Category: APO-OPA

ROME, Italy, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An FAO project to equip small fishing communities with the tools and know-how to dry fish on simple raised racks instead of on the sand has changed lives along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi.

Women had always dried catches of small sardine-like silver lake fish called ndagala on the ground, where they were easy pickings for animals and vulnerable to being trampled and contaminated. During the rainy season, many fish would be washed away or start to rot.

“If the fishes got spoiled and began to smell awfully it was impossible to sell them at market,” said Gabriel Butoyi, president of Rumonge fishing port.

In total, around 15 percent of the catch was lost or spoiled during the drying process.

Working with Burundi’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FAO first set up a tiny project in the village of Mvugo ten years ago, constructing just 48 cheap wire-mesh racks suspended a metre above the ground, offering training and distributing leaflets on how to build the racks.

Driers quickly saw the benefits, with racks reducing drying time from three days to just eight hours, meaning producers can dry multiple batches of fish in the same day. The fish are out of reach of animals, and racks can also be covered when it rains, preventing spoilage.

“Our fishes are of a good quality without small gravel or stones and they are dried in hygienic conditions,” said rack owner Domitien Ndabaneze. “With our products, customers are no longer concerned with eating sandy fish.”

Explosion of racks

Word spread fast among fishing communities, and the use of racks exploded along the shores of the lake. The area dedicated to fish drying near the village of Mvugo has increased from one acre in 2004 to five acres today, and the number of driers at all official fishing sites along the shores of Lake Tanganyika has increased from 500 to over 2 000

The quantity of fish lost or wasted due to inadequate drying practices has more than halved, and as the quality of the dried fish has improved, prices have more than doubled, from 4 000 Burundian francs ($2.5/kg) in 2004 to 9 000 ($6/kg) in 2013.

“I am able to look after my child because of the business I do trading fish,” said Pelousi Ndayisaba, a former rebel fighter who turned to fish drying. “It is the only activity that provides me with a living.”

The rack drying technique also reduces daily drudgery for the driers, as women no longer have to bend down to spread and turn fish on the ground.

Small-scale operations have sprung up providing the material for, and building, the racks, also helping to improve the livelihoods of fishing communities and the local economy.

The longer shelf life of rack-dried fish means that the high-protein ndagala can be transported not only to inland but also transborder and regional markets, contributing to the nutrition of communities who live far from sources of fresh fish.

Yet at the same time, the increase in supply has not put greater pressure on the lake’s resources, as the amount of fish being taken from the lake has remained relatively stable.

“The extraordinary thing is how this one very small project has created a snowball effect along the shores of the lake,” said FAO Fishery Industry Officer Yvette Diei-Ouadi. “It’s extremely rare now to see people drying fish on the ground – if driers can’t afford wire-mesh racks they will improvise with wood and fishing net. Even fishing communities in neighbouring countries have taken up the rack-drying technique.”

The way forward

The new way of drying fish has brought other changes. Whereas in 2004, about 80 percent of driers were women, now men keen to join in the lucrative enterprise comprise 30-40 percent.

“The government has made huge efforts to ensure driers have access to land to set up racks, but it is also important to help women driers specifically through microcredit schemes so that they are not edged out as competition increases,” Diei-Ouadi said.

While the racks have made a huge difference in preventing fish being spoiled and lost, rain and cloudy days can still result in some post-harvest losses.

Among possible solutions to the problem is the use of solar-powered driers and a fish drier and smoker known as the FAO-Thiaroye processing technique (FTT), which is already being rolled out in several African countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Togo. Another way of using fish that cannot be dried would be to introduce alternative value-added products made from fresh fish, such as fish sausages.

Some 60 percent of Burundians currently do not receive enough protein, and means of improving nutrition in Africa and elsewhere will be under discussion at the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) organized by FAO and the World Health Organization in November 2014 in Rome.

FAO is meanwhile continuing to promote and strengthen the use of drying racks in other countries including Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, where the success of the technique has resulted in dried fish being exported and sold in Zimbabwe, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Thank you for that kind introduction. I also want to especially thank Ha’aretz publisher Amos Schocken, Ha’aretz Editor in Chief Aluf Ben, Ha’aretz CEO Rami Guez and the Ha’aretz Peace Conference CEO Akiva Eldar. This is a remarkable event and I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to address it.

It is heartening to see such a robust turnout and so many important voices convened here today to discuss such an important issue at such a challenging moment. Cynics would say this conference is badly timed. Peace talks have been suspended, and the tragic kidnappings, killings, and demonstrations over the past several weeks mean that peace between Israelis and Palestinians is the wrong agenda.

I would argue just the opposite. Indeed, I applaud Ha’aretz for responding to the suspension of negotiations not by moving on to other issues but by assembling this distinguished group of experts and political leaders to ask how we can all do better. Because the lesson of the past several weeks is not that we would be better off focusing on other challenges but that the inability to resolve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians inevitably means more tension, more resentment, more injustice, more insecurity, more tragedy, and more grief. And the sight of grieving families, Israeli and Palestinian, reminds us that the cost of this conflict remains unbearably high.

This conference is also taking place at a time of growing threats to Israel’s security. Over the past several days, Hamas and other terrorist groups have launched dozens of rockets at Israeli towns and cities, forcing local populations into their shelters. The United States strongly condemns these attacks. No country should have to live under the constant threat of indiscriminate violence against innocent civilians. We support Israel’s right to defend itself against these attacks. At the same time, we appreciate Prime Minister Netanyahu’s call for acting responsibly. We, in turn, call on all sides to do all they can to restore calm, and to take steps to protect civilians.

Before I talk about politics and diplomacy, I would like to convey President Obama’s and Secretary Kerry’s deep condolences to the families who lost loved ones over the past weeks. The pain felt in Israel for the kidnap and murder of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar, and Naftali Fraenkel resonated across America and throughout the world. The abduction and killing of Muhammad Abu Khdeir and several other innocent Palestinians was equally tragic.

The families of Naftali, a dual Israeli-American citizen, and of Muahmmad have responded with noble resolve and humanity. Yishai Fraenkel, Naftali’s uncle, responded to Muhammad’s death by saying: “The life of an Arab is equally precious to that of a Jew. Murder is murder, whatever the nationality or age may be.” And Muhammad’s father, Hussein, asked: “Whether Jew or Arab, who can accept the kidnapping and killing of his son or daughter? I call on both sides to stop the bloodshed.” That these two men spoke by phone on Sunday and comforted each other for the tragic losses they’ve suffered is an inspirational reminder of the common humanity that exists on both sides in the face of this senseless violence.

We have strongly condemned these killings and we have offered our full support to Israel and the Palestinian Authority to find and bring the perpetrators to justice. While there has clearly been far too much recrimination and some reprehensible examples of racism on both sides, we appreciate that Prime Minister Netanyahu has unambiguously condemned Muhammad’s killing and appealed to Israelis not to take justice in their own hands, and that President Abbas has condemned the kidnapping of the Israeli teens and maintained extensive security coordination with Israel throughout the crisis. This is a moment for leaders on both sides to demonstrate reason and calm, and ensure that extremists are marginalized and calls for retribution and revenge have no place on either side.

Regional Context

This conference is about efforts to make peace between Israelis and Palestinians. But I want to start by acknowledging that in a Middle East in turmoil, Israel faces threats on a wide variety of fronts. That is why President Obama has done so much to ensure that U.S.-Israel security cooperation is more extensive than ever. Whether it’s the long-term provision of defense assistance; the unprecedented intelligence cooperation; the U.S. investments in missile-defense systems such as Iron Dome and Arrow; the joint work on new defense technologies; the recent agreement to supply advanced military capabilities including the V-22 Osprey and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter; or the high-level consultations we maintain through mechanisms like the U.S.-Israel Consultative Group; no one can question America’s unshakable commitment to Israel’s security. And I would like to reiterate here and now – on a day when air defense sirens are going off — that this commitment will not waver.

Our commitment to Israeli security means not just working closely with Israel to ensure its military edge, but doing all we can to deal with developments in the region that threaten Israel’s security as well as our own.

At the top of that list is our work to ensure that Iran does not ever acquire a nuclear weapon. For the past 6 months, since the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action, which halted progress on Iran’s nuclear program, we and our P5 + 1 and EU colleagues have been making clear to Iran what it must do to resolve this issue diplomatically. President Obama has made clear that any agreement must be based on concrete, verifiable assurances that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, and that we will not accept a deal that does not meet this standard.

With the expiration of the Joint Plan of Action just two weeks away, we cannot be confident that an agreement will be reached, but we can guarantee that our bottom line is unchanged: an agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and the United States will use all elements of our national power to accomplish that goal.

We are also working to reduce threats to Israel, and to ourselves, from Syria. Last month, under U.S. leadership, the international community successfully removed the last of Bashar al-Assad’s declared chemical weapons from Syria. That reduces the ability of either a brutal dictator or Islamist extremists to use weapons of mass destruction to threaten not just the Syrian people but Syria’s neighbors. At the time of the agreement, many were skeptical it could be done. But it was. A year ago Assad not only had one of the world’s largest stockpiles of chemical weapons—he was using them to kill large numbers of Syrians. Today, the weapons and production capabilities we and our Israeli colleagues worried so much about are gone. This is a singular achievement, and removes at least one challenge that at the time seemed impossible to meet.

The Syrian conflict remains an immense security risk and a tragedy on an enormous scale. Doing all we can to resolve it remains a priority. We continue to increase our efforts to support the moderate opposition and to press for a political solution that resolves a conflict that is feeding a humanitarian crisis and regional instability. The proposal for a $5 billion Counterterrorism Partnership Fund announced by President Obama at West Point last month will help stabilize Syria’s neighbors and increase their capacity to cope with the crisis. And it will also boost the moderate opposition’s ability to strengthen itself vis a vis the regime and the extremists alike.

Now some of these same extremists – supporters of the so-called “Islamic State” – are increasingly threatening our interests in Iraq and pose a direct threat to others in the region, including Jordan and Lebanon – an important concern for us and for Israel.

We are responding. We have significantly increased our intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets so that we’ve got a better picture of what’s taking place inside the country, and have positioned additional U.S. military assets in the region.

The President has also made clear that our best and most effective response to a threat like the Islamic State will ultimately involve partnerships where local Iraqi forces take the lead. To assist, we have increased our support to Iraqi security forces, and have sent American military advisors and assessment teams, and established Joint Operations Centers in Baghdad and Erbil.

We are supporting the Iraqis in their efforts to put together a new and more inclusive government, representing Shia, Sunni, and Kurds and other minorities alike – that can pull the country together and effectively counter a terrorist safe haven that could threaten the entire region and the world.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace

These are of course only some of the regional challenges that affect Israeli and American security interests alike. But how do they affect the quest for Middle East peace? Do the threats emanating from growing regional turmoil mean that the Palestinian issue should be set aside as a distraction, not worth the investment of time and political capital when there are so many other challenges for Israelis to meet? And in any case, hasn’t the past year – or indeed the past 20 years – demonstrated the futility of such an effort?

In our view, the answer to both these questions is: no. What President Obama said in Jerusalem last March remains as true now as it was then: peace is just, necessary, and possible.

It is true that the last round of negotiations did not succeed and we find ourselves in an uneasy pause. We have not hidden our disappointment that the parties could not bridge the gaps that divide them. At the same time, we have no interest in a blame game. The unfortunate reality is that neither side prepared their publics or proved ready to make the difficult decisions required for an agreement. Trust has been eroded on both sides. Until it is restored, neither side will likely be ready to take risks for peace – even as they live with the dire consequences that result from its absence.

We understand that. But the United States did not invest so much effort into brokering peace talks because we believed it would be easy, or even that the gaps between the parties are narrow. It isn’t, and they’re not. The reason we have pursued this relentlessly – the reason Secretary Kerry devoted so much of his precious time and unparalleled energy to the pursuit of peace — is because of our firm belief that as hard as it is, peace is the only path to security for Israel and self-determination and dignity for the Palestinians. We have pursued it because all the alternatives, for Israel and the Palestinians, are worse. We have pursued it because time is on nobody’s side.

Peace is necessary because given the demographics west of the Jordan River it’s the only way to ensure a secure and democratic future for the Jewish state of Israel. While walls and missile defense systems can help protect against some threats, true safety for both sides will only come with a comprehensive negotiated settlement, and the real commitment and mutual trust required to make it last.

We know that many Israelis fear withdrawal from the West Bank due to the experience in Gaza, from which rockets continue to strike Israel, notwithstanding the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and settlements.

But it is precisely this outcome that we are determined to ensure is never repeated. That is why President Obama, supported by Secretary of State Kerry and Secretary of Defense Hagel, asked General John Allen to lead a security dialogue with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) regarding Israel’s security in a two-state context. General Allen, a recently retired four-star Marine Corps General, is one of the sharpest military minds in the United States. He has worked closely with Israeli counterparts for years. There is no American better suited for this job.

For over a year now, General Allen has coordinated closely with his Israeli counterparts in the IDF to fully understand Israel’s security challenges from Israel’s perspective in a two-state context. He and his team have developed a broad series of approaches to security that address, but are certainly not limited to, the Jordan River Valley. We believe these approaches can make Israel more secure than it is today, and are consistent with the sovereignty of a future Palestinian state.

Sadly, much of the public debate about this work has been misinformed and misleading, which has created distracting and politically charged criticism. And while the details of this work remain classified, I want to make clear that General Allen and his IDF counterparts are taking into account a range of contingencies, including the rising threats we see around the Middle East today. The approaches that are being discussed would create one of the most secure borders in the world along both sides of the Jordan River.

By developing a layered defense that includes significantly strengthening the fences on both sides of the border, ensuring the right level of boots on the ground, by deploying state-of-the-art technology, and with a comprehensive program of rigorous testing, we can make the border safe against any type of conventional or unconventional threat – from individual terrorists to a conventional armored force. We are well aware that technology alone cannot be the answer in making peace any more than it can be in protecting Israel without peace. But we also know that it can play a key role in making Israel’s border with Jordan secure.

Despite the difficult political climate, recent actions by the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah demonstrate its courage and reliability as a security partner with Israel in order to further the cause of peace. This includes President Abbas’ recent speech in Saudi Arabia – in Arabic – emphasizing the importance of security cooperation with Israel, as well as Palestinian Authority Security Force efforts in seeking to locate the three kidnapped teenagers and maintain calm in a highly charged environment.

The bottom line is that, based on this Security Dialogue, we are confident that, together with Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians we can create a comprehensive approach to security, proven through operational testing, to meet the highest standards anywhere in the world.

Security is a priority in working toward peace because we understand that Israel has to be strong to make peace. We also believe that peace will make Israel stronger. We are convinced that real security will come from a two-state solution that brings Israelis the lasting peace and secure borders they deserve, and brings Palestinians the sovereignty, freedom, and dignity they deserve.

Peace will also mean finally having Israel be broadly and universally accepted among the community of nations, reversing the growing international frustration about this conflict and undercutting the risk of Israel’s isolation.

Israel confronts an undeniable reality: it cannot maintain military control of another people indefinitely. Doing so is not only wrong but a recipe for resentment and recurring instability. It will embolden extremists on both sides, tear at Israel’s democratic fabric, and feed mutual dehumanization.

As the President has said, neither occupation nor expulsion is the answer. Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a sovereign, free, and secure people in their own land. Or to quote one of your own leaders, Ariel Sharon: “It is impossible to have a Jewish democratic state, at the same time to control all of Eretz Israel. If we insist on fulfilling the dream in its entirety, we are liable to lose it all.”

Reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians would help turn the tide of international sentiment and sideline violent extremists, further bolstering Israel’s security. We know all too well the troubles that can arise for Israel internationally when there is no movement on the political track, especially when settlement activity continues to make the potential peace map more difficult and to undermine international support for Israel. On this, I should also be clear of the United States’ longstanding position: we consider settlements illegitimate and an impediment to progress on peace negotiations. Settlement announcements would be a counter-productive reaction to the kidnapping and murder of the three Israeli teenagers.

Ehud Barak once warned of a ‘tsunami’ in New York, and as we speak here today, we’re seeing signs already that pressure may be building. Progress on peace holds international challenges at bay. But it also opens up new possibilities for Israeli participation across the international system, particularly with Israel’s Arab neighbors, who face common threats.

In contrast, if we fail to come back to peace talks, renewed efforts to isolate Israel internationally and legitimize Palestinian statehood unilaterally are all but certain. The United States will do all it can to fight boycotts and other delegitimization efforts. But in many of these realms, particularly outside the Security Council, our ability to contain the damage is limited, and becoming more and more challenging. This is what American friends of Israel mean when they express concerns about the potential for Israeli isolation if peace talks do not succeed. Let me be absolutely clear that these are not threats. The United States will always have Israel’s back. That’s why we fight for it every day at the United Nations, where we have worked diligently to ensure Israel is treated fairly and on par with all other states.

But as Israel’s greatest defender and closest friend we owe it to you to ask fundamental questions—which in fact many Israelis are asking themselves: how will Israel remain democratic and Jewish if it attempts to govern the millions of Palestinian Arabs who live in the West Bank? How will it have peace if it is unwilling to delineate a border, end the occupations and allow for Palestinian sovereignty, security, and dignity? How will we prevent other states from isolating Israel or supporting Palestinian efforts in international bodies if Israel is not seen as committed to peace?

We also believe that the growing turbulence in the wider Middle East is not a reason to downgrade the priority of peace with the Palestinians, but quite the opposite. Not only would a viable peace agreement boost Israel’s standing internationally, it would provide the platform for Israel to be an integral and active part of a regional strategy and solution. It would boost trade and expand business and investment opportunities with Arab states.

Israel shares core interests and concerns with important regional partners, from Iran’s nuclear program to the threat of violent extremism, and brings unparalleled resources, know-how, and expertise to the table. But harnessing this fully requires a resolution to Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. This is one reason why Secretary Kerry devoted so much time engaging the Arab League during the recent final status negotiations.

He repeatedly convened Arab Foreign Ministers from the Arab League Peace Initiative Follow-Up Committee and encouraged them to revitalize the API, including by supporting the concept of land swaps.

Given where we find ourselves, it is understandable that some on both sides are looking at other options, some of which were presented at this conference today. But most of these are stop-gaps at best. At worst, they are a recipe for continued or increased conflict or isolation. A “one-state solution” is implausible, and would effectively mean an end to the Jewish and democratic nature of your state. Unilateral annexation of West Bank territories populated by Israelis is wrong, illegal, and a recipe for Israel’s isolation. The United States could never support it, and I doubt any of Israel’s other friends would. Other unilateral or interim measures may appear tempting alternatives, but they do not solve Israel’s and the Palestinians’ long-term problems. In fact, they could deepen them. The fact remains, only a negotiated solution – two states for two peoples – can give Israelis and Palestinians the futures they need and deserve.

Israel should not take for granted the opportunity to negotiate that peace with President Abbas, who has shown time and again that he is committed to nonviolence and coexistence with Israel.

President Obama has articulated his vision for what peace looks like on several occasions. It hasn’t changed. But it bears repeating today, and at this forum.

A lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people, and the state of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people, each state enjoying self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace. While the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, a secure Israel.

Negotiations should therefore result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. Any peace agreement will require robust security provisions that safeguard Israel’s security. And the Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their full potential, in an independent, sovereign and contiguous state.

The United States remains prepared to assist the parties in bridging the substantive gaps that remain. Our deep commitment has not waned, but it’s not our commitment by which peace will live or die. It’s yours, and your Palestinian neighbors’.

It will ultimately require courageous political decisions by Israeli and Palestinian leaders to find the common ground that enables them to resume direct negotiations. And when they demonstrate they are prepared to do so, the United States will be there, right by their side, to help them achieve the lasting peace their people so deserve.

MORONI, Comoros, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Officials from the Union of Comoros and United States signed an Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement July 6 in Kandani, the Comoran National Army of Development (Armée nationale de développement, AND) headquarters, to increase flexibility of military exchanges.

The document was signed by Rear Admiral Alex Krongard from the U.S. Navy, currently the CJTF-HOA deputy commander, and Colonel Youssouf Idjihadi, Chief of Staff of the AND. The signing took place shortly after the archipelago nation’s National Day parade that marked 39 years of independence.

Col. Idjihadi gave opening remarks, and was followed by Krongard, Eric Wong, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Antananarivo, and His Excellency Hamada Madi, director of cabinet of the president of the Union of Comoros in charge of defense.

Attendees included an American delegation from the U.S. Embassy, Antananarivo, as well as two of the three Comoran vice presidents, ministers, members of Comoran parliament, and religious leaders.

“Comoros becomes the 100th nation and 20th African nation to sign such an agreement,” Krongard said prior to the signing. “This agreement will make military-to-military exchanges of logistics, support, supplies and services much easier to carry out.”

U.S. Africa Command and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa will now have the authority and ability to more effectively work with the Comoran military.

“U.S. and Comoran commanders and their forces will now have greater flexibility for exercises and training as as well as responding to emergencies and other unforeseen contingencies,” Krongard said. “It is a very important step as we expand the relationship between our two countries and our two militaries.”

The ACSA allows for support to: combined exercises, contingency and wartime operations, exigent circumstances, humanitarian and foreign disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, and training requirements

“We look forward to working with you on issues associated with regional security so as to enjoy the benefits of liberty and peace.”

In attendance during the agreement signing was Comoran Gendarmerie Lt. Bastua Ahamadi, currently deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as a liaison officer. At his home station, he instructs English at the National School for the Armed Forces and Gendarmerie (Ecole Nationale des Forces Armées et de la Gendarmerie, ENFAG).

“It is something that the Comoran Army has been waiting for and is a big opportunity,” Bastua said. “The cooperation and advantages of United States — this is something that is going to further our cooperation and be very beneficial for us — not only in terms of equipment, but study.”

“With this cooperation we will improve our skills so that we can be ready for any deployment.”

Specific items authorized for exchange by replacement in kind, equal value exchange, or exchanges through cash, include: Base operations support, billeting, communication, calibration, medical services, port services, maintenance, storage, training, clothing, transportation, ammunition, food and water, petroleum, oil, lubricants, spare parts and components not covered by Foreign Military Sales.

All exchanges are tracked through the ACSA Global Automated Tracking and Reporting System, and exchanges that are not satisfied within one year default to cash exchanges.

NEW YORK, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On the occasion of the third anniversary of South Sudan’s independence, the Secretary-General …

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — CONCLUSIONS

1. The International Contact Group on the Central African Republic (ICG-CAR) held its 5th meeting, in Addis Ababa, on Monday 7 July 2014, under the joint chairmanship of Mr. Basile Ikouebe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of the Congo, and Ambassador Smail Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU). The list of countries and organizations which attended the meeting is indicated below .

2. The opening ceremony was marked by the statements made by the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui; the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Hervé Ladsous; the Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Ambassador Ahmad Allam-Mi; the Prime Minister and Head of the Transitional Government of the CAR, Mr. Andre Nzapayeke; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration of the Republic of Chad, Chair of ECCAS, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat; and Minister Basile Ikouebe.

3. Participants considered the evolution of the situation in the CAR since the 4th meeting of the ICG-CAR held in Brazzaville, on 21 March 2014, on the basis of the statement made by the Prime Minister of the CAR, the presentations made by the Special Representatives of the AU, the UN and ECCAS in Bangui, on behalf of the Coordinating Group for the Preparation and Follow-Up to the Meetings of the ICG-CAR (G8-RCA), the interventions of the various international actors involved in the management of the crisis, as well as the ensuing discussions.

4. Participants noted the persistent fragility of the security situation in the CAR. They strongly condemned all acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups, particularly against the civilian populations, including the assassination, on 24 May 2014, of 3 Muslims in Bangui, followed by the attack on the Notre Dame de Fatima Church, on 28 May 2014, and the atrocities committed in the city of Bambari, at the end of the month of June 2014. They expressed alarm at the increase of violence against women, including rape. Participants noted with concern that the western part of the country is facing tension arising from clashes between armed groups vying for the control of local resources. They also noted the difficulties encountered in the implementation, by armed groups, of the confidence-building measures in the eastern part of the country. Participants noted, however, a significant improvement in the security situation in recent weeks, thanks to the action of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), with the support of the French Operation Sangaris and of the Operation of the European Union in the CAR (EUFOR-RCA).

5. Participants reiterated their concern over the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis facing the CAR, noting that more than half of the population of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance. They reiterated their deep appreciation to the countries hosting refugees from the CAR, as well as to the countries and humanitarian organizations providing assistance to the affected populations. They noted with concern that, out of the US$ 565 million required to meet the humanitarian needs, only US$ 193 million had been mobilized to date.

6. Participants stressed the negative impact of the security situation on the economic activities, noting that growth, in 2013, had declined in real terms by 36 %. However, they noted a slight recovery in economic activity in Bangui, thanks to the efforts made to secure the corridor connecting Bangui to the Cameroonian border and the contributions from international partners. They expressed their appreciation to the latter for their economic and financial support.

7. Participants took note of the information provided by the CAR delegation on the implementation of the Roadmap for the Transition. They noted the efforts made for the reorganization of the Defence and Security Forces and the restoration of State authority. They also noted with satisfaction the initiatives taken by the Head of State of the Transition in order to inject the necessary momentum to the national reconciliation and political dialogue processes, with the involvement of all the CAR actors. Furthermore, they noted the efforts she has undertaken to mobilize the international community in favour of the CAR.

8. At the same time, Participants emphasized the slow progress in the implementation of the Roadmap, due to a multiplicity of factors. They stressed that the successful completion of the Transition within the agreed timelines requires much faster progress on the various aspects of the Roadmap, including the restoration of security and public order, as well as of the judicial administration, the preparation of the elections that will mark the end of the Transition, the reorganization of the Defence and Security Forces, the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform (SSR) processes, as well as the implementation of the required economic reforms.

9. In this regard, Participants strongly encouraged the CAR authorities to initiate the reorganization of the Defence and Security Forces, including the CAR Armed Forces (FACA), on the basis of the criteria that will be defined within the framework of the envisaged Inclusive Political Dialogue and in conformity with relevant international principles and, in the meantime, to work towards the operationalization of specific units, to facilitate the conduct of works of public interest. They called on the authorities to consider disarmament in a consensual manner, as a major political act resulting from an inclusive political dialogue. They recommended the establishment of a Truth and Justice Commission, to resolutely fight against impunity and promote reconciliation.

10. Participants urged the transitional authorities to accelerate the preparation of the elections scheduled in February 2015 to conclude the on-going transition and enable the restoration of constitutional order. They urged the international community to support these actions, including financially.

11. Considering the foregoing, Participants stressed the need for a greater commitment by the CAR political and social stakeholders, who must take full ownership of the ongoing process. Consequently, Participants called upon the CAR stakeholders to work resolutely towards national reconciliation and to refrain from all acts likely to further undermine national cohesion. In particular, they urged the ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka leaders to unequivocally appeal to their followers to put an immediate end to the attacks against the civilian populations and to all other acts of violence, and to refrain from substituting the security forces. They encouraged the transitional institutions to fully shoulder their responsibilities.

12. Participants reiterated the commitment of their respective organizations and countries to continue to support the efforts of the CAR authorities and stakeholders. In this regard, they welcomed the continued role of the region, as illustrated by the tripartite Angola-Chad-Republic of the Congo Summit, held in Luanda, on 9 June 2014, the Consultation among the ECCAS Heads of State and Government, held in Malabo, on 27 June 2014, in the margins of the 23rd ordinary summit of the AU, as well as the financial support that the countries of the region continue to extend to the CAR. They also welcomed the adoption, on 10 April 2014, by the Security Council, of resolution 2149(2014), authorizing the re-hatting of MISCA into a UN operation, and look forward to the transfer of authority from MISCA to MINUSCA, scheduled for 15 September 2014. They also expressed satisfaction at the financial assistance that the CAR bilateral and multilateral partners provided to help the recovery process of the country.

13. Participants had extensive exchange of views on the next steps in the political and reconciliation process in the CAR. On the basis of the conclusions of the Malabo Consultation of 27 June 2014, they endorsed the modalities for the resumption of the political dialogue and the reconciliation process as presented by the G8-RCA. In this regard, they agreed as follows:

(i) the convening, in Brazzaville, from 21 to 23 July 2014, of a Forum for National Reconciliation and Political Dialogue, under the auspices of the ECCAS Mediator in the CAR crisis, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo. This Forum is expected to agree on a total halt of violence, through the signing, by the parties concerned, of a cessation of hostilities agreement and the disarmament of the armed groups, as well as on a new political framework for the Transition;

(ii) the establishment by the CAR Government of a preparatory committee, tasked, in close consultation with the International Mediation referred to below and with the support of the G8-RCA, to prepare the Forum, including the aspects concerning participation in the Forum, which must be as inclusive as possible, taking into account the relevant decisions of the AU PSC and the UN Security Council;

(iii) the establishment of an International Mediation, under the authority of the ECCAS Mediator in the CAR crisis, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, and comprising AU and UN representatives as Deputy Mediators and the ECCAS General Secretariat as Rapporteur. The International Mediation shall also comprise the representatives of the ECCAS Member States, other members of the G8-RCA and the ICGLR;

(iv) the provision of the required expertise by the AU and the UN, as well as by other members of the international community;

(v) the immediate initiation of consultations between the ECCAS Mediator and the G8-RCA for the preparation of a budget and the completion of other aspects of the proposed Forum;

(vi) the appeal to the international community to contribute towards the funding of the Forum and of other follow-up activities.

14. Participants agreed that the Brazzaville Forum will be followed by other steps to be carried out in the CAR, to ensure the widest possible participation of the different segments of the CAR population and its ownership of the process, namely consultations to be organized in the various prefectures of the country and a larger Forum to be held in Bangui.

15. Participants urged all concerned CAR stakeholders to participate in the Brazzaville Forum in the required spirit of responsibility and compromise and to place the interest of the CAR and its people above partisan considerations, as well as narrow and short-term objectives. They reaffirmed their determination to hold the spoilers accountable for their acts, including through the imposition of sanctions against them, within the context of the relevant provisions of resolution 2134 (2014) of 28 January 2014 relating to the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council. In this regard, they welcomed the measures already taken by the United Nations Sanctions Committee.

16. Participants welcomed the remarkable work being done by MISCA, with the support of Operations Sangaris and EUFOR-RCA, in a particularly challenging environment. They expressed their appreciation to the troop and police contributing countries for their commitment and sacrifices made. They further expressed gratitude to all the countries and organizations that provided support to MISCA and urged them to continue their support.

17. Participants took note with satisfaction of the on-going transition process from MISCA to MINUSCA, and welcomed the smooth collaboration between the AU and the UN, to enable a successful transfer of authority. They appealed to the international partners to provide the necessary support to the concerned MISCA contingents to facilitate their effective participation in the implementation of the mandate of MINUSCA.

18. Participants urged the CAR authorities to accelerate the implementation of the reforms relating to economic and financial governance, in order to facilitate the mobilization of additional assistance. They requested the CAR bilateral and multilateral partners to continue and enhance their support, taking into account the specific situation of the CAR. Participants reiterated the appeal to the international community for the mobilization of the necessary humanitarian assistance.

19. Participants welcomed the establishment in Bangui of a Coordinating Group in charge of the Preparation and Follow-up of the Meetings of the ICG-CAR, called G8-RCA, in conformity with the Conclusions of the 4th meeting of the ICG-CAR.

20. Participants agreed to have the next meeting of the ICG-CAR convened in Bangui, in the CAR, in October 2014, at a date to be determined after consultations.

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 8, 2014

The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack against Villa Somalia, the headquarters and resid…

OTTAWA, Canada, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada strongly condemns the ongoing sectarian violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including yesterday’s merciless attack on civilians taking refuge in St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Bambari.

“In the Bambari region, many people have been killed and a number of French soldiers injured in the past few weeks alone. We continue to call for dialogue and urge all parties involved in this conflict to exercise restraint to end the cycle of violence undermining the country.

“On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

“Canada encourages the interim government and international troops to continue their efforts to restore security and the rule of law in the CAR.”

Since 2013, Canada has provided over $23 million in assistance to help meet the widespread humanitarian needs in the CAR, and $5 million to support the efforts of the African Union-led mission to restore security in the country.

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On June 27, 2014, Management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the combined first and second reviews under the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) with Zimbabwe.1 An SMP is…

NIAMEY, Niger, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Cheikh Anta Gueye visited Niamey from June 22-26, 2014 for the fourth review of Niger’s financial and economic program supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The ECF arrangement for Niger was approved on March 16, 2012 (see Press Release No. 12/90). At the conclusion of the mission, Mr.Gueye, issued the following statement:

“Overall Niger’s economy is performing well despite the difficult external environment. In 2013, real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.1 percent, driven by the primary sector. The government program promoting the sale of cereals at a moderate price, to support vulnerable groups and to improve markets, helped partly in maintaining inflation under control at 2.3 percent in 2013. Limited fiscal space and low absorptive capacity slowed down the implementation of public investments for pro-poor growth.

“Overall, program implementation was satisfactory as of end-December 2013. All quantitative performance criteria, except for government net domestic financing, were met. The slight overrun of the latter by about 0.7 percent of GDP reflects unexpected food security and security-related expenditures. Fiscal targets such as basic balance, government revenue, spending on poverty, and reduction in domestic payment arrears were met, and some of them with comfortable margins. However, delays have been observed in the implementation of structural reform measures, particularly those aimed at strengthening public financial management.

“The medium-term economic outlook remains favorable. Growth is expected to rebound in 2014 up to 6.3 percent, driven mainly by mining and agriculture sectors. If current trends are maintained, average inflation would remain in check. But there are recurrent risks from the fragile regional security situation and the country’s vulnerability to exogenous shocks such as drought and flooding.

“The authorities have reiterated their commitment to stay the course by keeping the economic program on track. The authorities are preparing a supplementary budget to respond to emerging challenges, and it is important to ensure that revenues are realized and borrowing contained to preserve the sustainability of the fiscal position in the years ahead. The mission and the authorities agreed on a revised structural reforms calendar.

The IMF mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality and constructive dialogue.”

The mission met with H.E. President Issoufou, H.E. Prime Minister Rafini, members of the government, top administrative officials, and representatives of the private sector.

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
July 8, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to Cabo Verdeans as you celeb…