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Agriculture: A strong component of Agenda 2063

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 30, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission gave a press briefing on Wednesday January 29th 2014 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in the framework of the 22nd AU Summit in the presence of Commissioner, Rural Economy and Agriculture Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace. Dr. Zuma addressed the media on the theme of the Summit: “Agriculture and food security” and the Africa Agenda 2063.


In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Commission said “we must make sure agriculture is a strong component of the Agenda 2063”. The AU should partner with governments, private sectors and other organizations, develop science and research, trade, industry, infrastructure, human resources and other sectors, in order to improve agriculture. Ensuring good distribution and attracting young people were also stated as steps towards the development of agriculture.


“Africans should not be forced to sell their lands to other people, the land should belong to the people, Africa for Africans” she said. The lack of strong land tenure policies have driven some African countries to sell or grant long leases to foreign investors, Africa should empower the people in terms of land, she explained. Moreover, the people working on the land must be given access to technology and capital so as to enable them to produce and process the food to be more competitive in the international markets as well as create jobs. The generated income will therefore remain in the country and the activity will add value to the people working on those lands.


In line with the Union's vision to be a “people centered Union driven by its own citizens”, the African Union has engaged in robust consultations with Africans, including youth, civil society and the Diaspora as well as with members of the Executive Council using various tools including the African Union Website (www.au.int). The Agenda 2063 has galvanized a lot of interest and will be discussed during the Assembly of Heads of States to have their inputs, and will be adopted in the June summit. The adopted Agenda 2063 for Africa will be included in government plans and will allow Africa to have its own development goals.


“We must invest in the youth” said Dr. Zuma, stressing on the need to engage the youth in crafting this agenda in order to achieve its goals. Dr. Zuma also noted the importance of the Diaspora in terms of financial contributions and their skills that can be applied in Africa for the development of the continent.


However, given that the media has provided little input, the Chairperson expressed her wish to see more contributions from the media on the Africa they want in 2063. The consultations will go on until the June Summit of Heads of States.


The Chairperson of the African Union Commission also addressed issues such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the finding of alternative sources for funding. She encouraged all member states to implement the CAADP program and learn from the successful implementations in some countries. As for the latter, she indicated that the African Union has taken steps to create a foundation to raise funds from individuals and the private sector among others.


African Youth Forum: “Accelerate Youth Employment in Africa”

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 30, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Department of the Human Resource Science and Technology in collaboration with the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) organized a Youth Forum on accelerating Youth Employment in Africa on the sidelines of the 22nd African Union Summit on 29 and 30 January in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


After debating on the theme during the meeting held in United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Wednesday 29th January 2014, the invited African youth and the former Nigerian President Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, discussed and presented the recommendations to the Heads of States during a luncheon held at the African Union Commission today, 30th January 2014.


The lunch was hosted by Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Mr. Obasanjowho is the founder and chairman of the OOF. Heads of States of African member states of the AU; among them were the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;the President of Burkina Faso (Host country of the AU special Summit on Employment in 2004), President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.


The event was moderated and led by Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST). The participants discussed the recommendations made by the youths and on the way forward.


“The Heads of States have heard you and I am sure that they will dialogue with you”, said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. She added, “We want you to be the masters of the digital age, the masters of the space age, the masters of the knowledge age, and the masters of the economy age”. She encouraged the youth to input their ideas into what should Africa look like in 2063 before April 2014, through the Agenda 2063 framework.


Although African countries have seen tremendous economic growth over the recent years, youth unemployment and education are still pressing issues that need to be addressed by policy makers and African leaders. As President Obasanjo said “Education is the basis for the empowerment of the youth.”


The President of Haiti, Mr. Michel Martelly, shared the Haitian experience regarding alternative funding for education with his peers and the invited guests. He explained the ways in which the Haitian government raised funds from its Diaspora to fund the construction of schools. “131Million Dollars were raised and the entire fund was used to build schools” he said.


Mr. Dessalegne Hailemariam, strongly commended the youth not to wait for governments to help them. “You must struggle for your rights and you should have a strong African organization to engage with politicians”. He then added “as leaders we have to lead the process and engage the youth in the building of a prosperous Africa”.


The event concluded with a message that will be disseminated by the youth. The message included the will to participate actively in reduction of poverty, creating a strong pan African organization and reinforcing leadership of the youth with the assistance of governments at a national and continental level.


SEVEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES LEAD THE CONTINENT IN MALARIA CONTROL

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Annual awards – bestowed at the AU – highlight how Africa's future is inextricably tied to progress in defeating malaria

Today during the official opening of the African Union Summit of heads of state, H.E. Armando Guebuza, President of Mozambique, conferred the 2014 African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Awards for Excellence in Vector Control to Cape Verde, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe,and Swaziland. Each country has demonstrated exemplary leadership in maintaining at least 95% coverage year round of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) and/or Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) interventions, the most important tools in preventing malaria.

Malaria is a leading cause of child deaths and kills 627,000 people every year, most in Africa. The continent has made tremendous progress in the delivery and use of life-saving tools in the fight against malaria, including LLINs, IRS, rapid diagnostic tests, and effective treatments, including preventative care during pregnancy.


Yet malaria continues to wreak a huge toll on Africa. It burdens already fragile health systems; it is a leading cause of absenteeism in schools; it negatively impacts agricultural productivity and businesses large and small when employees and entrepreneurs are kept from their work; and it robs African countries of at least USD $12billion every year in economic potential.

“We cannot lose ground in our struggle to end preventable deaths and suffering from malaria” said President Guebuza, who serves as Chair of ALMA. “Our people and our communities are counting on us to continue to scale proveninterventions to insure that no African loses their livelihood or life to this ancient disease.”

Last month, the World Malaria Report declared that as a result of significant scaling-up of malaria control interventions, an estimated 3.1 million lives have been saved in Africa since 2000, reducing malaria mortality rates by 49%. And while funding challenges remain, resources for malaria prevention globally have grown from $100 million in 2000 to an estimated $1.9 billion in 2013. ALMA's current Chair, H. E. President Guebuza of Mozambique, has rallied his peers and partners to increase malaria funding so that we sustain these impressive gains.


ALMA was founded by H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania to create a platform for Africa's presidents and prime ministers to accelerate action on malaria prevention and control. ALMA's second chair, H.E. President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia, continued to promote performance and accountability through the innovative ALMA Scorecard for Accountability and Action. Winners of ALMA's Awards for Excellence are selected by an independent committee representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Roll Back Malaria (RBM), the private sector, civil society and academia. For more information about ALMA and for a profile of the progress shown by the seven winning countries, please visit www.alma2015.org.

PRESS BRIEFING OF COMMISSIONER FOR PEACE AND SECURITY

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Within the frame work of the 22nd AU Summit, H.E. Ambassador Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security will on Friday 31st January 2014 at 11:00 hold a briefing on the following issue:


- Africa 2063:a continent at peace with itself and the rest of the world


The briefing will be held in Small Conference Hall 4, at the new AU Conference Center, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.



Journalist are invited to take part in the press briefing

IMF Executive Board Completes First and Second Reviews Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Tunisia and Approves US$ 506.7 Million Disbursement

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TUNIS, Tunisia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On January 29, 2014, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first and second reviews of Tunisia's economic performance under a two-year program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The completion of the review enables an immediate disbursement of SDR 329.1 million (about US$ 506.7 million), bringing total disbursements to SDR 427.9 million (about US$ 658.8 million).

The 24-month SBA in the amount of SDR 1.146 billion (about US$ 1.76 billion, or 400 percent of Tunisia's quota at the IMF) was approved by the Executive Board on June 7, 2013 (See Press Release No. 13/202).

In completing the first and second reviews, the Executive Board approved the authorities' request for waivers of non-observance on Net International Reserves (NIR) and Net Domestic Assets (NDA) performance criteria based on corrective actions taken. A waiver of applicability was granted for the end-December primary fiscal target as final data is not yet available.

Following the Board discussion on Tunisia, Ms. Nemat Shafik, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, said:

“Tunisia is going through a protracted political transition and is facing a challenging domestic and regional environment. Nonetheless, the economy has continued to grow, albeit at a moderate pace, inflationary pressures are contained, and the external position has stabilized. The recent approval of a new constitution and the appointment of a new government to oversee the upcoming elections are important steps forward.

“Performance under the Fund-supported program has been mixed. Lower external financing weighed on reserve targets and high liquidity needs led to a monetary target being missed. The end-December primary deficit was lower than programmed, mostly because of under execution of the budget and deferred cash payments. Structural reforms have been progressing, but at a slow pace.

“Fiscal consolidation for 2014 has been postponed to allow space for pro-growth spending, but remains essential to reduce vulnerabilities. The increase in electricity tariffs, together with measures to protect poor households, is welcome. Further reduction in energy subsidies and strict control of the wage bill would improve the fiscal position and strengthen budget composition. Revenue and public financial management reforms will also help in that regard. More efforts should be made to avoid under-spending on public investment and social programs, which are important to promote growth.

“Monetary policy could be tightened further should the inflation outlook and pressures on the exchange rate worsen. The policy transmission mechanism will be enhanced by removing caps on bank lending rates. Greater exchange rate flexibility is also important to strengthen reserve buffers.

“Banking system vulnerabilities should be tackled decisively. Recent measures to improve financial reporting, strengthen banking supervision, and reform the governance of public banks are welcome. A strategic vision for public banks, an asset management company, and a new bank resolution framework are key priorities.

“Accelerated implementation of structural reforms is needed to reduce unemployment. Putting in place a well-targeted social safety net as fuel subsidies are phased out would protect the most vulnerable segments of the population and reduce inequality.”

Transcorp, GE partner to improve power generation in Nigeria

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LAGOS, Nigeria, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Transcorp Ughelli Power Ltd (TUPL), the power subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), and General Electric (GE) have signed an agreement to expand the capacity of TUPL's Ughelli power plant by1000MW over the next 3 to 5 years.


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


Both parties have also signed a separate agreement to rehabilitate the damaged GT 15 turbine at the Ughelli plant, which will add 115MW to the plant's output.


Currently, the Transcorp Ughelli power plant generates 360MW of electricity, up from 160MW on November 1, when Transcorp took ownership of the plant. With the additional 115MW, as well as other rehabilitation works planned at the plant, output at Ughelli will increase to 700MW by December 2014.


The Ughelli power plant is Nigeria's largest gas-fired electricity generation asset. Purchased by Transcorp during the 2013power privatization programme, the $300 million plant is part of the $2.5 billion investment pledge made by the Chairman of Transcorp and Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, CON, to deliver affordable, accessible power to Africa under the Power Africa Initiative. Heirs Holdings (http://www.heirsholdings.com), Elumelu's pan-African proprietary investment company, is Power Africa's largest private sector investor and a major investor in Transcorp.


The agreements were signed at a closed door meeting between executives of both companies, led by Elumelu and the Global Chairman of General Electric, Jeffrey Immelt. They follow a cooperation agreement executed by Transcorp and GE in 2013.


Commenting, Elumelu said, “We are very pleased to work with GE, a proven world leader in power technology development, on the Ughelli plant expansion project. With this, we've taken a bold step in fulfilling our promise to Transcorp's stakeholders and the people of Nigeria. In a very short period of time, we have achieved significant impact - power production has more than doubled, and with this agreement, we will see increased output before the end of this year. We are confident that this partnership with GE will further accelerate the achievement of our goals in the power sector.”


Immelt said,“ GE fully appreciates the confidence expressed by Transcorp. We are happy to bring the considerable resources of GE to support Transcorp's audacious vision for Nigeria's Power industry. This partnership with Transcorp underlines GE's deep commitment to developing the Nigerian power sector.”


A publicly listed conglomerate with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, business and energy sectors, Transcorp, through TUPL, is committed to transform and bring the plant to profitability by increasing its generating capacity to impact positively on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.


GE, one of the world's most reputable companies is the global leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of technology and services for the Power, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Healthcare and Transportation sectors.


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



About Transcorp

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) is a publicly quoted conglomerate with a diversified shareholder base of over 300,000 investors, the most prominent of which is Heirs Holdings Limited, a pan-African proprietary investment company. The Transcorp portfolio comprises strategic investments in the power, hospitality, agribusiness and energy sectors. Our notable businesses include Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja; Transcorp Hotels, Calabar; Teragro Commodities Limited, operator of Teragro Benfruit plant - Nigeria's first-of-its-kind juice concentrate plant; Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited and Transcorp Energy Limited, operator of OPL 281.


For more information about Transcorp, please visit http://www.transcorpnigeria.com


About Heirs Holdings Limited

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.


For more information about Heirs Heirs Holdings, please visit http://www.heirsholdings.com


About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter, using the best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges, finding solutions in energy, health and home, transport and finance, building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.ge.com.





SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS ISMAIL OULD CHEIKH AHMED OF MAURITANIA DEPUTY SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LIBYA

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NEW YORK, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today the appointment of Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed of Mauritania as his new Deputy Special Representative and Deputy Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), where he will also serve as Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).


Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed succeeds Georg Charpentier of Finland, who was Deputy Special Representative since October 2011, and to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedicated service and contribution to the coordination of the United Nations system in that country.


Bringing more than 27 years of development and humanitarian assistance experience with the United Nations in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed served most recently as Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Syria between 2008 and 2012, and in Yemen from 2012 to 2014. He also held several positions with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), including as Director of Change Management in New York, Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa in Nairobi, and Representative in Georgia.


Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed holds a master's degree in human resources development from the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), a bachelor's in economics from the University of Montpellier (France) and an Advanced Certificate in Economics and Social Policy Analysis from Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (the Netherlands).


Born in 1960, Mr. Ould Cheikh Ahmed is fluent in English, French and Arabic.

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL, AT ASSEMBLY OF AFRICAN UNION, CALLS FOR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST CONTINENT’S VITALITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH, DIVERSITY

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NEW YORK, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson's address to the twenty-second Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa today:


I bring you best wishes from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who deeply values the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. Together with our colleagues at the United Nations, he is committed to the success of this partnership.


Today, I will briefly speak about how the African Union and the United Nations can work together to address pressing crises and to build on Africa's progress to also promote our global development agenda. The world needs this continent's vitality, entrepreneurship and diversity.


As the rest of the world struggles to recover from the economic crisis, we meet at a time of advancement and impressive growth for Africa. Now, this growth should be translated into transformative economic development, more jobs, greater equality and better living conditions. The United Nations is your unwavering partner in this pursuit.


The AU (African Union) agenda 2063 can serve to mobilize Africa to fulfil its potential, in fitting tribute to the OAU (Organization of African Unity)/AU jubilee. Africa has already made major strides towards the Millennium Development Goals, especially on education, maternal and child health and on gender equality.


But many MDG (Millennium Development Goals) targets remain lagging.


L'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire, qui est le thème du Sommet de cette année, sont essentielles à la réalisation des objectifs de réduction de la pauvreté et des OMD en Afrique. Je salue vos efforts dans le domaine de la lutte contre l'insécurité alimentaire qui s'inscrivent dans le cadre du Programme détaillé pour le développement de l'agriculture africaine. Je me félicite de l'engagement de l'Union africaine en faveur des initiatives Défi Faim zéro et Renforcer la nutrition.


Alors que nous célébrons l'Année de l'agriculture et de la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique, je rends hommage aux gouvernements qui ont intégré la promotion de l'égalité des sexes au sein de leurs politiques de sécurité alimentaire. Promouvoir l'égalité des sexes et l'autonomisation des femmes est un moyen pour l'Afrique de réaliser tout son potentiel agricole, et de promouvoir le développement durable et la justice sociale.


Je suis choqué par la mort atroce de nombreux migrants africains, comme on a pu le voir l'an dernier au large des cotes de Lampedusa ou dans le désert du Niger. Ces êtres humains méritent toute notre compassion et doivent pousser tous les pays concernés à faire un examen de conscience et à agir.


Investir davantage dans l'enseignement, la santé, la technologie, l'innovation et l'entreprenariat permettra d'accélérer le développement sur tout le continent et d'offrir de nouvelles opportunités. La désertification, les conditions climatiques extrêmes et les catastrophes naturelles sont autant de phénomènes qui peuvent remettre en cause les avancées réalisées par l'Afrique.


I welcome the strong African voices for an ambitious climate agreement in 2015. I encourage African participants at the Secretary-General's 23 September Climate Summit to present bold ideas on mitigation, adaptation and resilience. I am proud to be joined at this Summit by the Secretary-General's Special Envoys on Climate Change, John Kufuor, former President of Ghana, and Jens Stoltenberg, former Prime Minister of Norway.


Africa has shown admirable leadership in the post-2015 process, not least through the continued active and skilled engagement of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. I applaud the emerging African Common Position's focus on structural transformation and inclusive economic growth.


There is hardly any higher priority for the United Nations than tangible and sustainable development in Africa. We support African-owned and African-led efforts to achieve this objective.


Peace, development and human rights, as well as the rule of law are inextricably linked. Conflict-shattered economies can take a quarter of a century to recover. The United Nations aims to deepen our partnership with the AU Peace and Security Architecture. While more work needs to be done, we have already seen positive results in a number of crises, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Somalia.


As I returned to Mogadishu after more than 20 years last year, I noted the remarkable progress and felt new hope and resilience. At this crossroads for Somalia, we all have a responsibility to ensure that State- and peace-building move forward.


Like you, I remain deeply concerned about South Sudan. Our combined efforts should now focus on protecting civilians, preventing gross violations of human rights and facilitating humanitarian assistance. I urge the parties to strictly adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement signed last week, and to intensify their efforts for reconciliation and domestic peace. The United Nations warmly commends and supports the mediation efforts of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development).


La situation en République centrafricaine nous préoccupe tous au plus haut point. Notre objectif commun doit être de mettre un terme aux affrontements atroces qui opposent les communautés chrétiennes et musulmanes, et de restaurer les relations harmonieuses qui ont existé pendant si longtemps entre ces deux communautés. Nous devons agir sans délai pour prévenir de nouvelles atrocités.


Pour l'heure, notre priorité immédiate doit être de soutenir la MISCA, qui manque sérieusement de fonds. J'encourage tous les États Membres de l'ONU à être généreux lors de la conférence d'annonce de contributions qui se tiendra ce samedi.


Je me félicite de notre engagement conjoint a faire respecter les droits de l'homme et salue a ce titre le fait que l'Union africaine ait dépêché des observateurs au Mali et en République centrafricaine pour aider à y faire respecter les droits de l'homme. De son côté, le Secrétaire général vient d'annoncer la formation d'une commission d'enquête internationale sur les violations commises en République centrafricaine.


Je salue l'initiative prise par l'Union africaine de créer une commission d'enquête sur les violations des droits de l'homme commises durant le conflit au Soudan du Sud. Ce ne sont là que quelques exemples de l'action que nous menons en commun pour lutter contre l'impunité et prévenir la commission de nouveaux crimes.


Toutefois, nos efforts collectifs pâtissent d'un manque de ressources. Je me fais l'écho de l'appel à contribution lancé par l'Union africaine pour financer ses opérations de soutien à la paix. J'invite également les donateurs à soutenir l'action menée pour prévenir, gérer et résoudre les conflits.


As we address crises facing African countries, we celebrate Africa's impressive progress. I was inspired by hearing the AU anthem today. Its call for Africans to work together for lasting peace and justice resonates deeply with the United Nations.


The United Nations stands firmly at the side of the African Union and its Member States as you advance for the benefit of all the people of this great continent, offering them a better future and a life of dignity. Thank you.



Call for applications: Cartier seeks Exceptional Entrepreneurs for the 2014 Cartier Women’s Initiative Award

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Cartier Women's Initiative Award (http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com) is a business plan competition aimed at supporting creative, financially sustainable and responsible women-led companies, in all countries and industries.


Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/logo-5.jpg


Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/frise-2.png (The 2013 Laureates. From left to right: Gabriela Maldonado (Guatemala), Priyanka Bakaya (United States), Leonora O'Brien (Ireland), Bilikiss Adebiyi (Nigeria), Sima Najjar (Jordan), Namita Banka (India). © Cartier, 2013)


Watch the video: http://bit.ly/1lpbpXg


Download the banner: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/banniere-en.jpg (Must link to http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply)


Download the flyer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/250x250-en-2.jpg


The Cartier Women's Initiative Award is an entrepreneurship competition for start-ups led by women organized by Cartier in partnership with McKinsey & Co., and INSEAD business school. The Award will be given to six laureates, one by geographical region, who will receive a year of coaching, US$ 20,000 in funding, valuable networking opportunities as well as media exposure.


Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2014.


Entrepreneurs are invited to submit a short business plan using the online application form. The projects must be between one and three years old.


APPLY NOW!


The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards are looking for committed female entrepreneurs heading initiatives with the potential to grow significantly in the years to come. To apply for the 2014 edition, fill out the application form on http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply


All applications must be submitted online in English.


Application deadline: February 28, 2014 at 10am Paris time (CET).


As it cannot be extended, please verify the corresponding deadline in your time zone.


What can you win?


Eighteen finalists representing the best projects worldwide will be selected in the first phase of the contest. They will receive coaching and media exposure and will be invited to France for the Finale week which includes a presentation in front of the international Jury, entrepreneurship workshops and the Global Meeting of the Women's Forum.


The six Laureates nominated for the Awards receive one year of coaching, US$ 20 000 in funding, media visibility and networking opportunities.


Eligibility Criteria


The business project to be considered for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards must be:


• An original for-profit business creation,


• In the start-up phase: between one and three years of operation,


• The main leadership position must be filled by a woman.


The competition is open to women from any country, nationality and industry.


Application Form


The questions that feature on the application form are detailed below for reference:


About the team

Contact details and resumes of lead entrant and team members.


About the business

• Executive summary of the business

• Project development stage

• Product or service

• Sales and distribution strategy

• Market analysis

• Competitive environment

• Management team

• SWOT analysis

• Impact of the business

• Financials


Appendix and supporting documents

Logo, photos of the product, patents, articles…


Download the full list of questions online.


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Cartier International.



CONTACT

Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

Tel: +33 1 58 18 10 28

contact@cartierwomensinitiative.com


http://www.twitter.com/cartierawards


http://www.facebook.com/cartierawards



AUC Chairperson and UN Deputy Secretary General discuss enhancing AU-UN cooperation

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson, heading the UN delegation, have held discussions aimed at strengthening the relationship between the African Union and the United Nations in areas of development, climate change, peace and security. They met in the margins of the 22ndAssembly of Heads of State and Government taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 30-31 January 2014.


Spelling out the priorities for the continent, the AUC Chairperson invited the UN as well as other partners interested in the development of Africa, to pay attention to the continent's priorities. These priorities include investing in the people through education and equipping them with skills, and knowledge in research, science and technology.


Dr. Dlamini Zuma also noted the continent's drive toward combating food and nutritional insecurity, enhancing its agriculture, industrializing, beneficiation of the continent's rich natural resources, and developing its energy and transport infrastructure. “We want to industrialise, grow our blue and green economies, and boost our intra-African trade, “she reiterated.


These areas remain very critical while the continent strives to better communicate within itself and with the rest of the world, telling its own narratives, overcoming the current challenges of peace and security, while at the same time dealing with the other basket of issues around governance, human rights and the rule of law.


The Deputy Secretary General expressed the need to intensify development cooperation in crisis areas, as well as in areas of human rights and the rule of law. He hailed the excellent relations between the Commission and other UN agencies. He highlighted the UN's expectations for input from Africa's 54 member bloc to greatly inform the post-2015 agenda.


Mr. Eliasson also expressed the UN's worries around ethnic polarization of politics as it is currently unfolding in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Syria and other places. “This negative trend,” the DSG agreed, “is fueled by those who play around differences to foment problems for the sake of power and their selfish interests, as opposed to exploring the richness in diversity.”


Sharing her concerns about conflict, Dr. Dlamini Zuma noted the need to conceive strategies aimed at managing diversity, pointing to the need for strong institutions which will help in managing and preventing violent escalation of conflicts. “If there were stronger institutions in South Sudan, Central African Republic or elsewhere, the ongoing situations would have been prevented. Intra party conflicts happen every where,” she remarked. She called for deeper analysis and understanding of the root causes of these conflicts, including the role of external actors, given that these groups have lived together in the past.


The AU and UN delegations also exchanged views on the regional oversight meeting holding in the sidelines of the Summit, during which the technical support committee is expected to produce a plan of action on the peace, security and cooperation framework agreement of the Great Lakes, signed in February 2012.

AUC Chairperson in audience with US Deputy of State

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday 30 January 2014, granted audience to US Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns who was heading the US delegation to the 22nd Assembly of Heads of State and Government holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 30-31 January 2014.


The AU Commission Chairperson and the Deputy Secretary of State discussed issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening their cooperation.


Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted investment in people, industrialisation, intra-African trade, and others, as important areas in which US partnership with Africa would help the continent to move forward. She underscored the importance of African partners taking the continent's priority areas into consideration.


Mr Burns concurred that these are areas in which President Obama takes keen interest in working with Africa to unleash its potential. He noted that these areas would be discussed further in a Summit to be held in August, to which President Obama is inviting African leaders. The US, he said, looks forward to working with the AU on peace and security in South Sudan, Central African Republic and other areas.


The AUC Chairperson also expressed gratitude to the US for its support in the airlifting of Rwandan soldiers to support the AU peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic.


African Union honors outstanding African scientists through the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union Commission has awardedUSD100 000 each from the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards to two outstanding African scientists. The presentation took place today, January 2014 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the Framework of the 22ndOrdinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology, Dr. Martial De Paul Ikounga announced this year's winners.


The prizes were handed out by the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to Professor Andre Batiano, from Burkina Faso winner in the field of Earth and Life Sciences and Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, from Nigeria, winner in the field of basic science, Technology and innovation.


Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma congratulated the two laureates and said Science and Technology have to play a very important role in solving challenges in infrastructure, development and energy among others. “The Kwame Nkruma award program is a key flagship program of our Union, it aims to raise awareness on the use of science of technology in our continent” she added. Dr. Dlamini Zuma also thanked the partners, particularly the European Union and the numerous Academy of Sciences for working with the Commission on these projects.


The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards, formerly known as the African Union Scientific Award Program, aims to honor top African scientists for their scientific achievements, valuable discoveries and findings. It is an opportunity to honor the memory of the great Pan-Africanist and first President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.


Established in September 2008, this program is part of the African Union Commission's commitment to ensure science and technology contributes to the sustainable development efforts of the African Union. The Human Resource Science and Technology Department of the Commission, implements the program.

Deputy Chairperson of the AUC H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha briefed the press on Institutional Capacity Building

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Mr. Erastus Mwencha Deputy Chairperson of the AUC held a press conference on January 30, 2014 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. In the briefing he discussed issues related to capacity building and financial independence of the AU and the alternative sources of funding that are being explored.

He kicked off the meeting by explaining how capacity should be understood according to the African Union. In his explanation, the first type of capacity concerns having the mandate, structure, and sustainable funding, while the second type is the capacity to develop institutions in Africa that outlive individuals and the last one is the capacity to implement which as he explained includes capacity to mitigate disasters.

While talking about the Commission itself, Mr. Mwencha said that different activities are being undertaken to improve internal and external communication, improve systems and methods of engagement to improve stakeholder management and most importantly to strengthen the Commission to be more responsive to the needs of the continent.

In order to achieve this, the Deputy Chairperson said a series of actions will be taken, including human resource exercises, increasing the Union's execution rate, improving communication and corporate governance and work on alternative sources of funding for the AU institutions. In his briefing, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, stressed the need for integration to move forward with the flexibility of taking in member states that are ready, and giving the alternative for the others to join later. As an important driver for the integration, the Commission in collaboration with Council for Infrastructure Development will endeavor to facilitate the implementation of the PIDA projects, aimed at boosting infrastructure and energy.

In conclusion, Mr. Erastus Mwencha said that all the actions taken will feed into the new long-term strategic framework for the continent also known as the AU agenda 2063. He also stressed the need for inputs from all stakeholders for its successful completion as the foundation laid in 2014 will set the tone and determine whether a paradigm shift towards the realization of African renaissance is achieved.

IOM Cargo Flights Deliver Aid to Displaced South Sudanese

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IOM has launched an air operation to move vital humanitarian supplies to locations in South Sudan where people have been displaced by conflict.

The flights from IOM's logistics hub in Juba are carrying water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) equipment, medicine, shelter materials and relief supplies, including blankets, kitchen sets, soap, buckets and mosquito nets.

Since the outbreak of fighting in South Sudan last month, humanitarian actors have faced numerous challenges in delivering aid to displaced and vulnerable people. Many overland supply routes are insecure, and South Sudan's road infrastructure is among the least developed in the world.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced throughout the country, and our ability to access these populations has been significantly diminished by the conflict,” said IOM South Sudan Head of Operations John McCue. “These flights will allow us to rapidly deliver essential humanitarian supplies, and ensure that people can get the assistance that they need.”

The first series of flights is delivering supplies to Malakal, the capital of South Sudan's Upper Nile State, where heavy fighting has displaced thousands of people in recent weeks. Over 27,000 people are currently taking shelter on a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in Malakal.

Needs in Malakal were further exacerbated by the looting of IOM's warehouse in the town. Medicine, water purification equipment and other supplies were stolen and destroyed.

IOM is providing WASH assistance and health care for displaced persons in Malakal, and is also distributing shelter materials and relief supply kits. The first flights to the UNMISS Malakal base have carried items including hospital stretchers, detection equipment for meningitis and measles, plastic sheeting, building materials and supplies for IOM partner agency UNHCR.

Approximately 40,000 kg of cargo was transported from Juba to Malakal between 27 and 30 January, with IOM planes averaging two rotations per day. Flights to Malakal will continue through next week. Subsequent flights will deliver supplies to the towns of Bor and Bentiu.

Sierra Leonean Healthcare Professionals in UK Want to Contribute to Home Country’s Health Sector

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals in the UK are keen to volunteer for short term assignments to fill acute healthcare staffing shortages in their country of origin.

The finding emerged from a report: Mapping of Sierra Leonean Health Professionals in the United Kingdom, commissioned by IOM and produced by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD).

Report co-authors Moses Okech and Denise Awoonor-Renner interviewed over 100 Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, researchers, psychiatrists and health policy advisers.

The report provides an overview of their location, educational, professional and employment profiles, and explores the extent of diaspora engagement from the UK. It also lays out some of the issues and challenges that need to be addressed to better harness Sierra Leonean healthcare diaspora skills.

“What comes out strongly is that Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals are able, willing and ready to give to their country of origin. The policy framework and structures here (in the UK) and in Sierra Leone need to be improved to harness this passion and enthusiasm,” says Denise Awoonor-Renner.

The report is the outcome of a year-long project by IOM exploring how acute human resources shortages in Sierra Leone's healthcare system might be addressed through diaspora knowledge and skills transfer.

“The Sierra Leonean government recognizes the important role that Sierra Leonean health professionals in the diaspora can play in improving healthcare in Sierra Leone. This report outlines some of the challenges and barriers that they face and suggests ways to overcome them,” said IOM Chief of Mission in the UK Clarissa Azkoul.

Similar mapping exercises have also been undertaken in the US, Canada and Germany.




IFRC and Global Fund target for tuberculosis treatment for all in Niger

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have just signed a grant agreement to fund universal treatment for tuberculosis (TB) in Niger, a country with one of the worst rates of TB in West Africa.


A new two-year Global Fund grant of 10 million euros will allow the population of Niger, estimated at around 17 million, to access quality TB diagnosis and treatment services. The grant will expand and enhance TB services for more than 26,000 people in 200 treatment centres by 2015, targeting vulnerable populations, including those in nomadic communities, migrant groups and prisons.


TB is a major global health concern, killing 1.3 million people every year and infecting a further 8.6 million, despite being an entirely preventable and curable disease. In Niger, while overall numbers of people with TB have fallen in recent years, incidence of the disease is still high. The vast majority of TB cases can be easily cured when medicines are provided and taken as prescribed.


"Access to sustainable diagnosis and treatment services is a burning priority in a country like Niger, where a lack of predictable funding, sustained technical support and health care workers have seriously undermined the government's capacity to regularly provide quality TB services and distribute drugs,” said Bekele Geleta, Secretary General, IFRC. “With support from the Global Fund, we will be able to ensure access to treatment for people living in the most underprivileged areas, especially those facing discrimination and living on the margins of society.”


In Niger, despite a high degree of political commitment and local ownership of the TB response, the disease is putting a heavy strain on an already overburdened health system. Treatment can take up to six months and requires extensive supervision and patient support by a health worker or trained volunteer. Without this, treatment adherence can be difficult and the disease can spread further.


“This grant will support and strengthen existing in-country capacities, working closely with the National Tuberculosis Program of the Ministry of Health,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. "The IFRC is an excellent partner combining a unique community perspective and experience that will accelerate the scale-up of TB interventions and provide faster screening of at-risk populations.”


In Niger, only 46 per cent of people with TB are ever tested for HIV. TB and HIV form a lethal combination, each speeding the course of the other. Someone who is infected with HIV and TB is much more likely to become sick with active TB. The grant will also ensure that all TB patients have access to HIV testing and early treatment services.


“We believe that no one should be left behind in the fight against TB,” said Geleta. “Equitable access to quality diagnosis and treatment services, combined with skilled community volunteers - is the winning formula to accelerate progress towards zero TB deaths, infections and suffering.”

South Sudan: Clean water remains urgent priority

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Hundreds of thousands of displaced people in South Sudan still lack water, food and medical care. The ICRC and the South Sudan Red Cross are doing their utmost to help meet the most pressing needs.


"Hundreds of thousands of people are not getting enough clean drinking water," said Marc Suchet, who is in charge of the ICRC's water and habitat activities in South Sudan. "Security constraints and other limitations on access, not to mention the already weak water systems, make it difficult for people to obtain clean water. This is a challenge both for displaced people and for the residents hosting them."


Since fighting began in mid-December, the ICRC, in cooperation with the South Sudan Red Cross, has been delivering potable water by truck and setting up emergency water points in hospitals and prisons as well as in camps for displaced people.


"Our activities have helped ensure that displaced people in Juba, Bentiu/Rubkona, Leer, Malakal, Wunrock (Warrap state) and North Jonglei have clean water," said Mr Suchet. "So far, we have trucked over a million litres of clean water, and built water points in six different South Sudanese states."


The ICRC's efforts aim to minimize the exposure of people displaced by violence to water-borne diseases. In many places, displaced people have no choice but to consume stagnant surface water or fetch their water directly from the Nile.


"Untreated water can transmit diseases such as diarrhoea, hepatitis, cholera and typhoid fever – all of which spread through water contaminated by human faeces," said Mr Suchet. "It is vitally important, therefore, that water engineers and other humanitarian workers be able to carry out their activities."


Since December, the ICRC has


• installed emergency systems to provide regular supplies of drinking water for more than in Malakal, Bentiu, Awerial, Wunrock and Juba;


• replaced a damaged water tank and repaired a submersible borehole pump in a prison where 1,400 people are being held;


• upgraded water facilities, delivered clean water on an ongoing basis, built latrines and erected ward tents in two major hospitals in Juba and Malakal.

As a neutral and strictly humanitarian organization, the ICRC has also been providing treatment for people wounded in the fighting, and food and relief items for displaced people. In addition, it has been restoring contact between family members separated by the violence. On several occasions, it has reminded the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law.

EU to announce new support for security and elections in the Central African Republic

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BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, has announced that the European Commission stands ready to give new support in the range of €25 million to the African Union-led operation in the Central African Republic, (Mission Internationale de Soutien à la Centrafrique sous Conduite Africaine, MISCA), based on a request to be done by the African Union. The announcement was done ahead of a donors' conference in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) to mobilise resources for MISCA.


Subject to an on-going evaluation of the current needs, the EU also stands ready to support the electoral process in the CAR with around €20 million. This new support will go towards putting in place voter registration, electoral operations (such as printing ballot papers, providing training, equipment and staff, as well as voter education) and involving civil society groups as domestic observers.


"This new funding will bring the EU's total commitments to the Central African Republic since the beginning of the crisis to around €200 million – a clear indication that we are mobilising all available resources, not just development aid, to help the people of the Central African Republic and improve their security, in a situation that has been getting worse for more than a year now", Commissioner Piebalgs said.


He added: "The MISCA support mission is a cornerstone for stabilising the country; protecting the local population and creating the conditions needed for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the reform of the security sector."


High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton said: “Together with our partners, the European Union will remain actively engaged in supporting the stabilization of the Central African Republic. We will do all we can to help the new authorities to implement the transition agreement.”


This new funding for MISCA, which is subject to usual decision-making processes, will allow the extension of the already-announced €50 million of EU support. It covers the costs of allowances, accommodation and food for troops deployed in the field, as well as the salaries of civilian MISCA personnel and various operational costs such as transport, communication or medical services. The EU also calls on other potential donors to follow and respond to the call of the African Union. Although it has slowed down considerably due to the security and institutional situation, the development cooperation of the European Union has never been suspended in the Central African Republic (CAR). Creating jobs through road maintenance projects, the management of public finances and the restoration of an operational policy that protects the population are among the ongoing priorities of EU cooperation with the country.


To this end, projects worth €23 million are already being mobilised using funds from the 10th European Development Fund, while implementation is underway for a €10 million stabilisation package under the EU's Instrument for Stability. The immediate priority, once security is restored, will be to support the process of transition towards the restoration of democratic institutions and the provision of basic social services to the population.


In addition, given the immediate humanitarian needs, Commissioner Piebalgs recently announced the mobilisation of an additional €10 million from the European Development Fund for humanitarian assistance to the CAR. The EU is the largest provider of relief assistance to the country, providing €76 million in 2013.


Background

The security situation in the CAR, particularly in Bangui, has been temporarily stabilised thanks to the French military operation Sangaris and the deployment since 19 December of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic, MISCA. Nonetheless, the situation remains extremely concerning, volatile and fragile.


The Council of the European Union, convinced of the importance of supporting African efforts and stepping up EU involvement in the CAR as part of its overall approach, agreed last week (20 January) on a future EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military operation. The operation will provide temporary support, for a period of up to six months, to help to achieve a secure environment in the Bangui area, with a view to handing over to the AU.


The Central African Republic ranks among the world's poorest countries and has been embroiled in a decade-long armed conflict. The surge of violence in December 2013 exacerbated this situation and today half of the 4.6-million-strong population is in need of immediate aid.


Almost a million people have been internally displaced, half of them in the capital Bangui alone. More than 245,000 Central Africans have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.


Commissioner Piebalgs made today's announcements following his participation in the 22nd African Union summit in Ethiopia, from 30-31st January. The summit presented a key opportunity for the EU and the African Union to meet ahead of the 4th Africa-EU Summit, which will take place in Brussels on 2-3 April 2014.


The Brussels summit will be held under the theme "Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace". It is expected to mark a further significant step forward for the partnership between the EU and Africa in these three areas.

“Peace may not be achieved on a sustainable basis without a democratic setting”, says AU Commissioner for Political Affairs

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- H.E. Dr. Aisha L. Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs on 28 January 2014 briefed the press at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the different achievements by her department. She started by acknowledging the importance of the media as useful partners of the AU Commission in raising awareness on the activities of the Union. “We perceive the media in two important ways: first as the mirror through which we measure how we are performing as we strive towards the vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena, secondly, as one of the various vehicles through which this noble vision can be pursued in the spirit of Pan-Africanism

and African Renaissance”. She said. Focusing on the Africa's democratization record within the framework of the African Governance Architecture (AGA), Commissioner Aisha Abdullahi explained that, the AGA is designed as a complementary framework to the Africa Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). It is conceived as the overall political and institutional framework for the promotion, protection and sustenance of democracy, governance and human rights in Africa. She said AGA is the comprehensive, overarching and consolidated framework for addressing issues of governance and governance related challenges aimed at addressing structural causes of political instability and crisis through inter alia, preventive diplomacy, mediation, negotiated settlement of conflicts, humanitarian assistance and durable solutions, reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction and development.

“This thinking is firmly rooted in the 2014 – 2017 Strategic Plan of the African Union which has prioritised the promotion of peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as foundations for development and stable societies. It is also inspired by the AU Agenda 2063-our long-term development vision. In the long term, the AGA strategy resonates with the African Union Agenda 2063. Anchored on the quest for Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, the vision for 2063 is of an Africa that is at peace with itself, secure, corruption-free encompassing democratic and properly governed states run by efficient and effective public service institutions. A continent, where gender equality, youth empowerment, respect for minority rights and climate resilience will be the norm. It will be a continent that is capable of mobilizing its own financial resources and not reliant on external aid. It will be an Africa that influences and drives growth elsewhere on the globe. It will be an Africa that plays its rightful role in global affairs including governance reforms of major international institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund”.

The Commissioner added that, through the AGA, the Union seeks to facilitate implementation, support and compliment efforts by Member States to achieve their commitments under article 3 of the AU Constitutive Act and other relevant AU pronouncements. These commitments permeate various policy pronouncements (Conventions, Protocol, Charters and Treaties) at the regional and continental level. These commitments amongst others include: human rights and the rule of law, popular participation, accountability and transparency, strong democratic institutions, anti-corruption; improved service delivery ; credible and democratic elections, durable solutions to humanitarian crises and free movement of African citizens across borders of AU member states.

The Commissioner finally presented the vision, missions and objectives of her department in view to insuring an integrated, peaceful and democratically governed Africa driven by its citizens and playing a pivotal role in global political and economic diplomacy. (See complete press statement of the Commissioner on the AU website: www.au.int ).

South Sudan: Amidst ongoing insecurity, MSF staff & patients forced to flee Leer Hospital

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GENEVA, Switzerland, January 31, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Ongoing insecurity in Unity State has forced thousands of people to flee into the bush, including 240 South Sudanese Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff based in Leer, South Sudan. A team of 30 local MSF staff have taken several dozen of the most severely ill patients from Leer Hospital with them into the bush, fearing for their safety. Other patients who were well enough to leave of their own accord also fled, and there are no longer any patients or staff left at Leer Hospital.

“Despite incredibly challenging circumstances, MSF local staff continued running the hospital in Leer for as long as they could,” says Raphael Gorgeu, MSF Head of Mission. “However in the past three days, the situation became too unstable and the only way to provide medical care was to take patients out of the hospital and to flee with the population into the bush.”

Twelve MSF non-local staff were forced to evacuate Leer due to rapidly deteriorating security on 21 January. Although most of the town had fled, many locally-hired MSF staff chose to remain in Leer and continue providing life-saving medical care in the hospital, until security no longer allowed. MSF is extremely worried for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and patients.

“In the last six weeks in South Sudan, our staff have worked in extreme conditions – we've been forced to evacuate multiple times, our facilities have been looted and our teams have operated in areas of active conflict,” says Gorgeu. “Leer Hospital was the only fully functioning hospital in southern Unity State and now that it is no longer safe to work in this medical facility, more than 270,000 people have no access to healthcare.”

Since the beginning of the crisis, tens of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes in southern Unity State. This includes the more than 10,000 displaced from the fighting in Bentiu who had gathered in Leer and have now been displaced for a second time. The longer the population lives out in the open without adequate food, clean water or shelter, the more vulnerable they become to disease outbreaks and malnutrition.

“Our colleagues have shown tremendous dedication, continuing to care for patients with only basic medical kits, cleaning and dressing wounds, treating diseases like malaria and providing what healthcare they can,” says Gorgeu. “Right now they have a very limited medical supply and when that supply runs out, the situation will become even more dire for people who depend on us for healthcare.”

MSF has been working in Leer for the past 25 years, providing outpatient and inpatient care for children and adults, surgery, maternity, HIV/TB treatment, and intensive care. MSF is ready to return to Leer to provide medical care as soon as security allows.

MSF calls on all parties to respect the integrity of medical facilities, to allow aid organisations to access affected communities, and to allow patients to receive medical treatment irrespective of their origin or ethnicity.

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