Category: APO-OPA

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, July 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — How often does a service company truly exceed expectations? For many consumers, the satisfaction from purchasing a physical product often increases significantly from the moment they unpack and begin utilising the product (i.e. such as a new technological device). However, when it comes to services that consumers utilise, the satisfaction delivered as a result of the service rarely increases to the same extent once the service experience has come to an end.

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Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1222 (Gloria Torres, Head of Customer Service for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa)

Gloria Torres, Head of Customer Service for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa (http://www.dpdhl.com), says that due to these lower satisfaction levels post a consumer’s experience, businesses within the service industry need to constantly look to truly exceed a customer’s expectations to peak satisfaction during the process of delivering a service, and this is often achieved through a seamless and positive customer experience.

The recently released Global Customer Service Survey by Interactive Intelligence Group Inc. highlights the importance of a positive customer experience. It revealed that 64% of consumers would tell others when they had a positive customer service experience and that 45% of consumers tend to make purchase decisions based solely on customer service.

“The professionalism and attitude of a company’s employees, especially in the services industry, can have a massive influence on a customer’s experience and perception of service, and in turn, how a customer promotes the company to other potential customers. Customer service therefore plays a significant role in a business’s bottom line,” says Torres.

She adds that that the world of logistics is a key area where customer satisfaction levels need to be managed. “When a customer is paying you to deliver something within a specific timeframe, the upside, at first glance, is limited. You can get it there on time, in one piece. But that’s what the customer expects. Even getting it there earlier might not be welcomed. For example, if the customer is not at home or their warehouse is not yet ready to take receipt of more stock. At the same time, the potential to disappoint is huge – delivering something late, not at all, or in worse condition than when it started the journey is almost guaranteed to create immense dissatisfaction.

“Add to this the numerous interactions a customer has with diverse interfaces in many service companies and another important dimension comes into play: human relationships. In most businesses – even in today’s digital, automated world – there are still numerous people who provide different aspects of service to the customer. From the account manager who makes the pitch, the booking agent who takes an order and the operational employee who delivers the service, right through to the billing department that issues the invoice and follows up on payment – every single person can impact customer service levels. It is for this reason that we at DHL see huge potential to help service companies deliver additional value beyond what a customer is paying for.”

Torres says that there are three key areas which DHL believes are crucial to delivering service excellence:

 The voice of the customer: Ensuring that the voice of the customer resonates throughout the organisation is essential to great service. Initiatives, such as the Net Promoter Approach (NPA) management tool, which measures promoters and detractors among your customer base and proactively sources feedback from them, can have a huge impact in identifying areas for improvement and enabling the company to make the necessary changes to enhance their offering and continually offer better ways to deliver excellence to customers.

 An insanely customer-centric culture: An employee who simply smiles at a customer can have a huge impact on the customer’s perception of their experience. The only way to drive this perception in the service industry is through promoting a culture that is intensely customer centric, with the customer at the forefront of every activity. Service is not just the responsibility of the customer service department. However, the customer service function, given its expertise in this area, can play a key role in focusing the whole organisation on its customers.

 Transparent key performance indicators: While a service culture is largely an intangible thing, the “measurables” are still important. When these are set correctly, they help to focus teams on achieving a common objective, and managers to identify areas for continuous, incremental improvement. Performance indicators should also be built around service quality from the customer’s viewpoint, and they should be constantly visible to top management.

“The service industry, despite its name, can be one of the most difficult in which to consistently deliver great customer service and to exceed customers’ expectations. However, through focusing relentlessly on the little details that drive quality, listening intently to what your customers are telling you, and making sure that every individual in your business understands the impact they can have on the customer experience, businesses can deliver value beyond the “transaction” level and ensure long-term success,” concludes Torres.

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

Media Contact:

Megan Collinicos. Head: Advertising & Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL Express

Tel +27 21 409 3613

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megan.collinicos@dhl.com

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

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YAOUNDE, Cameroon, July 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On June 30, 2014, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Cameroon1 and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.2

The pace of economic growth accelerated in 2013, reaching 5.5 percent (compared to 4.6 percent in 2012). Average annual inflation remained subdued at 2.1 percent, because food prices remained stable and fuel prices, controlled. Growth was particularly buoyant in the services and construction sectors, the latter supported by strong public investment. The higher demand for capital goods led to an increase in imports, which offset the improving export performance of the oil sector.

Cameroon’s robust economic performance since 2007 does not appear to have dented poverty significantly. Recent estimates show a slight decrease from 39.9 percent of the population in 2007 to 38.7 percent in 2011, while growth incidence curves indicate that inequality may have increased.

The fiscal situation deteriorated in 2013. Oil revenue, which represented more than a quarter of all revenue, was lower than expected, because oil production and prices remained stable, but production costs increased. Retail fuel subsidies reached 2.8 percent of GDP and externally financed capital expenditure surged to 3.4 percent of GDP. These developments led to a budget deficit (on a cash basis) of over 4 percent of GDP, versus 2 percent of GDP in 2012.

Cameroon’s debt burden remains low, thanks in part to extensive debt relief in 2006, but it is growing at a fast pace. As a result of new nonconcessional external debt, the debt sustainability analysis shows that Cameroon’s risk of external debt distress has increased from “low” to “moderate”. On current trends, overall public debt is slated to double as a percentage of GDP between 2012 and 2019.

There has been progress in the banking system, as two previously troubled banks were able to restructure their balance sheets. The regional supervisory authority is in the process of strengthening its human resources to increase the frequency of its supervisions. A major concern remains the excessive concentration in bank credit toward the financially fragile national oil refinery.

Economic growth is expected to remain at about 5.5 percent annually over the medium term under current policies, while inflation is projected to remain below the regional convergence criterion of 3 percent. Oil exports will be sustained by volume growth, although prices are projected to decrease gradually. Large public investment projects in infrastructure will continue to support non-oil growth over the next few years. The private sector’s response to the new infrastructure is expected to take over as the main driver of growth thereafter, assuming a significant improvement in the business environment.

Substantial risks undermine Cameroon’s development prospects. Regional insecurity has deteriorated markedly over the past year. Fuel subsidies and a weak revenue effort continue to undermine a more pro-poor and pro-growth budget; and limited progress in improving the business environment stymies the advent of the formal private sector.

Executive Board Assessment

In concluding the 2014 Article IV consultation with Cameroon, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

Cameroon’s increased public investment spending has accelerated growth. The authorities need to implement higher quality policies and improve governance to promote development. The current level of growth, in itself, is not sufficient to accelerate poverty reduction and achieve upper-middle-income country status by 2035. A combination of reforms to enhance the cost-effectiveness of public expenditure and to foster private sector response has become critical. Regional security risks add an element of urgency to reforms to make the economy more resilient and to rekindle regional integration.

The fiscal stance requires adjustment. Risks to the 2014 budget need to be addressed without delay to avoid further accumulation of domestic arrears that undermine fiscal sustainability. Non-oil revenue performance will remain tepid unless unwarranted exemptions are removed, the tax base is broadened, and tax administration is made more effective. International oil prices and domestic demand will keep fuel subsidies high, unless pump prices are progressively raised. Contingent liabilities in the public and banking sectors and Public Private Partnerships (PPP) threaten fiscal sustainability.

The envisaged ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) could further undermine revenue in the long term. An evaluation of its direct and indirect impacts on revenue is necessary, and could inform new discussions on regional integration with the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) partner countries.

Although debt remains sustainable, new external liabilities have pushed the risk of external debt distress from “low” to “moderate.” The level of external debt remains low relative to the average of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) but the pace of debt accumulation is faster, and the risk of external debt distress would be higher still if the composition of future financing were to preserve or exceed external levels observed in 2013 and expected for 2014, rather than gradually decreasing as currently projected. The sensitivity of external debt sustainability to exports calls for export diversification.

The projected external debt accumulation points to a need to generate more value from public investment. A three-pronged approach is necessary: (i) a new round of project selection to identify projects with a high impact on growth and poverty reduction, and the rolling back of non-essential projects; (ii) the integrity of public financial management needs to be strengthened, including competitive procurement to generate more cost-effective spending; and (iii) the terms of new debt need to be more concessional.

A broad array of reforms to the business environment needs to be initiated, because its credibility will take time to establish. The private sector needs to take over as the main engine of growth by the time the public investment program is scaled back. The various reform areas cited by the Doing Business indicators point to a direct link between improvements in revenue policy, public financial management and private sector activity; they include “trading across borders” and “paying taxes”.

Risks to the banking system have receded, but financial intermediation remains low. The restructuring of two troubled banks leaves only three small banks in need of a resolution. The microfinance sector could expand faster and with less risk with the adoption of a regulatory framework and diligent joint supervision by the Commission Bancaire de l’Afrique Centrale (COBAC) and the Ministry of Finance. The new bank for Spell and Medium Enterprises (SME) is in need of regulatory vigilance, starting with its credit policy.

Cameroon: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2012–15

3-Apr-13 2012 2013 2014 2015

Act. Est. Proj. Proj.

(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

National income and prices

GDP at constant prices

4.6 5.5 5.5 5.5

Oil GDP at constant prices

3.5 3.0 4.5 9.0

Non-oil GDP at constant prices

4.6 5.6 5.6 5.4

GDP deflator

3.1 1.5 2.1 1.9

Consumer prices (average)

2.4 2.1 2.2 2.2

External trade

Export volume

8.3 3.0 7.6 9.5

Of which: non-oil sector

8.4 1.8 7.2 9.5

Import volume

2.2 6.5 8.2 7.6

Terms of trade (“-” is a deterioration)

0.3 0.9 0.1 -3.3

Money and credit

Net domestic assets1

4.6 10.1 7.5 7.9

Net credit to the public sector1

-2.3 -1.1 -1.0 -0.9

Credit to the private sector

2.6 14.9 11.1 11.2

Broad money (M2)

1.4 10.8 7.1 7.5

(Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

Central government operations

Total revenue (excluding grants)

17.5 17.8 18.0 17.7

Non-oil revenue (percent of non-oil GDP)

13.5 14.0 14.4 14.3

Total expenditure

19.5 22.1 24.0 23.9

Overall fiscal balance (cash basis)

Excluding grants

-2.9 -4.4 -6.1 -6.2

Including grants

-2.5 -4.1 -5.6 -5.7

Non-oil primary balance (percent of non-oil GDP)

-6.9 -9.1 -10.3 -9.9

External sector

Current account balance (including grants)

-3.6 -3.9 -3.8 -4.2

Imputed reserves (percent of broad money)

54.2 47.6 44.1 40.6

Public debt

Total

15.6 19.5 24.0 28.0

External

9.0 12.5 14.7 16.4

1 Percent of broad money at the beginning of the period.

Sources: Cameroonian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

1 Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually very year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

2 Article IV consultations are concluded without a Board meeting when the following conditions apply: (i) there are no acute or significant risks, or general policy issues requiring Board discussion; (ii) policies or circumstances are unlikely to have significant regional or global impact; (iii) in the event a parallel program review is being completed, it is also being completed on a lapse-of-time basis; and (iv) the use of Fund resources is not under discussion or anticipated.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Mauro Mecagni visited Nairobi from June 25 to July 9 to conduct the 2014 Article IV Consultation discussions1. The mission met with Hon. Henry Rotich, Cabinet Secretary of the National Treasury, Professor Njuguna Ndungu, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, the Speakers of the Senate and the National Assembly, senior government officials, and representatives of civil society, the private sector and development partners. The mission team wishes to thank the authorities for their warm hospitality, the excellent collaboration, and the high quality discussions.

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Mecagni issued the following statement:

“Kenya’s economy has continued to grow, with a pick-up in credit to the manufacturing sector and renewed foreign investor interest, notably in the extractive industries. Inflation remains within the central bank’s target band, reflecting the implementation of sound monetary policy, and has contributed to the stability of the country’s currency. Following a successful sovereign bond issue, international reserves have reached a level of more than five months of import coverage. Kenya’s expanding financial sector remains robust, and the ongoing process of financial inclusion has opened up the possibility of extending credit at more affordable rates to small and medium-sized enterprises. Efforts to develop Nairobi into a regional hub for financial services have advanced with the strengthening of the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework and Kenya’s recent graduation from the Financial Action Task Force’s monitoring process. At the same time, the economy faces some challenges, notably low rainfall and security-related concerns that have affected tourism.

“Despite good revenue performance, the 2013/14 central government deficit remained unchanged in percent of GDP on account of higher wages, security spending and larger transfers to counties. Kenya’s debt remains sustainable, and gradual fiscal consolidation will help ensure that the country is on track to meet the convergence criteria specified in the East African Monetary Union Protocol.

“Devolution is a major undertaking that holds great promise for the Kenyan population. It provides the opportunity to foster inclusive growth, increase job creation and address inequality. While considerable progress has been made during the first year of devolution–with much-needed investments in health, roads and access to water in specific counties—accountability, compliance with the legal framework and implementation capacity need to be further strengthened to effectively maximize the benefits of devolved resources, improve the provision of public services and mitigate fiscal risks. Budget preparation and execution mechanisms are being developed, and oversight by the National Treasury and independent constitutional offices is contributing to greater transparency and accountability in public finances.

“Kenya’s strong reform record and economic performance in recent years has laid the ground for sustainable growth that would enable the country to reach its ambitious Vision 2030 development targets. In this setting, policies need to consolidate macroeconomic stability, address infrastructure gaps, and support the integration of Kenya in the global economy. As the country remains vulnerable to risks such as weather-related shocks and potential volatility in capital flows, focusing policies on the following priorities would help strengthen resilience and support sustained growth:

Maintaining a prudent fiscal stance consistent with Kenya’s medium-term debt targets while pursuing a shift in the composition of expenditure towards development priorities. In that regard, controlling the wage bill at both national and county level and improving the quality and efficiency of public spending will be essential to create fiscal space for well-targeted social programs and increasing infrastructure investment. Investing in irrigation, energy, and transport infrastructure remains a priority to improve competitiveness and unlock the country’s growth potential. Continued efforts to mobilize domestic revenue are also required to fund these priorities.

Strengthening capacity-building in public financial management. This is key to ensure that the high expectations linked to devolution are met, and underscores the importance of making the Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Department fully operational. Priority areas are the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, the adoption of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act regulations, a formal agreement between the central government and counties on outstanding liabilities, and stronger oversight on the use of public resources. Enhancing the government’s cash management system is of paramount importance to avoid undue pressure on payment flows and interest rates, and reduce borrowing costs for the government and the private sector.

Improving liquidity forecasting will support continued prudent monetary policy, which should stand ready to anticipate changes in inflation expectations in taking monetary policy decisions. Maintaining a strong foreign exchange reserves position with exchange rate flexibility will further help cushion the impact of potential shocks.

Supporting the expansion of Kenyan banks, with continued efforts in consolidated supervision of systemic groups and cross-border cooperation with regional supervisors in information sharing, joint prudential oversight and resolution procedures.

Accelerating the regional integration process will contribute to positive investor sentiment and the diversification of Kenya’s export base. Commitment to the East African Monetary Union Protocol’s convergence criteria supports the integration process.

Effective natural resource management of recent oil and gas discoveries. Once confirmed to be commercially viable, these have the potential to further accelerate economic growth and reduce drought-related and geopolitical risks. A sound fiscal framework consistent with the PFM Act, including transparent management rules and the full integration of these resources into the budget is required for Kenya to fully realize this potential.

“On its return to Washington D.C., the team will prepare a staff report that is tentatively scheduled for discussion by the Executive Board in late September.”

1 The completion of the Article IV Consultation is subject to the discussion by the IMF Executive Board.

ZURICH, Switzerland, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided today, 9 July 2014, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference. Article …

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, today appointed Dr. Maman S. Sidikou, a Nigerien national, as the new African Union (AU) S…

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
July 9, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, we extend our best wishes to the people of the …

MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, has condemned last night’s attack on Villa Somalia, the seat of the Federal Government in Mogadishu. This was the latest in a series of attacks by Al Shabaab against Somalia’s political institutions, and comes after a failed attack against Parliament on 5 July.

Speaking from Villa Somalia today, following meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, SRSG Kay said, “Political progress in this country is only possible through the unity of its political institutions, which is why they are being attacked by those determined to plunge Somalia back into turmoil. The United Nations will continue to assist the people and institutions of Somalia as they make progress towards stability and peace.

“I commend the prompt action taken by the Somali and African Union security forces, who successfully dealt with the attack. They need the active support and cooperation of the people of Mogadishu. I commend the Government’s swift action to learn lessons from the recent attacks and to take steps to improve the delivery of security services.

“We continue to work actively with the Federal Government, AMISOM and international partners to build strong national security institutions to secure the country,” he added.

SRSG Kay extends his deepest sympathies to those affected, and to their friends and families.

OTTAWA, Canada, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament (Vegreville – Wainwright), on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, will deliver remarks at an event in Vermilion, Alberta.

During the remarks, MP Benoit will make an announcement regarding Canadian humanitarian assistance in Central Africa and the Great Lakes region.

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2014

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church

4709–43 Street

Vermilion, Alberta

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, looks forward to working closely with the new members of the AU Panel of the Wise. At their 23rd Ordinary Summit, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 26 and 27 June 2014, the Heads of State and Government endorsed the proposals she made for the appointment of the five new members of the Panel, who are:

– Dr Lakhdar Brahimi, from Algeria, for North Africa;

– Mr Edem Kodjo, from Togo, for West Africa;

– Dr Albina Faria de Assis Pereira Africano, from Angola, for Central Africa;

– Dr Luisa Diogo, from Mozambique, for Southern Africa; and

– Dr Specioza Naigaga Wandira Kazibwe, from Uganda, for East Africa.

The new members of the Panel are due to assume office in September 2014, at a ceremony to be held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. They will seize that opportunity to review and adopt their programme of work. The Chairperson of the Commission is confident that the new members of the Panel will give additional momentum to the AU’s efforts in conflict prevention, building on the work carried out so far. In line with relevant provisions of the Protocol that established the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the AU policy making organs have, over the past few years, repeatedly emphasized the need for renewed efforts towards conflict prevention in Africa.

The Chairperson of the Commission seizes this opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing members of the Panel of the Wise, which was chaired by late President Ahmed Ben Bella. Former President Kenneth Kaunda, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Madame Marie Madeleine Kalala-Ngoy, and Dr Mary Chinery Hesse will now become Friends of the Panel.

NOTE TO THE EDITORS

About the establishment and mandate of the Panel of the Wise: The AU Panel of the Wise is one of the components of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), as provided for in the 2002 Peace and Security Council (PSC) Protocol. The Panel, which was launched in Addis Ababa, in December 2007, is composed of five highly respected African personalities who have made outstanding contribution to the cause of peace, security and development on the continent. They are selected by the Chairperson of the Commission after consultation with the Member States concerned, and appointed by the Assembly of the Union to serve for a period of three years.

The Panel is mandated to support the efforts of the PSC and those of the Chairperson of the Commission, particularly in the area of conflict prevention. The Panel may advise the PSC and the Chairperson of the Commission on all matters within their respective competences; carry out fact-finding missions as an instrument of conflict prevention; encourage parties, where appropriate, to engage in political dialogue; and promote confidence-building measures. The Panel may also pronounce itself on any issue relating to the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability in Africa.

About the work of the Panel of the Wise: Since its inception, the Panel of the Wise has undertaken a number of thematic reflections on issues relevant to conflict prevention and peace-building, namely:

election-related disputes and conflicts;

impunity, justice and national reconciliation;

women and children in armed conflicts; and

democratization and governance.

The thematic reflection on election-related conflicts and violence was initiated following the post-election crisis in Kenya in December 2007. The report of the Panel on this issue and its recommendations were adopted in July 2009 by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The decision of the Panel to reflect on fighting impunity, along with its relationship to truth, justice and reconciliation in Africa, was taken in November 2008, following renewed debate on this topic.

The choice of the topic of women and children in armed conflicts was informed by the empirical evidence, accumulated over decades, confirming that women and children suffer most wherever and whenever there is a breakdown of social order, rule of law and ascendance of violence. The report of the Panel will be submitted in due course to the relevant AU organs.

The decision to devote a thematic reflection to the implications of the popular uprisings in North Africa for the democratization processes in Africa is in response to the request made by the 275th meeting of the PSC, held in Addis Ababa, on 26 April 2011, for the Panel to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing mechanisms relating to democratization and governance in Africa, and make recommendations to it.

In addition to its thematic reflections, the Panel of the Wise has undertaken a number of field missions in support of democratization and transition processes on the continent.

The Panel of the Wise works closely with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs). It has undertaken joint activities with the Committee of Elders of COMESA, the Council of the Wise of ECOWAS, as well as the Secretariats of IGAD, SADC and the ICGLR. In May 2013, the AU Assembly decided to establish an umbrella mechanism called the Pan African Network of the Wise (PANWISE). PANWISE brings together mediation institutions and actors across the continent, with a view to building synergies among all concerned.

About the new members of the Panel of the Wise: The new members of the Panel of the Wise were elected by the AU Summit held in Malabo, on 26 and 27 June 2014. These are:

a) for North Africa, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi from Algeria – Mr. Brahimi held senior positions in his country, notably as Ambassador to several countries, from 1963 to 1979, and Foreign Minister, from 1991 to 1993. He also held senior positions in the League of Arab States and the United Nations, including as Special Envoy;

b) for West Africa, Mr. Edem Kodjo from Togo. Mr. Kodjo has been Finance and Foreign Minister from 1976 to 1978, as well as Prime Minister, from 1994 to 1996. He also served as Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, from 1978 to 1983;

c) for Central Africa, Dr. Albina Faria Assis Pereira Africano from Angola. Dr. Africano has been Minister of Petroleum from 1992 to 1999 and Minister of Industry from 1999 to 2000. She also held the position of Special Advisor to the President for Regional Affairs;

d) for East Africa, Dr. Spesiosa Wandira from Uganda. Dr. Wandira has been Minister of Gender and Community Development from 1991 to 1994, Member of Parliament and, from 1994 to 2003, Vice-President of Uganda. She also chaired the African Women Committee on Peace and Development; and

e) for Southern Africa, Dr. Luisa Diogo from Mozambique. Dr. Diogo held several ministerial portfolios. She was Deputy Minister of Finance, then Planning and Finance Minister. From 2004 to 2010, she was Prime Minister.

DAKAR, Sénégal, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for West Africa and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), Mr. Said Djinnit, briefed yesterday the United Nations Security Council at the occasion of the presentation of the 13th report of the Secretary-General report on the activities of UNOWA.

Mr. Djinnit commended the effort by the region to promote development and economic growth, while acknowledging the challenges for West African countries to meet social expectations. He saluted the peaceful conclusion of the political transition in Guinea Bissau as well as the resumption of dialogue between the Government and the armed movements in Mali.

With regard to the capacity to respond to crises, the Special Representative welcomed the steps being taken by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards setting up appropriate rapid response mechanisms.

Identifying the critical challenges that have a potential to undermine peace and stability in West Africa, the Special Representative highlighted the transnational security challenges, including organized crime, drug trafficking, piracy and criminality at sea, as well as the growing activities of terrorist networks. He called on West African countries to establish effective strategic and operational cooperation mechanisms.

As a new electoral cycle will commence in the West African region in 2015, SRSG Djinnit warned of the polarized context in some of countries involved, and recommended that all efforts should be directed towards preserving stability and consolidating democracy through dialogue.

Mr. Djinnit highlighted the importance of the integrated regional initiatives, which are being supported by UNOWA, in close collaboration with ECOWAS, and which include the strategy for cross-border security in the Mano River Union (MRU), the strategic framework for maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. He particularly reiterated his belief in the potential of the Mano River Union to become a beacon of prosperity and stability in West Africa, and insisted on the need for coordination and complementarity of efforts with regard to the international action in Sahel.

SRSG Djinnit, who is also the High Representative of the Secretary-General in the context of the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, deplored that the school girls abducted by Boko Haram in Chibok in April 2014 remain in captivity, and that the level of violence against innocent civilians continue unabated, resulting in tragic losses of human lives and significant displacement of populations, and adversely affecting security in the sub region.

‘Nigeria is at a crossroads’, said Said Djinnit, assessing the overall situation in the country amidst the political tensions in the period leading up to the 2015 general elections. In that regard, he called on the Council members to continue to lend their support to efforts and initiatives aimed at ensuring stability in Nigeria, a country that has been playing a pivotal role in the maintenance of regional peace and security.

SRSG Djinnit particularly encouraged the countries of the Lake Chad Basin to consolidate their joint action within the framework of the Paris Summit and the London follow up ministerial meeting, and welcomed the prospect of the African Union to deploy a Task Force to the region to address the challenge posed by the activities of Boko Haram.