SPECIAL EDIITION FOR THE 20TH AU SUMMIT Issue 06, January 28, 2013

WATCH SUMMIT EVENTS LIVE ON: www.au.int

th 20 th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AU ASSEMBLY OPENS WITH A FOCUS ON PANAFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

“Today we look to the future calmly, confidently and courageously”, nent. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to help the people of said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Mali “This is a moral imperative for all in the international com- Commission (AUC), while addressing the 20th Ordinary Session of the munity…..I am personally committed to ensuring that the United Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on 27 Nations stands ready, once the regrettably necessary combat January 2013 at the headquarters of the African Union in , operations are over, to undertake a major system-wide effort for . The Summit, bringing together Heads of State and Government peace-building, governance and security sector reform, physi- or their accredited representatives is holding under the theme: “Pan- cal reconstruction, and regional cooperation” he emphasised. Africanism and African Renaissance”. A minute of silence was observed at the opening ceremony in memory of late President John Atta Mills of Mr. Ban Ki-Moon said the United Nations is proud to support Ghana and late Prime Minister of Ethiopia. the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative. “I hope all African countries will continue to contribute to progress on Referring to the theme of the Summit and the 50th anniversary climate change and my Sustainable Energy for all Initiative, as celebration of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) created this can open the way for enormous gains” he underscored. on 25 May 1963, the AUC Chairperson explained that, the spirit of Pan-Africanism and the ideals of the African Renaissance will Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestine National Author- propel its citizens towards an integrated, people-centred, pros- ity (PNA) and Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation Ex- perous Africa at peace with itself. She added that it is this spirit ecutive Committee congratulated the AU for the achievements and ideals that inspired the adoption of the Lagos Plan of Action by many African countries in the promotion of governance and in 1980, the Abuja Treaty in 1990 and NEPAD in 2001. According democracy which has led to economic growth. He also com- to Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, “the African dream is not only achievable mended the Union’s efforts in the consolidation of peace and but it can be done in a shorter time.” security as well as conflict resolution on the continent.

To secure decent livelihoods and the free movement of people, He expressed gratitude at the adoption of the request of the goods and services, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said, “we must accel- Palestinian State to have observer status at the UN General As- erate integration and connectivity”. She expressed satisfac- sembly. tion with the progress on the implementation of the priority in- frastructure projects of PIDA in the areas of transport, energy New African Presidents welcomed and ICT. The Chairperson of the AUC further underscored the The Assembly welcomed newly elected presidents and each need for the Union to enhance youth and women’s develop- of them took the floor to present a vote of thanks. They are: ment alongside education. “The Pan African University and the President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana and general expansion of our higher education sector will equip our President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of young people with critical abilities to drive innovation, sciences, . entrepreneurship, research, social development and industriali- zation”, she underlined. Former AUC Commissioners honoured In conclusion, honorary awards were presented to the former Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Commissioners of the African Union by the new Chairperson of recalled in his speech, that Africa is the world’s youngest conti- the Union and the AUC Chairperson.

Summit Ends with Strong Decisions and Declarations by AU Heads of States on Crucial and Topical Issues on the Continent

The Heads of State also decided to create the Pan-African Intel- The 20th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Summit lectual Property Organization (PAIPO). They requested the Com- held under the theme: “Pan-Africanism and African Renais- mission to convene a meeting of all stakeholders dealing with sance” ended Monday 28 January 2013 at the AU headquarters intellectual property in the implementation of the Decision by in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the adoption by the AU Heads of May 2013 Summit. State and Government of a number of Assembly Decisions and Declarations. On the coordination of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and Africa’s In his closing remarks, the newly elected Chairperson of the Af- preparation for cop 19/CMP 9 rican Union, Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, expressed satisfaction The Heads of States acknowledged the need for further refine at the active participation of all the Heads of States and Gov- and streamline the coordination mechanism for CAHOSCC. ernment in the discussions on various issues of interest to the They endorsed the coordination function of CAHOSCC as fol- continent. “Your valuable comments and contributions have no lows: doubt enriched our debate and informed the decisions that we have adopted on a myriad of issues. The following decisions i) Coordination of CAHOSCC rotates for a period of two (2) years were adopted among others: for two Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); On refocusing the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to ii) Country of the host of the Presidency of the African Ministerial support the transformation agenda of the African Union, the Conference on Environment (AMCEN) to serve as the Coordina- Heads of States urged the Secretary-General of the United Na- tor at the Summit level to enhance linkage between the AMCEN tions to provide the required support to ECA to enhance its work processes to CAHOSCC in addition to providing the necessary in accordance with Africa’s priorities. support given the nature of expectations at this level; and iii) The President of the African Ministerial Conference on En- On the creation of the African Observatory on Science, Tech- vironment (AMCEN) to serve as Coordinator at the Ministerial nology and Innovation (AOSTI) to be hosted by the Republic of level; Equatorial Guinea, the Heads of State endorsed the project. iv) Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change They called on Member States and Development partners to (AGN) experts elected at the UNFCCC forum serves as Coordi- avail the necessary technical and financial support for sustain- nator at the Experts’ level. ing the AOSTI and its programmes.

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On the establishment of an “international constitutional court” On the hosting of a special follow-up summit on the Abuja 2001 The Heads of States requested the African Union Commission African Union Summit on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other re- on International Law to examine the proposed establishment of lated infectious diseases in the third quarter (july/august) of 2013 an International Constitutional Court and make recommenda- The Assembly welcomed and endorsed the offer by the Federal tions to the 22nd Session of the Assembly of Heads of State Republic of Nigeria to host a Special Follow-Up Summit on the and Government of the African Union (January 2014) on the said Abuja 2001 African union summit on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and proposal other related infectious diseases in the third quarter of 2013.

On the integration of the new Africa- Asia Strategic Partnership On the south-south and triangular coalition in support of Africa- (NAASP) into African Union structures and processes post 2015 The Assembly requested the Commission to take the necessary The Assembly took note of the proposal by the Republic of steps towards the integration of the New Africa-Asia Strategic Guinea relating to the creation of a South-South and Triangular Partnership (NAASP) into the African Union structures and pro- Coalition in support of Africa Post 2015; it approved in principle cesses. the creation of a South/South and Triangular Coalition to assist Africa within the framework of its Post 2015 Agenda. On the representation of local communities in organs of the Af- rican Union On the report of the Committee of Ten on UN Reform The Assembly requested the Commission to submit a compre- The Assembly reiterated that the Committee of ten remains hensive report on the opportunity, feasibility, relevance and im- seized of this matter until Africa achieves its objectives on the plications, including financial ones, of the proposal at the Janu- reform of the UN Security Council and requested the Committee ary 2014 Summit. to present a report to the Twenty-first Ordinary Session of the Assembly in July 2013. On the reduction of maternal, newborn and child mortality and morbidity in Africa On the Declaration of solidarity with Algeria following the terror- The Assembly requested that the Ministers of Health of the Af- ist attack on Gazier site in Amenas, the Assembly condemned rican Union examine the progress made regarding the state of with utmost firmness the “cowardly and vicious act of aggres- maternal, newborn and child health, map out concrete and inno- sion against a member state of the African Union. vative strategies at a larger scale in order to adequately address the health needs of African women and children and submit a On the Declaration on Palestine, the Assembly welcomed the report to the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly. It decided United Nations General Assembly’s decision granting the State to place this item on the agenda of the next Assembly. of Palestine “Observer non-member” status in the UN. It urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with On the establishment of the African Union institute for statistics the United Nations’ resolution and previous agreements signed The Assembly approved the establishment of the African Union by with Palestine. Commission Institute for Statistics that will be based in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia. On the other hand, it was announced during the closing cer- emony of the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Af- On the promotion of critical knowledge for the accelerated and rican Union that, the next AU Summit will take place from 19th sustainable development of Africa to 27th May 2013. The Assembly took note of the proposal of Burkina Faso on the promotion of critical skills for Accelerated and Sustainable De- velopment in Africa. The Heads of States approved the initiative of Burkina Faso.

3 20 th AU SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS IN PICTURES ETHIOPIA IS NEW CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION

By Chenai Masawi- journalist attending the FES DIC training workshop

The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Mr Hailemariam Dessalegn has taken over the Chairpersonship of the African Union and will be at the helm of the Dr Boni Yayi hands over the symbols of the flag to new AU Chairperson Mr Hailemariam Desalegn organization for the next one year. He takes over from the president of the Republic of Benin, Mr .

In his acceptance speech during the 20th Ordinary session of Reiterating the need to continuously monitor post conflict coun- the assembly of African Heads of State and Government, in tries, the new Chairperson said it is important to strengthen the Addis Ababa Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Prime Minister said he is progress made on the political and security fronts in Somalia, committed to working with the member states, the Commission Sudan and South Sudan. He said the African Union should and other organs to advance the African Union. Mr Desalegn continue to help neighbours Sudan and South Sudan to live in commended the outgoing AU Chairperson, Dr Boni Yayi for his peace. efforts in ensuring a stable Africa. Turning to the issues that need the continent’s attention in 2013, the Chairperson of the African Union recalled that the continent will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the organization of the African unity.

He said the golden jubilee of the organization this year will be an opportunity for the continent to reflect on its challenges over the past fifty years and map the way forward to creating a prosper- ous and united Africa.

The new African Union Chair honored the founding members of the OAU saying they strived to promote unity and cooperation among the people of the continent.

Commenting on economic development, Mr Desalegn said Af- rica showed remarkable resilience during the global economic crisis, making it a continent of hope and opportunities.

“There is no doubt that Africa needs to sustain the growth mo- AUC Chairperson Dr Dlamini Zuma congratulates Dr Yayi at the end of his term as AU Chairperson mentum that it has been able to achieve over the last decade. This can only be done if we manage to bring about structural transformation, Mr Desalegn said.”

Golden Jubilee Celebrations Launched at AU Assembly

Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Re- During this year of commemoration, AU Member States have public of Ethiopia and newly elected Chairperson of the African been encouraged to organize events magnifying the theme of Union (AU) launched the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the the anniversary: “Pan Africanism and African Renaissance”. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 27 January 2013, the first message delivered by Prime Minister Desalegn was seconded working day of the 20th Ordinary Assembly of the Union. Prime by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Un- Minister Desalegn announced that as the host country of the AU, ion Commission who informed the Assembly of the efforts of the Ethiopia has prepared many activities aimed at celebrating the Commission to come up with activities for the celebration which founders and the achievements of the OAU. The celebrations will culminate on May 25th 2013, marking the 50th Anniversary will also serve as an occasion to reflect on the legacy for future of the OAU in the presence of Heads of States and others dig- generations. nitaries.

5 AU Commission to organize International Conference on Maternal Health this year

AUC Chairperson addressing the CARMMA meeting

Heads of State & Government met on 27 January on the Campaign on Speaking at the event, AUC Chairperson Dr Dlamini Zuma an- Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), whose theme is nounced that the African Union Commission will not relent in its “Africa Cares: No Woman Should Die While Giving Life”. The event was effort to keep Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) firmly convened by Dr Boni Yayi, President of Benin and outgoing Chairperson on the continent’s agenda and continue to hold Member states of the African Union, and organized jointly the African Union Commis- accountable to the commitments they have undertaken to im- sion and the United Nations Population Fund. CARMMA was launched prove the health and wellbeing of women and children in Africa. by the African Union Ministers of Health. It marked the commencement In this context the Commission shall be organizing an Interna- of a determined and sustained effort by the leadership of the African tional Conference on Maternal Health later in the year and the Union to address the unacceptably high maternal and child morbidity Commission will continue to submit progress reports on MNCH and mortality. to the Assembly.

To date, 37 member states of the AU have launched CARMMA and undertaken targeted actions to deliver on commitments. CARMMA has become an example of a successful continental initiative with national ownership.

Dr Kaloko: AUC Commissioner for Social Affairs

The event was attended by African Heads of State and Gov- ernment, ministers, the United Nations Secretary General, AUC’s Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko and other heads/representatives of UN Agencies Some of the delegates who attended the event

6 28th Session of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee Convenes in Addis Ababa

Ahead of the 20th African Union Summit, twenty African leaders The Executive Secretary also mooted the need for an African who make up the membership of the NEPAD Heads of State bonds market, saying, African bond issues are flourishing in the and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC), convened international bonds market, though they are relatively new and on Saturday 26th Jan 2013, at the African Union New Confer- limited to a few countries. He also took the opportunity to pledge ence Center, in the framework of the 28th Ordinary Session of support to a new initiative set up to honor the leadership and the HSGOC. commitment of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to Africa’s development and especially NEPAD. In her address to the session, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission commended the Stressing on the need for Africa to end its dependency on exter- synergy between AUC and NEPAD in the area of agriculture, nal aid, Mr. Haile Mariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, food security and nutrition and infrastructure. in his address to the session, urged African countries to increase their investments in agriculture and infrastructure to maintain She added that the NEPAD Agency worked closely with the the economic growth that the continent registered in the last ten Commission to determine the modalities for the operationaliza- years. tion of the Institutional Architecture for Infrastructure Develop- ment in Africa and the capacity building needs of the Regional He also emphasized on the need for implementation of the Com- Economic Communities and continental institutions. prehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) in all the African countries. He added that NEPAD will assist the Within the context of knowledge management and the devel- countries that are willing to implement CAADP, adding that this opment of policies and strategies, the AUC Chairperson also program aims to improve food security, enhancing agricultural noted that AUC and NEPAD Agency intensified their work to- development in Africa. wards achieving higher levels of coordination, consistency and synergy in the planning, implementation and monitoring/evalua- NEPAD’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Ibrahim Mayaki presented tion of regional programs. the Agency’s Results-based Activity Report of July to December 2012, where he highlighted efforts for sustaining the Compre- She also added that the NEPAD Agency is involved in the devel- hensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) opment of the AUC Strategic Plan for 2014-2017, on the basis momentum and the various tools and mechanisms for domestic upon which the Agency will also develop its own. Further, the resource mobilisation for the NEPAD programmes. Agency is working closely with the Commission on the develop- ment of the AU-wide Strategic Framework, where other African “The NEPAD Agency believes that the time has come to give institutions are also involved. new impetus to CAADP to meet legitimate expectations of mem- ber states while providing a clearer perspective and overall role However, despite NEPAD’s accomplishments to date, the AUC for agriculture in the economic transformation of the continent. Chairperson said that “a lot still needs to be done in order for To support this transformation NEPAD has launched the Africa the ordinary man and woman across the continent to feel the im- Rural Development Forum as a platform for knowledge sharing pact of NEPAD’s deliverables in a consistent and concrete man- on polices on rural transformation.” said Dr Mayaki. ner”. This requires, among other things, addressing the chal- lenges facing the NEPAD Agency. “These challenges include CAADP has emerged as a key vehicle to diversify economies, inadequate financial resources to implement in a timely manner grow agribusiness, ensure food security and thrive. It also stim- continental and regional projects and inadequate human capital ulates access to finance, inputs and markets for smallholder to facilitate the implementation of programs and projects” she farmers added. The NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Com- Committee (HSGIC) was established through Declaration of the mission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Carlos Lopes outlined some key 2001 OAU Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. At the 14th African Union issues to be reflected upon in an ongoing comprehensive study (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2010 on the mobilization of domestic resources for financing Africa’s the HSGIC was transformed into the NEPAD Heads of State and development and, in particular, the implementation of NEPAD Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC). This decision projects. He also highlighted the need to tap into the thriving was in line with the integration of NEPAD into AU structures. private equity industry, adding the need to continue to promote The HSGOC provides leadership to the NEPAD process, sets the establishment of Africa-based private equity funds. policies, priorities and the programs of action.

7 The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC explains the institutional development and reforms of the African Union Commission

The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. For the next four years, the strategic plan aims at: improving, Erastus Mwencha briefed journalists on institutional developments and strengthening and maintaining accountability within the Com- reforms of the AUC on the margins of the 20th AU Summit on 25th Janu- mission, driving operational efficiency within the Commission, ary. achieving sustainable financing and a viable Commission; and finally promoting synergy with the AU Organs, RECs and other The Deputy Chairperson addressed the session on the rele- stakeholders. Thus, the AUC will continue to work closely with vance of the African Union Commission, the need for an effec- the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic tive Commission, and the objectives of the Commission for the Commission for Africa and Regional Economic Communities. next four years before highlighting its challenges. According to The achievement of these objectives by the AUC will face many Mr. Mwencha, current focus areas include the upcoming cel- challenges, said the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, including ebration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union, the rapid the funding, political commitment, overcoming barriers to trade, evolution of the international order, the impact of technology on peace, security and gender. trade, and the potential role of Africa as a growth pole. More than any other institution, the AUC has the potential to create The Deputy Chairperson noted that the strategic plan was devel- an integrated, coherent framework and a platform for Africa to oped according to the SMART model i.e. Specific, Measurable, speak with one voice, he added. Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

Mr. Erastus Mwencha recalled that the mandate of the AUC of program coordination and mobilization of actors for implemen- tation requires strong and effective institution. To this end, he said the AUC developed a strategic plan, following those devel- oped previously.

MOU SIGNED TO ADVANCE PAN AFRICAN UNIVERISTY INSTITUTE OF BASIC SCIENCES

Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Jap- anese Parliamentary Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Masaji Matsuyama on Sunday 27 January signed a memoran- dum of understanding, under which the Government of Japan (GOJ) will become the lead thematic partner for the Eastern Af- rica PAU Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) The institute is hosted by the University of Jomo Keny- atta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya.

Under the MOU, the GOJ will extend its assistance through technical and intellectual cooperation to the PAUSTI with a view to realizing the purpose of the Pan African University. The Com- mission will provide the necessary coordination so as to secure financial resources from various donor institutions as well as the government of Kenya for infrastructure, equipment and other aspects which are indispensable for the PAUSTI. 8 AUC Strategic Plan endorsed by Executive Council

The AU strategic plan has been endorsed by the Executive communication; and (8) strengthening the institutional capacity Council. The endorsement was done during the 22nd Ordinary of the Union and all its organs. Session of the Council which took place from 23 to 25 January 2013.

In her address to the Council on 23 January, Commission Chair- person Dr Dlamini Zuma announced that the Commission is proposing that, in preparation for the Third AUC Strategic Plan (2014-2017), it identifies key priorities on which to concentrate attention. She highlighted the key areas as (1) Human capacity development focusing on health, education, science, research, technology and innovation; (2) Agriculture and agro processing; (3) Inclusive economic development through industrialisation, in- frastructure development, agriculture and trade and investment; (4) Peace, stability and good governance; (5) Mainstreaming women and youth into all Commission activities; (6) Resource mobilisation; (7) Building a people-centred Union through active Meeting of the Executive Council

ASSEMBLY ELECTS MEMBERS OF KEY AU INSTITUTIONS

The 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, on 28 January Mr. Kimelabalou Aba from the Republic of Togo adopted five (5) decisions on the appointment of Members and Judges elected during the 22nd Ordinary Session of Executive Council, as fol- Eleven (11) Members of the Advisory Board on Corruption lows: Mr. Jacques III ACHIAOU Côte d’Ivoire Two (2) Members of the Commission Mr. Tony AIDOO Ghana Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga (Republic of Congo) - Ms. Akossiwa AYENA Togo Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Tech- Ms. Angèle BARUMPOZAKO Burundi nology Mr. Salem BEN-GHARBIA Libya Mr. M’Pèrè DIARRA Mali Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping (Lesotho) – Mr. Jean-Baptiste ELIAS Benin Commissioner for Economic Affairs Mr. Edward GAMAYA Tanzania Mr. Ali Sulaiman MOHAMED Ethiopia Five (5) Members of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for Mr. Pierre NZOBABELA Congo a three (3) year term Mrs. Julie ONUM-NWARIAKU Nigeria Equatorial Guinea Central Region Uganda Eastern Region Five (5) Members of the African Union Commission on Inter- Algeria Northern Region national Law Mozambique Southern Region Mr. Rafâa Ben Achour Tunisia Nigeria Western Region Mr. Daniel Makiesse Mwanawanzambi D.R.C Mr. Boniface Obinna Okere Nigeria One (1) Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Mrs. Naceesay Salla-Wadda Gambia Rights (AfCHPR) for a one and half year term Mr. Kholisani Solo Botswana

TURKISH DONATION FOR AMISOM

Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, received on 27 January 2013, a donation worth 1million USD from Ambassador Birnur Fertekligil, Deputy Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, in support of the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Wel- coming the donation with satisfaction, Ambassador Lamamra said that even though a lot has been done in Somalia, national security forces need to be strengthened in prevision of the with- drawal of AMISOM in 2020. He praised the relationship with Tur- key as “an important and holistic partnership based on mutual understanding and a win-win approach”. 9 PAN AFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE: The Panel of the Wise Forging a Continental Framework of the Wise

By Kassim M. Khamis; Political Analyst; Secretariat of the Panel of the Wise; Peace and Security Directorate

The Panel of the Wise concept originates from African cultures and traditions that started to be practiced since ancient times. Elders in their societies used to offer advice on various issues, mediate parties in disputes and undertake other conflict preven- tion measures. Such methods have continued until today and are officially in practice in many African countries, such as Gha- na, Lesotho, Rwanda etc.

When the Organization of African Union (OAU) was established, it recognized the importance of such practices in conflict pre- vention and resolution; and adopted in The Kampala Docu- ment: Towards a Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa (CSSDCA) of 1991 an African Peace Council in the OAU. The idea initially led to the creation of the Central Organ and its Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Man- The Panel of the Wise has a wide programme of activities that agement and Resolution in 1993. However, it was under the AU centres on the implementation of the African Peace and Secu- that the Panel of the Wise was then formally established within rity Architecture. It comprises meetings; consultations with the the continental framework. PSC, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, and other AU or- gans; engaging countries affected by disputes or with signs to The Sirte Declaration, which established the African Union (AU), occur; thematic reflections on chosen issues to enhance conflict had called for urgent convening of the CSSDCA ministerial ses- prevention; AU mediation capacity building; and strengthening sion to find ways to foster the resolution of conflicts in Africa. cooperation with similar RECs’ structures. Subsequently, the Constitutive Act of the AU stressed the need to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent, and It is in the strengthening of relations with RECs, in line with the it transformed the Central Organ into the Peace and Security PSC Protocol and the Memorandum of Understanding in the Council (PSC). The Council formally adopted the Panel of the area of peace and security between the AU, RECs and the Co- Wise alongside the AU Commission, African Standby Force, ordinating Mechanisms of Eastern and Northern Africa, that the Early Warning System and the Special Fund to support it. Panel of the Wise is now forging a continental framework to bring According to Article 11 of the Protocol establishing the PSC, the together its members and those with similar mandate from RECs Panel of the Wise is mandated to support the efforts of the PSC to enhance their capacities to advance the agenda of peace and and those of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC) in the security in Africa. In that connection, it organized from 4 to 5 area of conflict prevention. In doing so, it is free to undertake any June 2012, in Ouagadougou, a retreat on the strengthening of actions deemed appropriate, including pronouncing itself on any such relations that agreed to establish a Pan African Network of issue in order to promote peace and security in Africa. the Wise (PANWISE).

Members of the Panel of the Wise are five highly respected per- The PANWISE is, therefore, intended to bring together under one sonalities in Africa. They are appointed by the AU Assembly from umbrella the Panel of the Wise, Council of the Wise of ECOWAS; the proposals of the AUC Chairperson and on the basis of one Committee of Elders of COMESA; Mediation Reference Group member from each of the AU geographical region. They serve and Panel of Elders of SADC; Mediation Contact Group of IGAD; for a three-year term with a possibility of re-appointment once. and all future similar structures of ECCAS, EAC, CEN-SAD, and The Panel was officially inaugurated on 18 December 2007. In UMA. So far, a ‘Draft Framework for the Operationalization of the July 2010, it was strengthened by a group of Friends of the Pan- Pan-African Network of the Wise’ has been developed by the el who are similarly appointed by the Assembly, and enjoy the Secretariat of the Panel ready to be examined by all stakehold- same status and privileges as members of the Panel. The cur- ers in March 2013 before its submission to the higher organs for rent members are President (South), Dr Salim their consideration. Ahmed Salim (East), Dr Mary Chinery-Hesse (West), and Mme Marie Kalala-Ngoy (Central). The Northern region is vacant fol- This shall, hopefully, enhance coordination and harmonization of lowing the passing away of President Ahmed Ben Bella in 2012. mandates, structures, and activities of the PANWISE members The Friends of the Panel are President Miguel Trovoada (Cen- at the continental level in the spirit of promoting ‘Pan Africanism tral), Dr Elizabeth Pognon (West), and Dr Brigalia Bam (South). and African Renaissance’ towards an integrated, prosperous The Eastern and Northern regions are also vacant. and peaceful Africa.

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AU ECHO Edited and compiled by: Wynne Musabayana Directorate of Information and Communication [email protected] New Conference Center African Union Contributing writers PO Box 3243 Wynne Musabayana Roosevelt Street Esther Azaa Tankou Old Airport Area Afrah Mohammed Addis Ababa Yaye Nabo Sene Ethiopia Nellie Nguegan (AUC Youth Volunteer)

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Photography Engida Wassie AU ECHO is published by the Directorate of Information and Yohannes Negash Communication of the African Union Commission. Its views do not necessarily reflect the views of the African Union 1212