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Nelson Mandela honoured in Ecumenical Centre

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GENEVA, Switzerland, December 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty, permanent representative of South Africa to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, recalled his friend and former president Nelson Mandela in a memorial service on 16 December at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva.

The service of prayer, remembrance and thanksgiving for Mandela's life was sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and led by participants from the WCC, ACT Alliance, Conference of European Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Student Christian Federation and the World YWCA.

In welcoming remarks, WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit noted that the ecumenical movement as a whole lent support to Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement for many decades. Tveit and other religious leaders from throughout the world travelled to South Africa over the past ten days, praying with the family and nation.

“In a remarkable way, Mandela gathered the whole world to celebrate the best and shared values of human beings, also in the moment of his death. This was a miracle in itself, a new sign of hope he gave to the world,” he said.

Tveit recalled the challenge issued by Archbishop Desmond Tutu at last week's memorial celebration in a Johannesburg stadium, “Do you commit yourselves to the values of Nelson Mandela?”

“None of us can be like him,” said Tveit. “But we can follow him. We all can learn from him.”

Dr Agnes Abuom of Kenya, newly elected moderator of the WCC Central Committee, recalled Mandela as “the model and epitome of the full liberation we seek.” She compared him to Joseph in the biblical book of Genesis, capable of forgiving those who had sold him into decades of slavery. Even so, “supporting Nelson Mandela was not always fashionable.”

Abuom said that “Mandela was a gift from the continent of Africa to the whole world”, attracting heads of state and government from more than half the nations and providing once again the sense of “a new global consciousness”.

Ambassador Minty said that the Ecumenical Centre service on Monday 16 December happened to fall on a South African holiday, the Day of Reconciliation. This year, a monumental statue of Mandela is being unveiled in South Africa.

Minty was a schoolboy when he first met Mandela in the 1950s. He reminisced him, both as a great leader and as a person with genuine concern for all people he met.

He paid tribute to the many individuals, communities and institutions that struggled against apartheid over many years. He offered thanks in particular to the “very, very prophetic role” played by the WCC and its Programme to Combat Racism (PCR). He praised church leaders, including former WCC general secretary Philip Potter, the first PCR director Baldwin Sjollema, as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu who chaired the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission during Mandela's presidency.

Minty also honoured the memory of Archbishop Trevor Huddleston from the Church of England, “a lifelong friend to Nelson Mandela” who “played a kind of Gandhian role” in the anti-apartheid movement.

Minty concluded, “We all have the responsibility to answer for ourselves how we can take up the legacy that Nelson Mandela leaves us with. And how can we all live up to that great legacy and create or turn hope into reality?”


Preliminary Declaration Mali Run-off Legislative Polls.

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BAMAKO, Mali, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- PRELIMINARY DECLARATION


I. INTRODUCTION


1. Following the first round of legislative elections on 24 November 2013 in Mali that produced only 20 Deputies, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Kadré Désiré OUEDRAOGO, deployed a 50-Member Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the 15 December 2013 run-off legislative elections expected to return 127 Deputies to the country's 147-Member National Assembly. The EOM was once more led by His Excellency Professor Amos SAWYER, former President of the Interim Government of National Unity of the Republic of Liberia, and supported by the ECOWAS Electoral Technical Team.


2. On arrival in Bamako on 13 December, the Head of Mission was briefed by the Special Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission on the political and security situation in Mali. He also held a meeting with other Observer Missions, including the OIF, to exchange ideas on the exercise before them.


3. ECOWAS Observers started arriving on 11 December 2013 and following a briefing and orientation Session on 14 December, they were deployed to the Regions of Koulikoro, Segou and Sikasso, as well as the Bamako Communes.



II. ELECTORAL CONTEXT


4. In-between the two rounds, ECOWAS continued to monitor the situation in the country through its Early Warning Mechanism and the Office of the Special Representative in Bamako. During this period, the security situation has remained calm but fragile in the south but quite volatile in the north, amidst growing terrorist attacks in the northern regions of Timbuktu and Kidal. Nevertheless, the combined efforts of the Mali Defence and Security Forces (MDSF), MINUSMA, and the French Forces have stabilized the situation to an extent. On the political front, a fledging dialogue process and commitment of major political stakeholders to the conclusion of the transition to democracy have contributed to confidence-building.


5. The ECOWAS EOM took particular note of measures by the electoral management institutions to address some of the administrative shortcomings noticed in the first round of the polls, including the following:

a) Continued sensitization of voters on the election procedures;

b) Early display of Voters Lists at several polling stations across the country.





III. ELECTION DAY: OPENING, VOTING AND CLOSING OF THE POLLS

6. The opening of polls within 5 minutes of the official time of 08.00hrs,helped by the early availability of sufficient quantities of electoral materials, as well as the presence of election officials, polling agents, representatives of the candidates/political parties, and monitors from the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and in some cases, the Constitutional Court;


7. The problem of low voters turnout persisted due to a combination of factors, such as voter apathy, disenfranchisement of a considerable number of newly eligible voters and security concerns in parts of the north.


8. The atmosphere on Election Day, particularly the voting process and the conduct of the electoral agents showed that best practices and improvements were maintained, compared to the first round. This manifested in the following:


a) Prior to the commencement of voting, all materials were in place and personnel had positioned themselves for the exercise;


b) The effective but non-obstructive presence of security agents in all the polling centres visited. This is in addition to the presence of a number of local and international observers;


c) The high level of professionalism displayed by the election officials with regard to the discharge of their assignment, especially in guaranteeing the secrecy of the ballot;


d) The smooth and transparent conduct of the tallying and recording in accordance with Malian law and international standards.


9. In spite of the above, some incidents were noticed during the process in Communes 2 and 3 in Bamako.


IV.PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

10. Based on the reports and observations so far received from ECOWAS field observers, the ECOWAS EOM concludes that the observed incidents did not in any way lower the conduct of the elections below internationally accepted standards. The EOM consequently adjudges the run-off legislative elections of 15 December 2013 to have taken place in acceptable conditions of freedom and transparency.


11. In light of the preceding observations and conclusions, the ECOWASEOM to the second round of the legislative elections in Mali makes the following recommendations:


A. To the Government, Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and the In-Coming

National Assembly:


 The ECOWAS EOM wishes to reiterate its earlier recommendation for the rationalization and consolidation of electoral administration in order to enhance coherence and effectiveness;

 The EOM restates its recommendation for Electoral Reform aimed at eliminating the provision for a second-round of legislative elections, due to its cost-implication;



B. To the Government, MINUSMA and Operation SERVAL


 While condemning the resurgence of terrorist attacks in parts of the north, the ECOWAS EOM urges the allied forces in Mali to intensify efforts in sustaining the war against terrorism in order to enhance stability and comprehensive development in the country.


C. To the Political Parties, Coalitions and Candidates


 The Mission urges the parties and independent candidates to ensure that their candidates and supporters adhere strictly to the existing electoral regulations and procedures, and the rule of law, and to resort to only legal means in seeking redress for any grievances resulting from the conduct of the elections.


D. To the International Community


 With the imminent conclusion of the electoral process, the EOM calls on the international community to live up to its commitment of providing resources and facilities for the much needed post-conflict peace-building and reconstruction efforts in Mali, to enhance the full recovery and stability of Mali.


12. The EOM congratulates the people of Mali on the imminent successful conclusion of the political transition and urges them to sustain and deepen the on-going democratic process.


13. The ECOWAS EOM congratulates the President of the Republic of Mali, H.E Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, his Government and the Electoral Organs for their tenacity in concluding the legislative elections. It further enjoins the Government to brace up for the task of achieving cohesion in the country. In this case, the reconciliation process put in place by the Government should be strengthened.


14. The ECOWAS EOM expresses profound gratitude to the Mediator, H.E Blaise Compaoré and the Associate Mediator, H.E Goodluck Jonathan, for facilitating the constructive dialogue which heralded the political transitional process.



Done at Bamako this 16th Day of December, 2013

The Head of the ECOWAS Observation Mission




ECOWAS OBSERVER MISSION COMMENDS MALIANS FOR SUCCESSFUL PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

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BAMAKO, Mali, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Mali's second-round Parliamentary polls on 15th December has commended Malians for their peaceful conduct and the “imminent successful conclusion of the political transition” in the country following its security and political crises from last year.


In its 14-point Preliminary Declaration, the 50-member Mission led by Prof. Amos Sawyer, Liberia's former President of Government of National Unity, adjudged the elections as “having taken place in acceptable conditions of freedom and transparency,” adding that “some incidents” observed in a few polling stations and the “low voter turnout did not in any way lower the conduct of the elections below internationally accepted standards.”


“I am optimistic that Mali is on the right path,” Prof. Sawyer said at a press conference after the release of the Declaration.


He described the elections as “another milestone in the rebuilding of democratic institutions that should be accompanied by national dialogue and reconciliation,” noting that with the support of the international community mobilized by ECOWAS, much progress would be achieved.


In the declaration, read by Ambassador Leopold Ouedraogo, a Member of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, the EOM called on “the international community to live up to its commitment of providing resources and facilities for the much needed post-conflict peace-building and reconstruction efforts in Mali, in order to enhance full recovery and stability” of the country.


The Observer Mission also urged Malians to “sustain and deepen the ongoing democratic process,” and enjoined the Government to “brace up for the task of achieving cohesion in the country,” by strengthening the reconciliation process it put in place.


It commended the regional Mediator on Mali, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso and the Associate Mediator, President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, for facilitating the constructive dialogue which heralded the political transition process.


While noting that the security situation in the country “has remained calm but fragile in the South, and quite volatile in the North amidst growing terrorist attacks in the northern regions of Timbuktu and Kidal,” the EOM, however, said the combined efforts of the Mali Defence and Security Force, the UN Mission, MINUSMA and the French Forces “have stabilized the situation to an extent.”


It called on the allied forces to intensify efforts in sustaining the war against terrorism to enhance stability and development in the country.


The run-off poll was to elect 127 Deputies to Mali's 147-Member National Assembly following the inconclusive first round balloting on 24th November that produced only 20 Deputies.


ECOWAS BOOSTS ENERGY SUPPLY OF MEMBER STATES

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ABUJA, Nigeria, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Citizens of West African countries benefitting from a US$108-million regional emergency energy programme will experience “significant improvements” in their energy generation and supply from next year, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Kadre Desire Ouedraogo has assured.


Speaking in Abidjan on Monday, 16th December 2013, during the signing ceremony for the grants to three ECOWAS beneficiary countries, the president said the persisting energy deficit which became more acute in the last ten years, has impacted negatively on the region's competitiveness, productivity and economic growth.


The Gambia, Mali and Sierra Leone are the latest beneficiaries of the regional programme based on requests by the States. This is to enable them rehabilitate some of their generation infrastructure and network, build capacity, install pre-payment metres and develop an improved mechanism for coordination and monitoring of their energy utilities.


Guinea Bissau and Guinea were the first beneficiaries under the programme which was launched in 2010.


The latest intervention in the energy sector through this programme, the president said, is in response to the directives by Heads of State and Government of Member States in their determination to improve energy supply as a complementary tool for spurring the region's economic development.


He explained that the programme would address the severe energy shortages in these countries, which have had to rely on load-shedding in order to meet the minimum energy needs of their population with multidimensional implications mostly in the health, social and economic sectors resulting in public disaffection.


Describing the programme as aptly capturing the “spirit of solidarity” behind the ECOWAS integration project, the president said it is being financed by the Community “with the deep conviction that its implementation will alleviate the energy supply of the three countries” by replacing epileptic power supply with a more reliable supply.”


Earlier, Cote d'Ivoire's Minister of Economic infrastructure, Mr Patrick Achi, applauded the community spirit behind the programme which he said would impact positively on the economy of the states and the development of the region.


In the same vein, The Gambia's Energy Minister, Mrs. Tenengba Jaiteh, who responded on behalf of the beneficiary states praised regional leaders for their “strong support” to Member States in dire need of assistance.


She said the “funds to be disbursed are urgently required to help stabilise the precarious situations which we have been grappling with in our various synergy sectors.”


Mali would get U$54.32 million, followed by The Gambia with US$31.8 million, while Sierra Leone would receive US$21.8 million of the grants to be disbursed in two tranches over 12 months.


The African Union deeply concerned about the ongoing developments in South Sudan

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is following, with deep concern, the situation in South Sudan, marked by an outbreak of fighting in parts of Juba, since the evening of Sunday 15 December 2013. The Chairperson of the Commission is particularly concerned about the safety and security of the civilian population.


The Chairperson of the Commission urges the Government and leadership of South Sudan and all other stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and avert any further escalation. She urges them to seek the resolution of their differences through peaceful means, with due respect for the rule of law, human rights and constitutional legality. The Chairperson of the Commission expresses AU's readiness to assist in finding a solution to the current situation within the context of relevant AU's instruments.


The number of Ethiopian returnees from Saudi Arabia surpasses estimates

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GENEVA, Switzerland, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urgently appealing to the international community for financial support to continue providing immediate post arrival humanitarian assistance to thousands of Ethiopian migrants arriving from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).


As the arrival has surpassed the projected 120,000 migrants within a month, the Government of Ethiopia and IOM are now looking at an additional 35,000 migrants expected to arrive from the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and new arrivals from Medina.


IOM was facing a funding gap of USD 11.2 million to assist 120,000 migrants. However, as the number of returnees increases, the financial gap has further widened. According to the government's estimates, there are currently 155,000 projected migrants expected to return. Despite financial contributions IOM has received from CERF-OCHA, HRF-OCHA, ECHO-ERM and Ethiopia's Indian Business Forum, there is still need for more support.


In addition to the financial assistance, IOM has received in-kind contributions from International Rescue Committee, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Food Programme, United Nations Children's Fund, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF Spain), Ethiopian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, among others. The donations range from water and sanitation kits, dignity kits, ambulances, medicine, water tanks, blankets, tents, high energy biscuits, soaps and mobile toilets among others.


The migrants express their gratitude for the assistance IOM has provided. Twenty-two-year-old Fetiah,* one of the migrants, said, “I had just arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when this calamity happened and I was forced to flee. I am in debt to my neck – the people that smuggled me into Saudi Arabia are demanding that I pay all the money I owe them. The hot meals, the medical attention, and the transportation allowance that we receive at Bole Airport make a world of difference for someone like me who has nothing but some old clothes in a suitcase.”


This Emergency operation is greatly challenged by the recurrent uncertainties of the number of returning migrants. Apart from transportation from the airport to the transit centers, the migrants need medical attention, psychological support, feeding and WASH, onward transport and reintegration back into their communities. With limited funding and the increased uncertainties on the total number of migrants remaining, adequate planning is continuously challenging.


*name has been changed to protect identity

IOM launches Christmas HIV Awareness for Mozambican mine workers back from South Africa

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GENEVA, Switzerland, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IOM organizes, this week, an HIV awareness and testing campaign for mine workers returning from the South African gold and platinum mines for the holidays. The campaign, which also marks International Migrants' Day on December 18th, will be done in Ressano Garcia border town, a thriving border post which is the main artery linking Mozambique and South Africa.


Mozambique currently has around 35,000 registered mine workers in South Africa; many of them return to their communities of origin over the Christmas period to celebrate with their families. The border office extends its opening hours to 24 hours a day in order to manage the sharp increase in Mozambicans returning from South Africa.


At least 1.5 million Mozambicans are estimated to be living in South Africa, the regional economic hub. The dynamics of migration increase the HIV vulnerability of migrants mine workers and their families. Regions from where the mine workers originated have the most heavily affected HIV communities in the country, with up to one in three adults living with the virus.


During the week of activities, The Employment Bureau of Africa (TEBA) volunteers, who have been trained in IOM's health promotion model, will conduct outreach activities targeting mine workers at TEBA's office in Ressano Garcia border town to stimulate demand for HIV-related services. Activities include: one-on-one dialogue, radio listening groups, theatre, singing, dancing, and video shows. Volunteers will also refer mine workers to on-site counselling and testing services provided by the Estradas (roads) project called FHI360's, and collect information about miners' destinations to provide follow-up services in their community.


The collaboration between IOM, TEBA and FHI360 is funded by USAID/PEPFAR, under the project Community-Based Responses to HIV and AIDS in Mine-Sending Communities in Mozambique (Txivirika). In this role, IOM provides capacity-building and day-to-day technical support to TEBA Development to implement its USAID/PEPFAR Txivirika project.

New Mission Commander for EU training mission in Somalia

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BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Brigadier General Massimo Mingiardi was today appointed new Mission Commander for the EU training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia).

General Mingiardi, from Italy, will take up his duties on 15 February 2014. He will succeed Brigadier General Gerald Aherne, who had been in the position since February

2013.

EUTM Somalia, launched in spring 2010, has contributed to training about 3,600 Somali troops so far, with a special focus on officers, specialists and trainers. It is part of the EU's comprehensive approach for a stable, democratic and prosperous Somalia and embedded in the EU strategic framework for the Horn of Africa.

The mission provides specialised military training and mentoring in the training domain. It also delivers political and strategic advice to the Somali ministry of defence and the chief of defence forces and advises on security sector development. This is to lay the foundations of a Somali-owned military training system. In the first months of 2014, the mission is set to conduct all its advisory, mentoring and training activities in Mogadishu,

Somalia.

Today's decision was taken by the EU's Political and Security Committee.


For more information, see the factsheet and the EUTM Somalia website.


Brigadier General Massimo MI GIARDI

Brigadier General Massimo Mingiardi was born In 1963 in Florence. He joined the Army

in 1982 and was commissioned Into the Airborne Brigade Folgore as a Platoon

Commander In 1986, after completing the four-year course at the Military Academy In

Modena and at the School of Military Studies In Torino. After two years he was appointed as an Instructor to the Military Academy.

In 1991 he was commissioned as a Company Commander In the Airborne School in Plsa.

In 1992 he was appointed as a Company Commander In the 186°Airborne Regiment In

Siena and with his company took part in Operation RESTORE HOPE and In UNISOM II In Somalia. After one year at the war college , 1994 to 95, he was appointed as a staff officer to the General Army Staff In the Intelligence Branch until 1998:

From 1998 to 1999 he attended the Joint Senior Staff Course and after one year as a staff officer In the General Defence Staff, he commanded the 5th Airborne Battalion In Siena from 1999 to 2001 taking part In Operation JOINT GUARDIAN In Kosovo.

From 2001 to 2006 he was appointed as Chief of Section In the J5 Plans Division In the IT

Joint Operations Headquarters (Italy's PJHQ equivalent). From 2006 to 2008 he commanded the 183°Airborne Regiment Nembo In Plstola (Tuscany).

He joins the Royal College of Defence Studies In London upon completing two years as Chief of J5 Plans Division at the Italian Joint Operations Headquarters in Rome.

In October 2011 was appointed as Commander of Airborne Brigade Folgore.

From Aprll2013 Is the Deputy Commander of Infantry School.

He graduated in Political Science at Bologna University and In Military Studies at Torino University. He got a Master In Strategic Science at Torino University and a Master In International Strategic and Military Studies at Milano University.

He attended the European Security Defence Polley Orientation ourse. He enjoys a wide variety of sports (in particular skydiving} and hobbies.


Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Declarations on the end of the M23′s rebellion against the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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TOKYO, Japan, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- 1. Japan welcomes the Declarations signed on December 12 respectively by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the M23 and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the President of Uganda, and Chair of the Southern African Development Community, the President of Malawi, on the end of rebellion of the M23 against the Government of the DRC.


2. Japan considers these declarations as an important step towards consolidation of peace in eastern DRC and the region. It also expects that the Government of the DRC, neighboring countries, the UN and regional organizations work together to implement the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region signed in Addis Ababa on February 24. On this occasion, it also hopes that the other armed groups in the country lay down their weapons.


3. Consolidation of peace is one of the priority areas of Japan's ODA policy in the DRC. For sustainable peace in the country, Japan will continue its support such as capacity building of the police and improvement of access to social services.

IFC Helps Bank of Africa Côte d’Ivoire Support Trade, Small Business Growth

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ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has committed a $2 million trade finance guarantee to Bank of Africa Côte d'Ivoire and signed an agreement to provide the bank with advisory services to help it increase lending to smaller businesses in the country.


IFC's support for BOACI will help hundreds of the bank's small business clients gain financing to engage in cross-border trade, or to take loans to buy equipment or material for expansion. IFC's advisory support program aims to help BOACI grow its portfolio of small business loans by 20 percent by 2016.


Lala Moulaye, Director General of the BOACI, said, “The trade finance guarantee from IFC will allow us to better support Côte d'Ivoire's smaller importers and exporters. This partnership will help BOACI finance smaller businesses, grow its SME portfolio, and enhance its presence in international markets.”


Peer Stein, IFC Access to Finance Advisory Director, said, “IFC's partnership with BOACI will help strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's financial infrastructure and its small business sector, which plays a critical role in job creation and the health of the country's economy. IFC is committed to Côte d'Ivoire's long-term growth and our investments in the country are expected to total $250 million this fiscal year.”


IFC's one-year advisory support program is specifically designed to help BOACI improve its market knowledge of the SME sector, roll out an SME strategy, and improve its risk management framework. IFC will also train about sixty BOACI staff on risk management and working with SMEs.


The $2 million trade finance facility, provided by IFC's Global Trade Finance Program, will allow BOACI to establish working partnerships with a number of major international and regional confirming banks in the program, strengthening regional trade.


Although Côte d'Ivoire is one of the strongest and most diversified economies in West Africa, its smaller businesses still struggle to obtain the financing and support they need to expand or take on more employees.


IFC's partnership with BOACI is part of its broader strategy to help Côte d'Ivoire's smaller businesses more easily obtain financing and access training opportunities. IFC is also supporting growth in Côte d'Ivoire's power, tourism, and agribusiness sectors and, with the World Bank, is advising the country on investment climate reforms.


NGO Bill threatens to hinder civil society’s work in South Sudan, UN rights experts warn

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GENEVA, Switzerland, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Three United Nations Special Rapporteurs today warned that the NGO Bill currently discussed by Parliament in South Sudan threatens the work and independence of civil society organizations in the country.

“The Government oversight proposed in the draft law goes beyond simple notification requirements and veers into the territory of excessive control,” they stressed.


“We urge the Government of South Sudan to reject legislation that would unduly restrict the sectors in which associations can work and narrowly defines permissible objectives for these associations, severely limiting the independence of such groups,” they said.


The human rights experts reiterated their serious concern about the growing trend in Africa and elsewhere to wield more governmental control over independent groups using so-called ‘NGO laws'. “South Sudan's NGO Bill is yet further evidence of a worrying tendency worldwide,” they noted.


The NGO Bill also includes burdensome registration and re-registration requirements and criminal penalties for non-compliance with the proposed law.


“The ability of civil society organizations to engage in activities of their own choosing is fundamental to the right to freedom of association,” the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, said. “And this right is critical in ensuring that newly formed (or constituted) countries such as South Sudan develop in a way that strengthens democracy and development.”


The NGO Bill also subjects civil society organizations to a regulatory body mainly composed of Government representatives and members appointed by the Government. This body has broad authority ‘to facilitate and coordinate the work of all national and foreign' NGOs and ‘to provide policy guidelines for harmonizing their activities with the National Development Plan for South Sudan,' and the power ‘to receive and consider application for work permits in respect of prospective employees of a registered NGO.'


“The vague provisions and administrative discretion provided in the NGO Bill could be wielded as tools to suppress dissenting views and opinions,” the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, cautioned. “NGOs working in governance, anti-corruption and human rights would be particularly at risk.”


Other vague provisions allow for the revocation of the registration status to organizations that contravene the principles of ‘Participation of local communities' and require that civil society organizations not interfere with ‘national policies, which are too broad grounds for revoking registration


“These provisions clearly undermine the independence of civil society and place undue restrictions on the right to freely associate which limits the ability of human rights defenders to claim rights for all,” the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, underscored.


South Sudan: Humanitarian situation deteriorates in Juba

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GENEVA, Switzerland, December 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Armed clashes in Juba since 15 December have left hundreds in urgent need of medical care. Thousands of civilians, including women and children, have fled their homes in search of safety, taking very little with them. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing the city's two major hospitals with support so that they can cope with the heavy influx of patients.


More than 300 people have been admitted to Juba Teaching Hospital and Juba Military Hospital over the past two days. The ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross have delivered to the hospitals enough wound-dressing materials and other urgently needed medical supplies to treat up to 500 people.


"We know there are more people who need care, but they are having difficulty reaching health-care facilities because of the security situation and the lack of available transportation," said Felicity Gapes, an ICRC delegate who is leading the medical response on the ground. "Staff in both hospitals have been working around the clock, but they are struggling because of the sheer volume of patients and the severity of the injuries."


The ICRC is calling on the fighting parties to take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian casualties and to allow people to safely reach health-care facilities. The organization is closely monitoring needs. Together with the South Sudan Red Cross, it will take further action as the security situation permits.


Minister for Africa calls for an end to hostilities in South Sudan

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LONDON, United-Kingdom, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- FCO Minister for Africa calls for an end to hostilities in South Sudan and for leaders to resolve differences through political means.


Following continued fighting in Juba, South Sudan, Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mr Mark Simmonds said:


“I have been following with great concern the reports of fighting in Juba and elsewhere in South Sudan. I urge the leaders on all sides to end hostilities. I also call on the Government to recognise its responsibilities to protect all civilians, be they South Sudanese or foreign nationals.”


“After years of conflict, the people of South Sudan expect their leaders to resolve their differences through political, instead of military, means. Their response to the events of the past few days should always be in accordance with the rule of law and without acts of retribution against particular communities. Unless there is restraint from all sides it will be impossible to move the country further towards true national reconciliation.”


Africa: Responding to the Humanitarian, Security, and Governance Crisis in the Central African Republic

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WASHINGTON, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Testimony

Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Subcommittee on African Affairs

Washington, DC

December 17, 2013


Thank you Chairman Coons, Ranking Member Flake and other members for the opportunity to testify before you today on this urgent matter. I very much appreciate your interest and your raising the profile of this issue. I have submitted a full written testimony to the committee and I would ask that it be entered into the record and I will summarize briefly that testimony here today.

We are deeply concerned by the horrific violence across Central African Republic (CAR), particularly the increasingly sectarian nature of the attacks on civilians, as you described. We are working closely with the international to end the violence and restore security to CAR.

We have publicly condemned Seleka's seizure of power and its campaign of rape, pillage, and killings. We have also warned that individuals responsible for fueling and engaging in violence and human rights violations will be held accountable. Ambassador Power delivered this message directly to Transitional President Djotodia in a telephone conversation on December 7.

On December 5th, the United States cosponsored UN Security Council Resolution 2127 which establishes and arms embargo, a sanctions committee and a panel of experts, a Commission of Inquiry, an increase in the human rights monitoring capacity of the UN Political Office in CAR.

In September, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution creating an Independent Expert position for CAR.

To immediately stem the violence, we strongly supported the UN Security Council's authorization of a one-year Chapter VII mandate for the African Union-led International Stabilization Force in the Central African Republic (MISCA), and for an expanded French troop presence in support of MISCA. We believe MISCA, working closely with French forces, provides the most immediate mechanism for ending the violence. In addition, we believed MISCA's robust stabilization mandate is what is needed now to confront and disarm the armed groups.

To give these forces their best chance of success on the ground, we are providing them equipment, strategic airlift and pre-deployment training.

On November 20, Secretary Kerry announced that the State Department, pending Congressional notification, would provide $40 million in assistance to MISCA troop contributors from existing resources. On December 10, the President delegated authority to Secretary Kerry to direct the drawdown of up to $60 million in defense article and services from existing Department of Defense resources in order to provide immediate military assistance for France, the AU, and countries contributing forces to MISCA. We have already begun utilizing this fund to airlift 850 Burundi troops into CAR in an operation that is scheduled to be completed this week.

Because of the dangerous sectarian tensions in CAR, we have actively reached out to local radio stations and other media to encourage them to transmit messages from Christians and Muslim religious leaders urging peace and reconciliation. President Obama recorded a statement to the people of CAR on December 9 the message has been translated into French and Sango played repeatedly on multiple radio stations throughout CAR. And we've heard from people in CAR that they've appreciated hearing a message from the President.

We are working hard to respond to the most urgent humanitarian needs. In FY 2013, the U.S. provided more than $24 million in humanitarian assistance, with $6.2 million in additional assistance announced in September to assist new CAR refugees in neighboring countries.

We continue to insist that the CAR transitional government abide by the N'Djamena Declaration and the interim constitution, which calls for elections to take place no later than February 2015, and specify that members of the transitional government are ineligible to run.

Given the grave situation in the Central African Republic, and the need to see the situation first-hand, I hope to travel there very soon. Currently, our special advisor is in CAR.

Senator Coons, Ranking Member Flake, Members of the Committee, let me assure you that we remain deeply engaged at the highest level with the situation in CAR. We are working closely with our international partners to address the crisis and we look forward to keeping you and the Committee informed of our activities. And we look forward to additional support. I am glad to answer any questions you might have and I look forward, again, to briefing you on the situation as we continue to get information.

UN Special Representative concerned over local conflicts in Somalia

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MOGADISHU, Somalia, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia Nicholas Kay today expressed concern about recent local conflicts in the country.


Violent clashes in several parts of Somalia could threaten the country's progress towards peace and stability as well as the rights of thousands of affected citizens, according to the Special Representative. Clashes have been reported near Jowhar in Middle Shabelle, some areas around Beledweyne in Hiraan and around K50 in Lower Shabelle.


Reports indicate that clan-based militia are evicting farmers and villagers from productive farm land.


The clashes continue to cause death, injury, displacement and the destruction of property and crops in the fields. Those affected often come from smaller, or minority, clans and communities.


SRSG Kay said “the Federal Government of Somalia must continue to take these incidents seriously. Somali national security forces on the ground need to be inclusive and to uphold law and order. Elders and leaders need to find peaceful solutions.”


“The Federal Government should investigate fully what has happened. Those who have broken the law should face justice. The government must also protect the land and livelihoods of the rightful occupants,” Kay added.


SRSG Kay said: “I welcome the concern expressed publicly by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, most recently yesterday, and the efforts already underway to resolve disputes. Without a decisive response, these incidents may provoke a backlash that could grow into a new and more severe round of local conflicts. The UN will continue to monitor the situation and offer support to peace building and reconciliation efforts.”



Foreign Minister Wang Yi Holds Talks with Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy of Egypt

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BEIJING, China, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On December 16, 2013, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy in Beijing.


Wang Yi said that China and Egypt enjoy profound traditional friendship. China highly values the important status and role of Egypt as a major country in the region, and always sees Egypt as an important strategic partner. It is on the tiptoe of China's expectation that Egypt remains stable. China respects the right for Egyptian people to independently choose the political system and development path, and supports Egypt for its efforts to maintain stability, to develop economy and to improve people's livelihood. China has recently lifted the travel warning for Luxor, Sharm el Sheikh and other Egyptian destinations. If ensured their safety, more Chinese tourists will go Egypt again. We also hope that the Egyptian side will provide necessary support and convenience to the Chinese people and Chinese enterprises in Egypt.


Wang Yi said, tomorrow I will visit the Middle East. As a sincere friend of the regional countries, we are committed to the proper settlement of regional hotspot issues. We do not want to see any more wars and conflicts. We hope the Arabian countries and the countries in the region will go for development as soon as possible and play a greater role in safeguarding the overall interests of the developing countries and in promoting the world peace and development. China is willing to further strengthen coordination and cooperation with Egypt in international and regional affairs.


Nabil Fahmy briefed the latest situation in Egypt. He thanked China for the long time political and economic support for Egypt. He expressed that Egypt values Egypt-China relationship with strategic perspective, and is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various fields and in regional and international affairs.


They as well exchanged views on Syria issue, Iran's nuclear issue, Korean Peninsula situation and other topics.

CONCERNED OVER SOUTH SUDAN FIGHTING, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE SECURITY OF ALL CIVILIANS

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NEW YORK, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:


The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about reports of fighting between members of the SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army) in Juba and about the risk of targeted violence against certain communities. He urges all parties in the fighting to cease hostilities immediately. He calls on the leaders of SPLA to impose discipline on their forces and to exercise maximum restraint in the use of force. It is essential that the Government guarantees the security of all civilians regardless of their communities of origin.

Agribusiness set to boom in Africa, says DHL

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CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- It is no secret that Africa is on the rise and increasingly offering lucrative opportunities to local businesses due to the continent's steady economic growth, increased disposable income and high consumer confidence.


Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/dhl_logo2.jpg


Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/131216.jpg


Photo Charles Brewer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/charles-brewer.jpg (Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa)


Charles Brewer, Managing Director of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa (http://www.dhl.com), says that one particular sector which has seen significant growth in Africa is agribusiness, which entails the full value chain from agricultural production/farming through secondary processing, distribution and retailing to the end user/consumer (farm-to-fork concept). “The retail sector is booming in Africa, as is the rapid growth of populations and the African middle class. As a result of this expansion, there is a greater availability of and demand for good quality agricultural produce and processed food products than ever before.”


He points to the recent report by World Bank - Growing Africa: Unlocking the Potential of Agribusiness – which revealed that Africa's farmers and agribusinesses could create a trillion-dollar food market by 2030 – a three-fold increase from the current size of the market which is estimated to be worth $313 billion.


“This expected growth highlights the growing market and many opportunities for South African agribusiness and related value chain role players to expand into Africa,” says Brewer.


According to Hennie van der Merwe, CEO of the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), based in South Africa, Africa provides a new market for agribusiness firms.


“Given its increased spending power, demand for goods and untapped land resources, Africa is currently experiencing a revival in terms of its focus on agribusiness, not only to increase food self-sufficiency, but also to create jobs and economic activity, specifically in rural areas,” says van der Merwe.


“In the current climate, Africa is increasingly offering greater growth forecasts,” he notes. However, he explains that while Africa is well-endowed with resources, it often lacks much of the necessary expertise to unlock the commercial potential of its agriculture resources, whereas South Africa is well regarded for its expertise in commercial farming and agribusiness.


“One of the major limitations on agribusiness development in Africa is a human capacity and human skills constraint. The ability and experience to develop and manage commercial farming and agribusiness ventures are largely lacking in the African environment and that major technology transfer and capacity building would be necessary in this regard.”


Van der Merwe says this is where the opportunity lies for local businesses and farmers to expand beyond their borders and offer expertise in neighbouring countries.


Van der Merwe adds that it is vital to have partnerships in place before venturing into projects in Africa. “Partnerships with a local business or association in the specific country are necessary as business owners need to be provided with assistance, guidance and sometimes protection when in the area. It is also essential/indispensable to ensure that all the building blocks for working value chains are in place to ensure and support successful operation. A local partnership will also assist with analysing the market carefully to evaluate what the real market needs, requirements and opportunities are.”


“The market in Africa is there and ready, but the question is how local businesses create a direct link to service the market needs,” concludes Brewer.


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.



Media Contact:

Lee Nelson. Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL Express

Tel +27 21 409 3613 Mobile +27 72 361 0178

lee.nelson@dhl.com


DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL (http://www.dhl.com) is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 285,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.


DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 55 billion euros in 2012.



AfDB gathers partners in Tunis to advance Sustainable Energy for All in Africa

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TUNIS, Tunisia, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Development Bank (http://www.afdb.org) as host of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Africa Hub organized a two-day workshop in Tunis with representatives of partner institutions. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Global Facilitation Team headed by Kandeh Yumkella, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on SE4ALL. Since its launch, more than 80 Governments from around the world have formally engaged with the initiative, with 42 African countries “opted-in”.


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The workshop was attended by the SE4All Africa Hub partners: the African Union Commission (AUC), the NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as by representatives of the European Commission, World Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), UN Foundation, Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW), the UK's Department for International Development (DFID), Eskom, the ECOWAS Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the Ghana Energy Commission, amongst others. The workshop was successful in agreeing on a common framework and methodology to move SE4ALL forward at country-level, notably the development of SE4ALL Action Agendas and Investment Prospectuses that will provide a tool for mobilizing public and, in particular, private sector investments in the energy sector. The workshop participants also agreed on a tentative list of around 10 African countries on which efforts will focus in 2014.


During the workshop, Kandeh Yumkella met with AfDB President Donald Kaberuka, who is also an SE4ALL Advisory Board Member, and praised the work of the Bank as host of the SE4All Africa Hub. Donald Kaberuka said that the Bank considers it critical for the success of SE4ALL to be able to relatively quickly demonstrate concrete progress at the country level. The Bank will support a number of African countries with developing SE4ALL Action Agendas. In addition, the Bank stands ready to mobilize its full range of financing instruments to advance the SE4ALL agenda and to leverage additional investments notably from the private sector.


This workshop followed the 2nd Advisory Board meeting of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Initiative held in New York on November 26-27, 2013. It demonstrated both the momentum of the initiative and the opportunities that the initiative presents for Africa.


About SE4All Africa Hub: The UN Secretary General's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative was launched in September 2011 with the aim of achieving three main goals by 2030: (i) ensuring universal access to modern energy services; (ii) doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency; and (iii) doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The African Development Bank is at the forefront of the implementation of the SE4ALL Initiative and hosts the SE4ALL Africa Hub since May 2013 in partnership with the African Union Commission and the NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency and with the support of UNDP. The mission of the SE4ALL Africa Hub is to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the SE4ALL initiative on the African continent. The Hub will promote African ownership, inclusiveness and a comprehensive approach to the initiative's implementation.


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).



Contacts:

Media: Penelope Pontet de Fouquieres, Knowledge Management and Communications, T. +216 71 10 19 96 / C. +216 24 66 36 96 / p.pontetdefouquieres@afdb.org

Technical contact: Daniel-Alexander Schroth, SE4All Africa Hub coordinator, d.schroth@afdb.org



High-level UN representatives travel to Central African Republic

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NEW YORK, December 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui and the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, are travelling to the Central African Republic (CAR) from 17 to 21 December to assess the impact of the conflict on the civilian population, especially on women and children. The delegation will also include Nancee Oku Bright representing the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.


The mission will conduct field visits and hold consultations with the Transitional Authorities of CAR, representatives of regional organizations in Bangui, the diplomatic community, faith-based organizations, civil society, the humanitarian community and United Nations officials working in the country.


The security, human rights and humanitarian situation in CAR continues to deteriorate. The United Nations has received reports of widespread violations of human rights, including summary executions, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence and looting of property, including hospitals, schools and churches. Women and children are particularly affected by the conflict. It is estimated that 2.3 million children are affected by the crisis and at least 3,500 children have been recruited by armed groups.

During a visit to CAR by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict in December 2012, the Government signed two Joint Communiqués with the United Nations which included commitments to fight impunity for crimes of sexual violence, ensuring the protection of women, boys and girls from sexual violence in the context of an effective monitoring of the peace agreement, and greater support for services to survivors. The implementation of these commitments remains integral to combating conflict-related sexual violence in CAR.


The sectarian attacks and tensions between communities has destabilized and complicated the situation further. Urgent action is necessary to protect the civilian population, particularly women and children.



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