in preparation for the Sixth Afro-Arab Trade Fair, First phase of the Afro-Arab Investment Forum in Agriculture, first meeting of the Academic Board and the fourth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the Afro-Arab Cultural Institute, 13 th Session of the Standing Commission of the Afro-Arab Cooperation and Second meeting of the Afro-Arab Experts on revitalization of the Afro-Arab Cooperation.
292. Details are shown below.
Sixth Afro-Arab Trade Fair
293. The Sixth Afro-Arab Trade Fair is scheduled to take place in Dar-es –Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania, from 5 to 14 December 2003. To this end, an Organizing Committee composed of the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Host Country has been established.
294. The Committee so far held two meetings. The first meeting took place from 4 to 5 April and the second from 9 to 11 June 2003 in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. During these meetings the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 97
Committee, among other things, held detailed discussion on the General Rules and Procedures for the Fair.
295. To avoid any misunderstanding among the parties, the Committee also prepared “Host Country Agreement” which sought to detail various organizational issues and the responsibilities for their execution. The Host Country Agreement will soon be finalized and signed between the African Union, The League of Arab States, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Host Government.
296. The third and fourth preparatory meetings of the Committee will take place in September and November this year.
297. The Commission has officially requested the Arab Bank For Economic Development in Africa for its financial support to Least Developed African Countries (LDCs) in order to enable them participate in the Fair. In response, BADEA informed the Commission that it would communicate the magnitude of its support to the Commission and the host country after securing the approval of its Board of Directors.
298. The Commission and the Host Government have already sent out invitation letters to all member States and concerned Regional and International Organizations.
299. Council is therefore kindly requested to urge Member States to make the necessary preparation in advance and actively participate in this very important trade-promotion event.
Afro-Arab Investment Forum in Agriculture
300. The main objectives of the Afro-Arab Investment Forum in Agriculture, which would be organized in collaboration with the League of Arab States and Regional Economic Communities, are to strengthen cooperation and solidarity between Member States of the African Union and League of Arab States, thereby providing opportunity for developing African agriculture through the establishment of joint ventures.
301. The Forum will be held in two phases: phase one is designed for Member States of the Economic Community of Western African States and Economic Community of Central African States while the second EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 98 phase will cover Member States of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and Southern Africa Development Community.
302. Government officials, business communities, researchers and prominent individuals are expected to attend this Forum. Regional and national consultants would also be commissioned to undertake studies on agricultural potentials in African countries. The outcome of the studies would be presented and discussed during the forum.
303. The first phase of the Forum is planned to take place during the fourth quarter of the Year in Yaounde, Cameroon. In view of this, the Commission has been maintaining necessary consultations with the Host Country and the two Regional Organizations of ECOWAS and ECCAS. The result of these consultations have shown the determination and will of all parties to make the Forum a great success.
304. Council is therefore requested to encourage Member States of ECOWAS and ECCAS to effectively participate in the Forum.
Afro-Arab Cultural Institute
305. The Academic Board of the AACI is established to assist the Institute in programme formulation and resource mobilization. It is also mandated to monitor Cooperation Agreements entered with African and Arab research centres as well as regional and international institutions.
306. The Board is accountable to the Executive Council and meets once a year. It shall formulate and adopt its Rules of Procedure and elect its Bureau at each Session. The term of office of members of the Board shall be five (5) years.
307. The Board is composed of two Member States appointed by the African Union, two Member States appointed by the League of Arab States; representatives of the Arab League Education and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and a parallel African Cultural Institute to be designated by the African Union; Heads of Afro- Arab Cooperation Departments in the Commission of the African Union and General Secretariat of the League of Arab States; the Director and Deputy Director-Generals and Representative of the Academic Staff of the Institute. EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 99
308. The Commission has started preparations for the first meeting of the Board of the Institute. It has accordingly requested two Member States (Burkina Faso and the Republic of Zimbabwe) to nominate relevant officials who would represent the African Side on the Board.
309. Preparations are also underway for the fourth Session of the Executive Council of AACI which is scheduled to take place during the fourth quarter of the year at the Headquarters of the Commission in Addis Ababa.
Revitalization of Afro-Arab Cooperation
310. Pursuant to the decision of the 12 th Session of the Standing Commission on Afro-Arab Cooperation, held from April 10 to 12, 2001 in Algiers, Algeria and after consultations between the African Union and the League of Arab States an Ad-hoc Committee of independent African and Arab Experts was established to identify the obstacles hindering the effective implementation of Afro-Arab joint programmes as initiated by the Cairo Summit and to come up with a recommendation on feasible ways and means to further promote the cooperation between the two sides.
311. The first meeting of the experts was convened from January 22 to 23, 2003 in Cairo, EGYPT. During this meeting the Experts exchanged opinions and formulated general ideas.
312. The second meeting was originally planned for 22 to 24 February, 2003 and lately rescheduled for 19 to 21 April, 2003, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. However, it was not possible to convene this meeting as most of the Experts representing the African Side were not able to come to the meeting on the proposed dates.
313. Consultations are currently underway with the Experts to find suitable dates for the meeting.
314. Concrete proposals and recommendations forwarded by the Experts during their second meeting would be submitted to the 13 th Session of the Standing Commission on Afro-Arab Cooperation for their endorsement.
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CHAPTER V
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY DIRECTORATE
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
I. Participation in CEN-SAD Statutory Meetings
315. The Commission participated in the Ninth and Fifth Ordinary Sessions of the Executive Council and the Assembly of Leader and Heads of State of the Community of Sahelo-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) respectively, held in Niamey, Niger, from 11 to 14 March 2003.
316. Security, Economic and Social issues were discussed and solutions envisaged.
a) Political and Security Matters
317. After an exchange of views on the political situation in the Central African Republic, The Sudan and Somalia, the Conference particularly focused its attention on the following:
i. Establishment of a Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution
318. Experts from Member States examined and proposed a draft additional Protocol on Mutual Assistance in the area of Defence and Security as well as a Draft Additional Protocol to a CEN-SAD Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. This mechanism provides for four zones and their respective headquarters.
319. The Conference requested the Current Chair and Secretary General of the Community to follow-up on the matter and ensure that all the conditions are met for the entry into force of these additional protocols.
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ii. Security in Member States
320. The following areas were identified and actions proposed: measures were taken to step up the fight against smuggling and illicit trafficking, organized crime, terrorism and criminality in the capitals. It was recommended that cooperation should be strengthened among Member States in the areas of Exchange of Information, Control of Trafficking in Arms and Explosives, as well as the rapid conclusions of an agreement on the control of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances. States which have not yet done so were called upon to sign and/or ratify the Protocol on the Trafficking of Migrants and the Protocol on the Trafficking of Children and Women. Other measures were also envisaged with a view to the socio-economic reintegration of demobilized combatants.
b) Economic and Social Matters
321. Other matters that engaged the attention of the Leader and Heads of State of CEN-SAD include the establishment of a free trade area, food security, a special solidarity fund and how it should be fed, the development of the Sahara, road infrastructural development, free movement and right of residence of persons and the establishment of a common market for basic agricultural products.
c) Exchange of views on the African Union
322. Following an in-depth exchange of views on the process for the establishment of the African Union, the Conference called for the speedy establishment of the structures of the Commission and the operationalization of all the organs of the Union. It also endorsed Libya’s proposed amendment to the Constitutive Act to the effect that the Chair of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Union should be for one year renewable.
II. Participation in Statutory Meetings
323. The Commission participated in the 15 th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) held in Khartoum, The Sudan, from 10 to 12 March 2003. The above meeting afforded the COMESA authorities the EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 102 opportunity to take stock of activities undertaken by that REC. They examined issues pertaining to trade liberalization, particularly with respect to the Free Trade Area; the COMESA Customs Union; Transport and communications; Industry; Money; Agriculture and Socio-economic development. We would like, at this juncture, to commend the Heads of State and Government of COMESA and urge them to consolidate the notable progress made by the above-mentioned sectors, particularly the establishment of the Free Trade Area.
III. First AU/AEC-REC Coordination Meeting
324. The Coordination Meeting is a statutory meeting of Chief Executives of the then OAU, now African Union (AU), and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The first meeting to be held following the launch of the AU in Durban on 9 July 2002 was hosted by the Common Market for (COMESA) in Lusaka, at the invitation of His Excellency Erastus J.O. Mwencha, Secretary General of that Organization.
325. The meeting essentially reviewed the modalities of cooperation between the Union and the RECs with a view to a rapid and successful implementation of the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community and resolution of conflicts. The Meeting also discussed the strategies to be adopted by Member States, in cooperation with the AU and the RECs, during various international negotiations.
326. Below are some of the major themes discussed by the Meeting and the highlights of the recommendations and decisions adopted.
a) Establishment of an Information System
327. All the RECs which have not yet acquired a web site should take the necessary steps to establish one; and the African Union should give priority to creation of a Wide Area Network (WAN) that will provide linkage with the RECs.
b) Physical Infrastructure Development
328. Policies and legislations should be harmonized within and among the RECs, with the assistance of the AU, with a view to creating a conducive environment for private sector environment; it should also EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 103 follow-up on projects submitted by the RECs within the NEPAD framework.
c) Harmonization of Economic Integration Policies
329. The RECs should coordinate their programmes under the aegis of the African Union, and submit progress reports on the harmonization of their policies so as to enable to analyze, harmonize and draw up a matrix form for circulation among the RECs to facilitate continental harmonization and implementation of the policies and programmes.
d) Popularization of the AEC and RECs Programmes and Activities
330. The African Union, the RECs, ECA and ADB should prepare a long, medium and short-term continental strategy to popularize the programmes of the AU and the RECs, both within and outside the Continent, by involving the civil society in the process.
e) Resource Mobilization
331. The AU should take the necessary measures for capacity building of the RECs, and develop plans and strategies to facilitate their access to African and Arab funds and resources.
f) Involvement of the Private Sector in the Implementation of AEC and RECs Programmes
332. It is recommended that Regional and Continental Seminars should be organized for the private sector based on AU and RECs programmes (including NEPAD, and on the benefits of economic integration.
g) Protocol on the Relations Between the AEC and the RECs
333. The RECs were urged to forward to the Commission, before the end of April 2003, all proposed amendments to the present Protocol on the relations between the AEC and the RECs that are being reviewed in line with the new situation arising from the creation of the African Union; an Extraordinary Session of the Coordination Committee was scheduled to take place at the end of the month of May to consider the Draft Protocol prepared by the Commission. All the RECs did not send their comments; EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 104 the Commission which believes that the revised Protocol should be a platform consensus between all the RECs and the AEC, decided to postpone the extraordinary meeting to a later date and informed the RECs accordingly.
h) Institutionalization of an Economic Summit
334. It is obvious today that the importance of the economic and development issues of our Continent require that adequate time and attention should be devoted to them. This is the reason only the Chief Executives of the Union and the RECs advocate the organization of the Summit of the Union devoted exclusively, to economic and development issues. Should this idea be adopted, the modalities for organizing such a Summit to be prepared by the Commission, the Regional Economic Committees, the Specialized Technical Committees and the Ministers of Economic Development an Integration would, in due course, be submitted to the relevant authorities of the Union.
i) Coordinating Mechanism between the AU and the RECs within the Framework of Negotiations
335. The Committee recalled that the AU has the responsibility to coordinate and harmonize the common African position at international negotiations, and called on it to play a lead role in Africa’s negotiations of EPAS with EU. Furthermore, the AU and the RECs should hold regular consultations on the issues of international trade negotiations, harmonize their positions on cooperation initiatives, develop a common position on the EPAS Negotiations, ensure that the establishment of free trade areas with non-African partners contribute to promote rather than hinder the integration of the Continent, and be involved in the determination of the application of the Euro 50 million earmarked by the EU for institutional trade capacity building.
j) “Fridays of the Commission”
336. “Fridays of the Commission” are a meeting/debate Forum which the Commission plans to convene on the last Friday of every month to provide interested Africans the opportunity to brainstorm on economic, political and social issues of interest to our continent. The “Fridays of the Commission” bring together academics, politicians, African diplomats as well as staff of the Commission and Institutions of the United Nations EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 105
System. The meeting/debate will be conducted by a speaker, assisted by moderators. Preparations are well advanced and the first meeting be convened in a not too distant future.
k. Training Programme on Economic Integration
337. The Commission plans to organize in the very near future, with the assistance of the Arab Bank for Development in Africa (BADEA), a training programme on economic integration for the staff of the Commission, the RECs and the focal points in Member States at the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning in Dakar, Senegal. The training, which is expected to last for 35 days, will revolve around the following:
i) Economic Integration: conceptual and theoretical aspects, and Pan-African integration;
ii) Economic Integration Experience in Africa;
iii) Monetary Cooperation and Economic Integration in Africa;
iv) Case Studies of Economic Integration Programmes in Africa;
v) Industrial Policies and Strategies in a Regional Economic context;
vi) Capacity-building for economic integration in Africa.
338. The programme could not be launched in May 2003 as planned because BADEA Management was unable to submit it to the Board of Governors of the Bank which met in March 2003, because it needed some additional information. BADEA informed the Commission of its pledge to submit the programme to the Board which is expected to meet in the first half of June 2003, now that the Commission has provided all the required additional information. The Commission, in consultation with IDEP, the Institute hosting the programme, will, all things being equal, set in motion the implementation mechanism of the programme, once the latter has received the financial backing of the Board at its next meeting. The Commission will, in due course, provide Member States and the RECs with all the necessary information on the implementation EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 106 of this programme, particularly with regards to its content, criteria of eligibility and time tables for the two sessions (French and English).
IV. THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT (TICAD)
339. The Executive Council Meeting in N’Djamena was informed that the Japanese authorities had programmed a number of activities in preparation for TICAD III scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from 30 October to 1 November 2003. Consequently, a technical meeting was convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 3 to 4 March 2003 to identify the Continent’s priorities that could be integrated in TICAD programmes. The following priorities were thus identified: Peace Consolidation; Governance; Agricultural Development; Private Sector Development (including Tourism); Infrastructures; Water, Information and Communications Technologies; Human Resources Development; HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Diseases; Afro-Asian Cooperation; Intra- African and Regional Cooperation. Following the above meeting, the Japanese authorities decided to organize regional meetings so as to identify the specific needs of each region in light of the priorities referred to above. To this effect, a meeting took place in Pretoria from 22 to 23 May 2003 (for Southern Africa), anther one in Nairobi from 5 to 6 June 2003 (for East and North Africa) and a third in Yaounde from 23 to 24 June 2003 (for West and Central Africa). The conclusions of these three regional meetings will enable the Japanese authorities to make a clear assessment of the priorities and needs of Africa. The Commission actively participated in these three regional meetings. It will also participate in the Tokyo meeting to articulate the African Union concerns. An appropriate report will accordingly be submitted to the next meeting of the Executive Council for consideration and necessary recommendations.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 107
B. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY DIRECTORATE
340. During the period under review, the Commission was active in implementing the decisions of Lusaka, Durban Summit Conference of the former OAU and the new AU respectively and of the Executive Council Session of N’Djamena in the fields of Trade and Industry. In that regard, it focused on developments in Intra-African trade, preparations for the First Meeting of African Ministers of Trade of the African Union, follow-up activities to the Decisions adopted in Yaounde, Cameroon of the 15 th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Industry (CAMI XV) as well as Africa’s participation in on-going multilateral trade negotiations, such as in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement.
Intra-African Trade
341. At the invitation of the COMESA Secretariat, the Commission participated in the 12 th meeting of the Trade and Customs Committee of that REC. It allowed the Commission to assess the challenges facing COMESA Member States in the area of the expansion and consolidation of the Free Trade Area ( FTA), the roadmap to, and architecture of the COMESA Customs Union, the experience of which can be used to guide other RECs in their trade liberalisation processes. It also gave an opportunity to the Commission to share its views with the meeting vis-à- vis the WTO and ACP-EU negotiations.
The First Ministerial sub-Committee on Trade, Specialised Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration.
342. It will be recalled that this Committee has a mandate to meet on a yearly basis but could not convene in September 2002 due to the transformation of the OAU into the African Union and consequent restructuring exercise. However, the issues at stake this year require that the Ministers of Trade of the AU Member States meet to exchange views on them, reach a consensus, adopt a common position and give directives to the Commission and Guidelines to Member States on future actions to be undertaken with regard, inter-alia : to the issues pertaining to an African Union Regional Trade Strategy; the perennial Commodities problem, the creation of an African Common Market for staple foods; as EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 108 well as Africa’s position vis-à-vis the WTO, and the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) negotiations with the European Union.
343. Following consultations therefore with Member States, the First Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Trade, Specialised Technical Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration took place in Mauritius from 16 to 20 June, 2003. Studies were carried out on each item on the bases of the papers presented to the meeting for discussion. As a results of their deliberations the Ministers of Trade adopted a number decisions which have been brought to the Executive Council and the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
344. Prior to the Ministers of Trade Meeting, the Commission of the AU in collaboration with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) organized in Mauritius from 11-13 June, 2003, a High Level Brainstorming Meeting for African Trade Negotiators on Issues Preparatory to the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) scheduled for Cancun, Mexico in September 2003. In addition to the above, the Commission of the African Union organized also another High Level Brainstorming Meeting on 14-15 June 2003 on the issues relating to the negotiations under the ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) of Cotonou Agreement.
345. As part of the efforts of the Commission to implement Article 22 of the Constitutive Act of the African Union whereby professional bodies and Civil Society Organizations are to be consulted in order to involve them, through the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), in the decision-making processes of the AU, the Commission organized a Business Forum and a Civil Society Forum respectively as parallel events of the Ministerial Conference.
346. The objective of the two events was to create an opportunity for the African business community and the civil society to influence not only the deliberations and decisions of the African Ministers of Trade in respect of the operationalization of the ECOSOCC, but also to provide their advice to be reflected in the Africa’s common position in on-going trade negotiations in which they are stakeholders. This effort has, inter- alia, culminated in their contribution to the formulation of the draft Protocol for the establishment of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 109
NEPAD Experts’ Meeting on Market Access
347. As recommended by the Heads of State and Government, the Commission worked closely with the NEPAD Secretariat in preparing an experts’ meeting on Market Access held in Cairo, Egypt, from 30 March to 01 April 2003. The meeting formulated common approaches to address key market access issues and made recommendations for Africa’s effective engagement in the multilateral trading system as a contribution to the Evian Summit and towards the AU Ministers of Trade meeting, both scheduled for June 2003. The Commission highlighted the salient problems of intra-African trade and its related trade facilitation issues. It also pointed to the coordinating role of the AU in that sector through the RECs and recommended the establishment of an African Importers-Exporters directory.
Participation in ACP-EU Negotiations and Reactivation of the Panel of Trade Experts
348. Following its participation in the ACP-EU negotiations which were launched in September 2002 in accordance with the provisions of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA), the Commission was able to assess the need for assistance required by its Member States in dealing with the issues under negotiations with the European Union. At the same time, the African Group in Brussels called on the AU Commission to reactivate its Panel of Trade Experts in order to provide technical backstopping to African negotiators both in Brussels and in Geneva as it did before the signing of the CPA. Furthermore, in conformity with the decision of the Executive Council of the AU, held in N’Djamena, the Commission re-activated the AU Panel of Trade Experts on International Negotiations. The reconstituted Panel, which consists of a core group of five experts, to be assisted by representatives of RECs and other resource persons, undertook a need assessment mission to Brussels and Geneva. On the basis of the findings of the Panel, the Commission established a Work-programme of activities for the Panel. The implementation of the said Work-programme has began in earnest
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 110
Industry Sector
West African CAMI Meeting
349. As was the case for Eastern and Central African regions, UNIDO organized in the West African region, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the West African Ministers of Industry Meeting on 25 March 2003. It was attended by several Ministers and High Senior Officials responsible for Industry from the region. Institutions represented were ECOWAS, UNIDO, the African Union, West African Development Bank and UEMOA.
350. At the end of the deliberations the meeting adopted a number of resolutions. Some of them included the request for the adoption of a technical assistance programme for ECOWAS aimed at the promotion of intra-Community trade through product standardization to complement the existing one of UEMOA. The meeting also called for the establishment of a mechanism to promote local processing of cotton and to create a fund to support the sector. On the controversial issue of Subventions provided by developed countries to their agricultural sector, the meeting called on ECOWAS to establish a sub-regional mechanism, in close collaboration with the African Group in Geneva, the Conference of African Ministers of Trade and the Commission of the African Union, to press for the minimization of the negative impact of subventions on the prices of Cotton products of the West African region. On Agro- Industry, the meeting called for the implementation of a Special initiative to integrate research and dissemination of adaptable technology to enhance international market access for African products.
International Forum on SMEs
351. The Commission also participated in the International Forum of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which took place in Dakar, Senegal from 26 to 28 March 2003. It was presided over by H.E. Maitre Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal. The Forum which was attended by participants from several regions of Africa and other parts of the world, examined issues inter-alia on Export Development within ACP-EU, The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Canadian Initiative for Africa, Agro-based industrialization etc. At the end of the deliberations in the plenary, there were several bilateral EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 111 business encounters which were arranged for entrepreneurs to negotiate business deals. At the conclusion of the Forum it was announced that about thirty business deals were concluded for follow-up execution.
EX/CL/38 (III) Part I Page 112 Chapter VI
ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND CONFERENCES
A. ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE SERVICES DIRECTORATE.
352. The Conference Services Directorate faithful to its usual duties and mission has serviced an unprecedented number of scheduled and unscheduled meetings, seminars and workshops with limited staff and facilities. Nevertheless, it managed to perform and deliver despite the difficult conditions of work, when the staff had to work during weekends and on holidays.
353. It is the hope of this Directorate that when the implementation of the new Structure will take place, top priority will be given to the recruitment of the required staff in the Language units.