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The African Union welcomes the signing of agreements to end hostilities in South Sudan

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the signing, today, in Addis Ababa, by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army – SPLM/A (in opposition) of Agreements on Cessation of Hostilities and the Status of Detainees, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Peace and Security Commissioner Smaïl Chergui witnessed the ceremony on behalf of the AU.

The Chairperson of the Commission commends the parties for the spirit of compromise and mutual accommodation they demonstrated in the course of the negotiations. She expresses AU's deep appreciation of the commitment and leadership of the IGAD Chair, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, and the other Heads of State and Government of the region. She hails the perseverance and untiring efforts of the IGAD Mediation Team chaired by Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin and comprising General Lazaro Sumbeiywo and General Mohamed Ahmed M. El Dabi. She thanks the international partners for their continued support to the IGAD-led efforts.

Today's signing marks a first and significant step towards the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan. The Chairperson of the Commission calls on the parties to faithfully and fully implement the commitments they have made, so as to rapidly improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. In this respect, she stresses the importance of the early establishment and operationalization of the monitoring and verification mechanism provided for in the Agreement, and calls on the parties to extend full cooperation to IGAD.

Recalling the IGAD and the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) communiqués of 27 and 30 December 2013, respectively, the Chairperson of the Commission urges the parties to engage in the envisaged all-inclusive political dialogue with the required commitment and leadership, in order to address the underlying causes of the conflict, and to recommit themselves to rebuilding their young nation. She reiterates AU's commitment to continue supporting the IGAD-led efforts and to actively follow up on the relevant AU PSC decisions, notably through the early operationalization of the Commission of Inquiry to look into human rights violations committed in the course of the conflict, with the view to ensuring accountability and promoting reconciliation and healing.



MSF provides medical and humanitarian aid to refugees from South Sudan

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LONDON, United-Kingdom, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Every day, more than 1,000 South Sudanese refugees are fleeing the fighting in their home country, crossing into Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda, where emergency teams from Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) are providing medical and humanitarian aid.

In just one month, more than 89,000 people, mostly women and children, have been forced to leave their homes behind, often making long journeys on foot, by bus or by truck, taking with them only what they can carry. Some families arrive at the border with nothing; many are in need of food, water, shelter and medical care.

“Most of the refugees in Uganda fled the fighting in Bor, and walked for four or five days to reach Juba, where they took a bus or truck to the border,” says Ruben Pottier, MSF's head of mission in Uganda, which is now home to 46,000 South Sudanese refugees. “It really strikes you when you walk around the camp that there are very few men,” says Pottier.

More than 25,000 refugees are crammed into the Dzaipi settlement, a camp built for just 3,000 people. It is hot and dusty, and living conditions are terrible for those who are sheltering under the trees or inside a school. “We are treating serious cases of malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory tract infections,” says MSF's Dr Fredericke Dumont. “There are women suffering complications during pregnancy and some cases of malnutrition.”

20,000 people from Dziapi are set to be accommodated in a permanent camp in Numanzi, and there are plans to build three more camps in the coming weeks. MSF is currently setting up water and sanitation facilities, running inpatient and outpatient services, providing maternity care, vaccinations and nutrition support to refugees in Uganda. As new camps are built, MSF will expand its activities.

“Because there are now large numbers of people living in a region that has frequent epidemics of cholera and meningitis, we will be closely monitoring the health situation in the camps,” says Pottier.

Around 10,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled to neighbouring Kenya, where MSF is working at the Nadapal border crossing. Some arrive tired, hungry and dehydrated; others have sold what few personal belongings they were carrying in order to pay for transport.

Tok Maker Tot, 20, fled Juba with his mother and ten siblings after witnessing the shooting of some students at his university. His father stayed behind in the city. “Two students from our class were shot,” says Tot. “All the students have now fled. Those who have money have gone to Nairobi, others went to Kampala, others went to Ethiopia. But we, who do not have anything, are trying to go to Kakuma [a refugee camp in northwestern Kenya].”

“When people cross the border there is relief and often hope,” says Guilhem Molinie, MSF's head of mission in Kenya. “But you can see that people are used to tough realities. At the border I met a refugee who was pleading with officials to let him back into South Sudan. He wanted to find his mother, who was blind. I met another family who had been so scared before they left home that they had hidden under a bed for seven days.”

MSF is working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to screen all refugees arriving at Nadapal for measles. So far, the team has screened 6000 people, and vaccinated more than 1000 children against measles and polio. Seven suspected cases of measles have been referred to the local hospital for treatment. “With cases of measles reported at the camps in Juba, where most of these refugees transited through, it is of the utmost importance that we do all that we can to prevent an outbreak in Kenya” says Molinie.

As well as providing medical care, MSF has distributed more than 11,000 litres of water to the refugees in Nadapal.


In neighbouring Ethiopia, in the coming weeks MSF will provide outpatient services, maternity care, immunisations and nutrition care to 5,500 refugees who have settled temporarily in Tirgol, and will continue to provide these services once they are moved to a permanent camp in Leichure, which is currently under construction.

SECRETARY-GENERAL, WELCOMING CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN SOUTH SUDAN, CALLS FOR ACCORD’S IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION

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NEW YORK, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:


The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement on cessation of hostilities signed today in Addis Ababa by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in opposition. He calls on the parties to immediately implement this agreement. The Secretary-General congratulates the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on the successful mediation of this agreement and underscores the necessity to continue without delay a national political dialogue to reach a comprehensive peace agreement, with the participation of all South Sudanese political and civil society representatives, including the SPLM detainees.


The United Nations stands with the people of South Sudan and will continue to do everything within its means to protect civilians at risk and provide the necessary humanitarian assistance. In this context, the Secretary-General reiterates his call for all parties to ensure freedom of movement of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), humanitarian workers and human rights monitors, and welcomes the Government of South Sudan's reassurances of its full support to the Mission and commitment to honour its status-of-forces agreement.


SECRETARY-GENERAL ENCOURAGES EGYPTIANS TO ‘REDISCOVER COMMON GROUND’ AS THEY MARK THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR REVOLUTION

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NEW YORK, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:


As Egyptians mark the third anniversary of their revolution, the Secretary-General encourages them to renew their commitment to peaceful dialogue and non-violence. He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support Egypt in building the future for all Egyptians with dignity, freedom, responsible governance and development that inspired the uprising of 2011.


The Secretary-General believes that one of the central challenges moving forward is pluralism: the guarantee that all voices are heard, represented and have a stake in the system, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Acknowledging the adoption of a new constitution, the Secretary-General underlines the crucial need to guarantee the political space on which a stable and inclusive democracy can be built.


The Secretary-General encourages Egyptians to rediscover common ground. In his view, credible parliamentary and presidential elections in a free and open atmosphere are crucial steps ahead in the transition. The “National Independent Committee for fact finding and gathering information and evidence surrounding the 30 June revolution and following events, and documenting them” can be an opportunity to combat impunity and to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of those responsible for serious violations of international law. Protection of human rights — and the rights and participation of women, in particular — is an essential foundation for the future. Political parties must commit themselves to non-violence.


Revolutions and political transitions are complex phenomena that can take years to play out. A peaceful and democratic Egypt is what the people of Egypt deserve and is critical for the entire North Africa, Middle East region and beyond.

Journalists enlightened on the African Charter to Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of women in Africa

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union, Mrs. Litha Musyimi-Ogana, held a press conference on 22 January 2014 at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, within the framework of the 22nd African Union Summit, holding from 21 – 31 January 2014.


Mrs. Ogana Presented the status of ratification of the protocol of the African Charter of Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of women in Africa. She said within the timeframe of ten years 36 member states have ratified the protocol .She encouraged countries who have not yet signed to do so accordingly, while acknowledging at the press conference that member states have done their part beyond commitment in ratifying the protocol. “Now we are moving to the implementation phase of the protocol and so far 10 member states have expressed their interest”. These countries, she said will be given training and accessed on the status of implementation.

Mrs. Litha also added that, the member states are expected to report on their progress to the Commission. “In this regard Malawi is the only country which has submitted its report so far”, she said.

INTERVIEW STUDIO SET UP FOR MEDIA USE AT THE AU CONFERENCE CENTRE

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Media representatives are kindly informed that the Directorate of Information and Communication (DIC) of the African Union, has setup and interview studio with backdrops of the Union, for the use of Media during the twenty second (22nd) Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, holding from 21 to 31 January 2014 at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Venue: New Conference Center of the African Union (AUCC), Briefing room 2.


Uganda Supports US Airlift Missions

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ENTEBBE, Uganda, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- As U.S. airlift missions operating at the request of the French government and African Union authorities continue, Uganda maintains their role as a key U.S. strategic partner.


In just two months, the Ugandans allowed the U.S. military to stage at least three essential missions out of Entebbe.


"The Ugandans have been invaluable," Col. William Wyatt, Office of Security Cooperation Uganda chief said. "Both the Civil aviation authority and Ugandan People's Defense Force have been instrumental in helping us stage important missions out of Entebbe."

Most recently, the U.S. Air Force has been staging two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft out of Uganda to provide airlift support to a Rwandan mechanized battalion. The U.S. military is transporting equipment and soldiers to the Central African Republic in support of the African Union's effort to confront destabilizing forces and violence.


The ability to stage missions out of Uganda has been vital to mission success.


"Every day we coordinate with the Entebbe Handling Service and they provide us with crew buses and maintenance towing capabilities," said Maj. Micah Vander Veen Contingency Response Element Commander, and overall mission commander for the Entebbe stage. "They provide us with everything we need around the airfield, including security services."


The U.S. began the Rwandan airlifting mission January 16, 2014, and is scheduled to continue through the month.


In December of last year, the U.S. staged a Burundi airlift mission out of Uganda in support of the same African Union operation. The duration of the operation was approximately 10 days.


"With the rapid pace of events in East Africa the additional presence of the U.S. military was felt at Entebbe," said Wyatt. "However the Government of Uganda was very helpful in allowing U.S. forces to conduct these important missions in support of the African Union for the Central African Republic and evacuation of noncombatants from South Sudan.”


The most notable support the Ugandans have shown to the U.S. occurred when three CV-22 Ospreys were forced to divert to Entebbe after being fired upon, wounding four personnel onboard. The aircraft were attempting to land in Bor, to evacuate Americans from South Sudan.


During this diversion the Ugandans were conducting their own noncombatant evacuation operations out of Juba, South Sudan.


"When the U.S. had to emergency land in Entebbe, they were forced to occupy the only area on the airfield with lights," said Wyatt. "It was difficult for the Ugandans to process their people in the dark."


The civil aviation authorities and Ugandan's People Defense Air Force worked closely with U.S. Department of Defense authorities to make this mission and others a success.


Uganda is located in the geographical heart of Africa and it is evident they have played a critical role in past and current operations.



Vander Veen echoed positive sentiments as he spoke about the current airlift operation with the Rwandan soldiers, "Things are going extremely well, and the Ugandans have been strong partners in this operation."

THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD: 25 YEARS IN 2015

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A campaign for the universal ratification and reporting on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC)

Addis Ababa, 23 January, 2014. - Alongside the 22nd AU Summit (21 - 31 January, 2014), on 29 January, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) is launching the Campaign for the Universal Ratification of and Reporting on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). The campaign marks the 25th Anniversary of the adoption of the ACRWC on 11 July 1990. The campaign aims at securing a universal ratification of and reporting on the implementation of the ACRWC.

Presently the number of ratification stands at 47 out of 54 AU Member States. The remaining seven countries which are yet to ratify the ACRWC are: Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Federal Republic of Somalia, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Republic of South Sudan, and Tunisia. Similarly, only 20 out of 47 state parties have complied duly to their obligations to submit initial reports to the committee as stipulated in Article 43 of the ACRWC, among which only two, Burkina Faso and Kenya, have submitted their periodical reports.

For the committee to effectively undertake its mandate, all African countries are expected to ratify the charter and report on its implementation accordingly. Upon ratification the state parties have the obligation to protect, promote and fulfill the rights enshrined under the ACRWC. State parties to the charter are also obliged to recognize the rights, freedoms and duties enshrined in the ACRWC and shall undertake to the necessary steps to adopt such legislative or other measures as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of this charter. States parties to the ACRWC are required to report on the implementation of the provisions so the reporting mechanism is a means of monitoring compliance of the state with its child rights obligations.

The campaign is planned to be conducted within a two-year period culminating on 29 November, 2015, with a series of activities and outreach events across the continent. The campaign, inter alia, aims at achieving universal ratification and respect for states parties' fulfillment of their reporting obligations by 2015 and increasing the visibility of the ACRWC and its monitoring body. It also promotes the effective implementation of the ACRWC and advocates for the withdrawal of reservations.

A press conference will be held on 29 January, 2014 at 10:30 in the Briefing Room 1 of the African Union headquarters.

Media are invited to attend this event.


EU AND UNODC MARK the LAUNCH OF a new MARITIME SECURITY PARTNERSHIP in MAURITIUS

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PORT-LOUIS, Mauritius, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 27 January at La Plantation Hotel in Balaclava, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will celebrate the renewal of their partnership under the EU-funded Programme to Promote Regional Maritime Security in the Eastern and Southern Africa – Indian Ocean region, better known under its acronym MASE.

The EU and UNODC have agreed to take the opportunity of an important training session in Mauritius to celebrate the renewal of their partnership under the Programme to Promote Regional Maritime Security (MASE programme) in the presence of officials from the Government of Mauritius and criminal justice agencies, as well as representatives from the Indian Ocean Commission. Mr Guy Samzun, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Mauritius and Mr. Robert McLaughlin, senior legal advisor and counter-piracy expert representing UNODC will deliver statements on this occasion.

UNODC Maritime Crime Programme is dedicated to supporting States in the East African and Indian Ocean regions to combat maritime crime, with a focus on capacity building and criminal justice development. As part of the overarching MASE programme, the EU signed an agreement with UNODC in November 2013 to the amount of EUR 5 million to continue supporting States in the Eastern and Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region to develop and strengthen national/regional legal, legislative and infrastructural capability for arrest, transfer, detention and prosecution of pirates. This is a continuation of the ongoing European Union support to the valuable work of UNODC.

Under the EU-UNODC MASE partnership, the EU will provide funding for UNODC to continue its support to combating maritime crime for Eastern and Southern African and Indian Ocean States, including Mauritius. This support takes many forms and includes training of Judges, lawyers, police and prison staff; provision of new equipment; legislative support; infrastructural development, mentoring and support to maritime crime prosecutions. Such assistance is contingent upon the cooperation of national partners. The EU and UNODC have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with national criminal justice agencies in Mauritius and see this as a key component of the success of the new partnership under the MASE programme.

The implementation of the MASE programme requires regional ownership and responsibility, solidarity and intra-regional burden-sharing, effective communication and information-sharing mechanisms as well as collaboration with other implementing partners with expertise and experience. Therefore, the MASE programme will be implemented under the leadership of the Regional Organisations of the Eastern and Southern Africa – Indian Ocean in collaboration with other implementing partners including UNODC and INTERPOL. The new partnership between the EU and UNODC will be implemented under the framework of Result 2 of the MASE programme "Development and strengthening of national and regional legal, legislative and infrastructural capabilities" which is led by the East African Community.

Background

The European Union (EU) is stepping up its support to fight maritime crime in the Indian Ocean. Piracy, drugs and arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing and maritime pollution are serious threats that can undermine peace and stability and which increase the cost of doing business. In 2013, the EU launched the MASE programme, a new and crucial programme to combat maritime crime and promote maritime security in the Eastern and Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region. The MASE programme will provide support to reduce and prosecute maritime crimes in line with the Regional Strategy against Piracy and for Promoting Maritime Security adopted in October 2010 in Mauritius during the 2nd High Level Regional Ministerial Conference on Maritime Piracy It will thus secure trade routes in the Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region. The MASE Programme, which amounts to a total of EUR 37.5 million from the 10th European Development Fund, will be implemented over five years under the leadership of four Regional Organisations, namely IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development), COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), EAC (East African Community) and IOC (Indian Ocean Commission).

Under the EU - UNODC partnership, UNODC will be responsible for working to strengthen the ‘maritime criminal justice system' in Eastern and Southern Africa and

Indian Ocean states such as Mauritius. This is achieved through training, capacity building, and support to maritime crime prosecutions. Maritime crimes include piracy, trafficking of human beings, and smuggling of drug and weapons. Once suspects are arrested for maritime crimes, trials can be extremely difficult to conclude. This is because suspects and witnesses are often from countries other than the one in which the trial takes place, due to the international nature of maritime activities. UNODC works hand in hand with national governments to overcome these challenges and bring criminals to justice. In doing so, it provides assistance to the core national criminal justice institutions; assistance which is not limited to maritime security but has wider-ranging benefits.

In addition to the MASE partnership, the UNODC Maritime Crime Programme is also engaged in capacity building activities in Somalia, with a view to strengthening Somalia's own ability to combat and ultimately prosecute maritime crime, particularly piracy. A core component of Maritime Crime Programme's work is providing for prisoners that have been convicted for piracy in courts across the East African / Indian Ocean region to be transferred to prisons in Somalia where they can complete their sentences in their home country. UNODC is involved in the construction, maintenance and monitoring of these prisons to ensure that detainees are kept in secure and humane detention conditions.

In addition to the MASE programme, the European Union has a number of

programmes in support maritime security. Complementary to the work that UNODC undertakes, the EUCAP Nestor operation also has a mandate to support capacity development in national criminal justice systems. The combined actions of many countries and agencies in securing the Indian Ocean have proved effective in addressing piracy.

The programme complements a number of other EU actions including the two other missions of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy in the region, the

European Union Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atlanta, a naval operation that provides more direct support to secure safety on the high seas, and the EU military Training Mission (EUTM) for Somalia.


The 24th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU officially opens on Monday 27 January 2014

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The 24th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU officially opens on Monday 27 January 2014



WHAT: 24th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).


THEME: Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa


WHEN: 27- 28 January 2014 January 2014 at 10 a.m.


WHERE: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Large Conference Hall (plenary) /AUCC


WHY: In the context of the 22nd Summit of the AU, the twenty fourth (24th) Ordinary Session of the Executive Council will deliberate on the different reports of the ministerial meetings organised by the AU Commission during the last six months. The Ministers of External Affairs and other ministers or authorities designated by the governments of AU Member States will consider the activity report of the Commission; the recommendations of the PRC on the implementation of previous Decisions of the Executive Council and the Assembly; and the report of the ministerial committee on candidatures.


The Executive Council will also consider the report on the implementation of the of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA); the report of the Commission on the Situation in the Middle East and Palestine as well as the report of the Commission on implementation of Assembly Decision on granting competence to the African Court of Justice and Human Rights to deal with International Crimes.


One of the high moments during the Executive Council meeting will be the election of the ten members of the Peace and Security Council for a two year mandate, as well as the election of the president and vice president of the Pan-African University Council.


The ministers will in turn pass on their decisions and recommendations to the Heads of State and Government who will meet in their 22nd ordinary session from 30 to 31 January.



JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 24th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2014, AT 10:00 AM.


According to the draft program of the Executive Council, the official opening ceremony will feature among others, welcome remarks by the Chairperson of the Executive Council, a statement by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, a statement by the UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UNECA and a group Photo for Ministers. Camera people are invited to cover the photo session immediately after the opening ceremony in front of the plenary hall of the AUC Conference Center.

Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Presidential Election in the Republic of Madagascar

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TOKYO, Japan, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- 1. A new President was elected after the presidential elections in the Republic of Madagascar in a format that reflected the consensus of its citizens. Japan expresses its respect to the people of Madagascar, the country's interim government and the institutions concerned, for having overcome a political crisis over around five years. In addition, Japan extends its congratulations to Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who was elected to the new Presidency.


2. Japan conducted independent election monitoring activities in the first and second round of voting in the presidential elections as well as in the parliamentary election, which showed that all those votes were carried out in peace, with transparency, and in a free and fair manner. Japan also welcomes the fact that the Malagasy Independent National Electoral Commission of the Transition (CENI-T) and the Malagasy Special Electoral Court (CES) carried out their required tasks within the scheduled timetable and decided the final result of these presidential elections based on the constitution and the election law.


3. This result should be accepted by all parties concerned in Madagascar and the prompt and peaceful establishment of the constitutional order is strongly expected.


4. In order to support this progress, Japan is considering reopening new bilateral economic cooperation after the inauguration of the new government. It will support Madagascar to establish political stability and to achieve economic reconstruction under the new President, expecting that Madagascar will restore its rightful place in the international community.



UN Special Rapporteur’s visit to Mauritania postponed

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A follow-up mission to Mauritania by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, its causes and consequences, Gulnara Shahinian, has been cancelled due to a medical emergency.


The Human Rights Council's independent expert was due to visit Mauritania from 27 to 30 January 2014, to assess new developments since her first country visit in 2009 and the initiatives taken by the Government in response to her recommendations*.


A new media advisory will be release in the coming weeks, as soon as Ms. Shahinian fully recovers and the mission is rescheduled.


(*) Check the Special Rapporteur's first report (2010) on Mauritania: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Slavery/SRSlavery/Pages/CountryVisits.aspx


Tánaiste Condemns Cairo Bombings

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DUBLIN, Ireland, January 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore T.D., has condemned the series of bomb attacks which took place earlier today in Cairo and which has resulted in at least six deaths and approximately 100 people wounded.

“I condemn unreservedly today's bombings and all such acts of terrorism. I extend my fullest sympathies, on behalf of the Government and Irish people, to the families of those killed and wounded and to the Egyptian people. Such acts are utterly reprehensible and serve only to deepen divisions within Egyptian society.”

“On the eve of the third anniversary of Egypt's democratic revolution, I would call on all Egyptians to renew the spirit of national unity which inspired the peaceful protests of January 2011. It is vital that all Egyptians, at this critical time, should work together to promote reconciliation, dialogue and inclusiveness within their country in order to help further Egypt's transition towards full democracy and build upon last week's adoption of a new Constitution.”

PRESS BRIEFING COMMISSIONER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Mrs. Elham Mahmoud Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the AU Commission will on Tuesday, 28 January 2014 at 17:00 hold a press briefing on the following issue:


- Africa 2063: connecting the continent


The briefing will be held in Briefing Room 1, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.



Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing


PRESS BRIEFING OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR RURAL ECONOMY AND AGRICULTURE

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, at the AU Commission will on Tuesday 28thJanuary 2014 at 16:00 hold a briefing on the following issues:


- Building self-reliance towards the realization of the 2063 Agenda on food and nutrition:


- Theme of the summit: Transforming Africa's Agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods, through Harnessing Opportunities for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.


The briefing will be held in Briefing Room 1, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing


Heirs Holdings invests in Planet Labs revolutionary satellite technology

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LAGOS, Nigeria, January 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Heirs Holdings (http://www.heirsholdings.com), the pan-African proprietary investment company founded by Tony O. Elumelu, CON, has announced its investment in US start-up Planet Labs' innovative satellite manufacturing technology. Heirs Holdings is the only African investor in the project, which is based in San Francisco.


Photo Tony Elumelu: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/tony-elumelu.jpg


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


Planet Labs aims to transform the way imaging of the Earth is carried out, through the introduction of ultra-small satellites called “doves.” These “doves” circle the planet in low orbit and are significantly cheaper to produce and deploy than existing technology. Moreover, as they orbit closer to the Earth, they are able to take higher-resolution images than traditional satellites.


Elumelu, who is Chairman of Heirs Holdings, commented, “As the only African investor in Planet Labs' project, we are incredibly proud to have supported such an innovative and dynamic company, which has already achieved significant success. As part of our business philosophy of Africapitalism, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups to enable them to bring scale to their projects and we look forward to following Planet Labs' achievements over the coming years.”


Planet Labs has already achieved some significant milestones. In 2013 alone, the company launched four satellites on three rockets, and delivered their first fleet of 28 satellites, which are expected to head into space shortly.


Planet Labs' co-founder, Robbie Schingler, said, “We are very excited to welcome Heirs Holdings to our team of investors and thank them for their support. The funding that they and other partners provide is vital for our development as a company and we are particularly pleased to be working with an African company, as our technology has the potential to support Africa's development by monitoring and mapping the continent's natural resources and agriculture.”


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Heirs Holdings.



For more information:

press@planet-labs.com

info@heirsholdings.com

Telephone: +234-1-277-4641


About Heirs Holdings

Heirs Holdings (http://www.heirsholdings.com) is a pan-African proprietary investment company driving Africa's development. We are active long-term investors who specialise in building businesses and corporate turnaround. We aim to transform the companies in which we invest and grow them into businesses that last. We invest in Africa to create value for our shareholders and partners, and to create economic prosperity and social wealth for the continent. Our investments in power, financial services, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality, agri-business and healthcare are helping to build economies, create jobs, drive prosperity and ultimately transform the lives of ordinary Africans in Africa.


About Planet Labs Inc.

Planet Labs Inc. (http://www.planet-labs.com) is a purpose-driven space and information company based in San Francisco, California, Earth. The company operates Earth imaging satellites to image the entire planet at an unprecedented frequency –collecting data and insight to encourage global action. Planet Labs aims to provide universal access to information about the changing planet to enable both commercial and humanitarian applications.





AU COMMISSION LAUNCHES PODCASTING TO BETTER DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON THE SUMMIT

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Directorate of Information and Communication (DIC) has launched a podcast service on its website, with a view to providing easy to digest news and updates on the summit proceedings.


Lasting an average 5 minutes, the podcast gives listeners a summary of the key points delivered in opening sessions of the summit, thereby allowing audiences to have an idea of the critical issues being discussed.


In this regard, the DIC invites all AUC staff members, member states, development partners, African and international citizens to tune in to the AUC podcasts which are distributed through the AU website www.au.int. Notices of new podcasts will be available on the AU social media sites.

More Productive Jobs for Africa’s Youth Vital for the Region’s Economic Progress, says New WB Report

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WASHINGTON, January 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- With more than half of Sub-Saharan Africa's population now under the age of 25, and as many as 11 million young Africans expected to join the labor market every year for the next decade, creating millions of productive, well-paying jobs will be vital to boost economic growth, significantly cut poverty, and create shared prosperity in Africa, according to a new World Bank report on youth employment in Africa.


While many African economies have registered impressive economic growth in recent years, poverty levels across the region have not fallen as much as expected and young people looking for better-paying work have been at a great disadvantage. This is partly because many African countries rely heavily on oil, gas, and mineral extraction which boosts economic growth but does little to create new jobs for the region's fast-growing youth population or reduce overall rates of poverty.


In a new comprehensive regional report on the subject, ‘Youth Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa' notes that close to 80 percent of the workforce will continue to work on small farms and in household businesses in the near future. While the modern wage sector is growing very fast in some countries, it cannot create enough jobs to meet the youth employment challenge now preoccupying governments in every corner of the continent.


“Attracting investment into large enterprises that create wage jobs in the mainstream ‘formal' economy is critical, but it is only part of the solution to Africa's youth employment challenge,” said Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa. “For the millions of young people who are just surviving in the hidden ‘informal' sector, they will need greater access to land, skills training, and credit to thrive. This will be a game-changer for small farmers and entrepreneurs who will prosper as African economies grow, in close cooperation with the private sector.”


Diop adds that making high-quality science and technology education more accessible to young people and shaping higher education courses to fit the skills needed by the modern jobs market was increasingly a high priority for many African countries. New development partners such as China, India, and Brazil are actively working with the World Bank to help develop these science and technology skills for Africa's youth.


The new report notes that manufacturing, services, and agriculture are traditionally labor-intensive sectors that can generate productive work for young people. As working populations age in other parts of the world, young Africans could find their labor and skills increasingly in high demand internationally if their governments pursue policies that improve education and job training for their youth.


For example, the report notes that young people who received cash grants from the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund to pay for their vocational training and assets needed to start a business later earned 41 percent more than others who did not receive this support. They earned more because nearly three-quarters of them took the opportunity to pay for training and enter a skilled trade. The program was particularly successful in helping young women to break free of poverty.


Recent evidence also shows that programs that help young people acquire a range of complementary skills are very promising. In Liberia, a program that offered a combination of technical, behavioral skills and business skills to adolescent girls and young women was highly effective in increasing their levels of employment and income. The business and professional-behavioral skills training allowed them to raise their monthly incomes by an average of US$75—a 115 percent increase.


“Governments can approach the youth employment challenge in two important ways—by helping to improve the business environment to spark more private investment, and also by investing more in young people's education and other skills to create brighter life prospects for them,” said Deon Filmer, Lead Economist at the World Bank and a co-author of the report.


Louise Fox, former Lead Economist at the World Bank and currently a visiting Professor at UC Berkeley, notes: “In addition to promoting investment and competitiveness, the quality of primary education, the right nutrition for young children, and basic healthcare for all are a must to improve the quality of life for Africa's young people and their future productivity.”


FCO Press Release: Baroness Warsi meets Central African Republic religious leaders

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LONDON, United-Kingdom, January 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Baroness Warsi today met two of CAR's foremost religious leaders whose efforts to reduce tensions in CAR are crucial

Senior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Warsi met Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga and Imam Omar Kabine Layama, two-thirds of the Central African Republic's (CAR) Inter-Religious Forum, on 27 January at the House of Lords.

After the meeting Baroness Warsi said:

“I applaud the leadership and courage of both Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga and Imam Omar Kabine Layama of the Central African Republic whom I had the privilege of meeting today. Their message to me was the violence in CAR should not be seen as a fight between different faiths, but rather as the legacy of neglect, economic marginalisation and political exploitation. They expressed their confidence and hope that, with sufficient help, CAR's communities can live together side-by-side in peace once more.

“I heard first-hand about the appalling levels of violence and suffering that the people of CAR are enduring. Both Archbishop Dieudonné and Imam Omar called for greater international support, including from the UN, AU, as well as the EU and UK, to strengthen security and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those that need it most. I reassured them that the UK will maintain its commitment to the people of CAR, and stand with them in this dark hour. The Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, will be discussing the crisis and delivering this message this week during his discussions with African leaders at the African Union Summit.”

The Africa Progress Panel welcomes Max Bankole Jarrett as its new Deputy Executive Director

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Africa Progress Panel (http://www.africaprogresspanel.org) welcomes Max Bankole Jarrett, who joins the Secretariat as its Deputy Executive Director, increasing the organisation's depth and knowledge of African policy issues, especially. On a two-year loan from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Mr Jarrett has over twenty three years of professional experience, including the United Nations, policy-oriented think tanks, and 11 years with the BBC.


Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/app.png


Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/140124.jpg (Max Bankole Jarrett joins the APP from UNECA, bringing depth of experience of both African policy issues and of communications)


“We've known Max a long time and enjoyed working with him very much,” Caroline Kende-Robb, Executive Director, said. “Max brings a wonderful knowledge and experience of African policy issues, and we're delighted to get his perspective.” Mr Jarrett moves to Geneva from Addis Ababa.


“I'm excited to have this new challenge. The Africa Progress Panel has been at the cutting edge of African public policy issues, and this is a terrific team,” Mr Jarrett said.


Set to explore innovative financing methods for investment in Africa's agriculture, investment, and energy sectors, the 2014 Africa Progress Report is due for publication in May. Backed by its Secretariat, the Africa Progress Panel consists of ten influential Panel Members, chaired by former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Africa Progress Panel (APP).



For further information, please contact :

Edward Harris

edward.harris@africaprogresspanel.org

(mobile) +41 (0) 79 873 8322 and (direct) +41 (0) 22 919 7536


About the Africa Progress Panel (APP)

Chaired by Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, the ten-member Africa Progress Panel (http://www.africaprogresspanel.org) advocates at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa. The Panel releases its flagship publication, the Africa Progress Report, every year in May. http://www.africaprogresspanel.org


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