Category: APO-OPA

DUBLIN, Ireland, June 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The President of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Mr Armando Emílio Guebuza, has accepted an invitation from President Higgins to visit Ireland from the third to the sixth of June 2014.

The State Visit will commence with a formal welcome ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin when President Guebuza will be greeted by President and Sabina Higgins. Following the formal welcome ceremony, a meeting between the Heads of State will take place.

On Wednesday 4 June, President Guebuza will meet the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, at Government Buildings and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, at Iveagh House. He will also lay a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance and visit the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks and St James’s Hospital before attending a State Dinner in his honour at Áras an Uachtaráin.

On Thursday 5 June the President will have a programme of business and education meetings, including the Mozambique-Ireland Business Forum, and on Friday 6 June he will visit Newgrange before departing Dublin.

The visit will include the signing of agreements between Ireland and Mozambique across a range of areas including agriculture, health, education, development and trade.

Please note that pooling arrangements apply at all venues.

Irish media wishing to attend any of the events must contact the Press Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at least 24 hours in advance by email at press.office@dfa.ie mailto:press.office@dfa.ie

Official photographs for each event will be made available free of charge, through Fennells’ Photography.

LONDON, United-Kingdom, June 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Secretary congratulates President-elect Sisi and highlights need to implement the rights contained in the constitution.

The Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“The UK congratulates President-elect Sisi on his victory and looks forward to working with his government to strengthen the broad and productive relationship between both our peoples.

“We look to President-elect Sisi to take steps to implement the rights contained in Egypt’s constitution by opening up political space, especially with regard to freedom of expression and association. We believe the best way for Egyptians to achieve the goals of the 25 January revolution of 2011 is through an inclusive political process in which all groups can participate.

“We urge Egypt’s leaders to ensure that Egypt’s transition leads towards accountable and democratic governance, underpinned by strong and accountable institutions. The UK supports the Egyptian people in their aspirations for greater economic opportunities, political participation, freedom and rights. We are proud to be Egypt’s largest foreign investor and will increase our support for education, research and scholarships, to strengthen prosperity in Egypt and the links between our two countries.”

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The 9th meeting of the African Peace Facility (APF) Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 3rd June 2014, under the co-chairmanship of the Comm…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Common African Position (CAP) on the Post 2015 Development agenda was launched today, Tuesday 3rd June 2014 at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the presence of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission as well as the Sherpas of the High Level Committee on the Post 2015 Development Agenda among other partners and invited guests.

The lunch of the CAP is intended to engage African Stakeholders to deepen their understanding and the evolution of the negotiation and advocacy efforts to enhance ownership of the CAP while strengthening and leveraging partnerships with Non-African stakeholders.

The President of the Republic of Liberia and Chair High Level Committee (HLC) Mrs. Ellen Johnson in her opening remark and key message on the post 2015 via a video recording stated that CAP reflects the aspirations of the African people and contains seven main strategic key messages, which are; the commitment of Africa to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) specially focusing on the areas of health and education, a sustainable agenda of development, the acknowledgment of the need for peace and security among others.

H. E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission in her remarks emphasized on the importance of making the CAP people centered, sustainable and resulting in prosperous, integrated and united Africa. “The Common African Position will be pursued regardless of the results of the negotiation out comes and advocacy of individuals in one’s own country and elsewhere is important” the Chairperson stated, before officially launching the CAP.

The Common African Position was then presented by Dr. Anthony Maruping, Commissioner of Economic Affairs of the AUC who stated that the overarching goals of the CAP are to eradicate poverty and ensure human development, which are anchored in six pillars that are; Structural, Economic transformation and inclusive growth, Science, Technology and Innovation, People-centered development, Environmental sustainability, Natural resources management and disaster management, Peace and Security and Finance and partnerships.

The Commissioner, in conclusion, invited all the stakeholders to champion and support the CAP priority areas, advocate and act in unity to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard.

A presentation on the role of multilateral organizations and other stakeholders in the implementation of the CAP was delivered by the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Mr. Carlos Lopez who shared his reflections while reiterating the UNECA’s commitment to continue to support the CAP.

The official launch of the CAP at the AU headquarters was attended by African and Non-African Permanent representatives, African Union Commission, United Nations Agencies and families, European Union, Civil Society Organizations and others.

CONAKRY, Guinea, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — While the number of patients appeared to be in decline, new cases of Ebola have been reported in Guinea and Sierra Leone. The virus has already affected more than 300 people in West Africa. Médecins Sans Frontières /Doctors without Borders (MSF) is continuing its work supporting health authorities in the two countries, treating patients and putting measures in place to contain the epidemic.

Team dispatched urgently to Sierra Leone

According to information from the Ministry of Health, there has been one confirmed case and four deaths in Koindu in Kailahun district of Sierra Leone near the Guinean border since the end of May. On 29 May, the authorities reported 18 suspected cases, of whom six died.

In the coming days MSF will set up a treatment centre in Koindu, the epicentre of the epidemic in Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

A team of specialists will join the team already present on the ground. MSF will also send medical and logistical supplies such as protective clothing kits and medicines with a view to protecting health staff and to setting up facilities where patients can be treated.

According to Marie-Christine Ferir, MSF emergency coordinator, “Ebola is a disease that scares people and that is perceived as mysterious, but people can overcome it.” Since the beginning of the epidemic, about 30 patients treated by MSF in Guinea have survived the disease. “Earning people’s trust is essential in efforts to fight the epidemic,” says Marie-Christine Ferir.

New cases reported in Guinea

Despite efforts on the ground, the number of confirmed cases has increased in the last few weeks. As of 30 May it stands at 178 confirmed cases, while a total of 113 people have died according to the Guinean Ministry of Health.

The epidemic has spread to Boffa on Guinea’s coast to Telimele in Kindia region. New patients have also been registered in Conakry, Gueckedou and Macenta.

The rise in cases may be due to a reluctance on the part of patients to go to hospital. The movement of infected people and cadavers is also a major issue. Families frequently transport dead bodies themselves in order to organise funerals in other towns. The multiplication of affected areas makes it difficult to treat patients and control the epidemic. “The main challenges we face on the ground are resistance within communities and follow-up with people who have crossed borders and may be infected,” says Marie-Christine Ferir.

MSF employs around 300 expatriate and national staff in the region. More than 40 tonnes of equipment and supplies have been sent to fight the epidemic.

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Libyan Red Crescent are concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the armed violence in Benghazi.

“Dozens of pe…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Statement by the Commissioner of Peace and Security at the 9th African Peace Facility (APF) Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting: Addis Ababa, 3 June 2014

Mr. Nick Westcott, Managing Director of European Eternal Action Service,

Amb. Gary Quince, Head of the EU Delegation to the African Union,

Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms,

Representatives from the various EU Delegations in Africa,

Partners from the European Union and its Member States,

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the African Union Commission for the 9th meeting of the African Peace Facility (APF) Joint Coordination Committee (JCC). This meeting is of particular importance to both the AU and the EU, considering that it is taking place shortly after the 4th Africa-EU Summit that was held in Brussels in April 2014, and the recently concluded meeting between the European Union (EU) Political and Security Committee and the AU Peace and Security Council.

As you are aware, the Africa-EU Summit provided an opportunity for Africa and EU to review the progress made in our partnership, which is guided by the shared principles of equal partnership and joint ownership, taking into consideration the high degree of interdependence between our two continents. Most importantly, the Summit re-affirmed support for peace and security in Africa, which remains a key priority area as agreed upon in the Lisbon Joint Africa-EU Strategy adopted in 2007. Indeed, the Implementation Roadmap (2014 – 2017) adopted at the Summit underlined that the full operationalization of all the APSA components, particularly the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Continental Early warning System (CEWS), and continued support to African Peace Support Operations, are still the key priorities for the Partnership.

Additionally, our partnership agreed to address cross-cutting peace and security issues such as transnational organized crime and terrorism, among other peace and security issues. As you know, the scourge of terrorism is currently a cause for great concern in Africa, ranging from Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al Shabaab in the Horn of Africa and Al-Qaida in the Arab Maghreb (AQIM) in Northern Africa among other terrorist threats.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

From the very outset, I would like to express the appreciation of the AU to the EU for their unwavering support to our peace and security efforts, particularly at this time when conflict and crisis continue to affect some of our Member States. The current crisis in South Sudan, Mali and CAR are of particular concern to the African Union and the RECs, and require concerted efforts by all stakeholders. We also acknowledge the EU’s continued support through the APF to our mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the African-led International Support Mission to Central Africa Republic (MISCA), as well as support to our efforts against the LRA. These initiatives are a true testimony of the depth and strength of our partnership in the area of peace and security. Although great gains have been realized in the past two years, there is still need for these efforts to be consolidated.

It is gratifying to note that at our JCC meeting today, which is the highest decision-making level for the APF, we shall brief each other on the outcome of the recently concluded Summit among other key strategic issues. We welcome the new Three-Year Action Programme (2014 – 2016) of the APF, which will see the EU commit a total of 750 million Euro drawn from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) to support Africa’s Peace Support Operations (PSOs), enhanced political dialogue and the operationalization of APSA among other key initiatives. We are happy to note that the support to PSOs under this Program will continue to be reinforced with capacity building activities supported within the framework of the APSA Support Program, as well as actions undertaken under the Early Response Mechanism.

However, I wish to emphasize the commitment of the AU and the RECs/RMs to come up with results oriented actions in programming for this new facility, that will enable us realize greater impact on the African peace and security landscape. As a matter of fact, a fully operational APSA will create more opportunities for conflict prevention and resolution on the continent and build greater synergies for strategic convergence of initiatives at the regional and continental level.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me seize this opportunity to underline the importance of the APSA Support programme which has contributed immensely to the development and implementation of the various components of APSA at the continental and regional levels, as well as building closer synergies between the AU and the RECs/RMs. The Program has supported the operationalization of the ASF and its operational readiness through the Exercise AMANI Africa II, and the Training Centres Programme. It has also supported the establishment of AU Liaison Offices within the RECs/RMs and the running of RECs/RMs Liaison Offices to the AU, which has enhanced coordination and collaboration between the AU and the respective RECs/RMs.

Most importantly, the APSA Program and its predecessor – the capacity building program funded through the APF, have seen the AU play a crucial leadership role in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities agreed upon. Indeed, the Program presents a unique approach that ensures that the AU and the RECs/RMs work closely. As we consider the future orientation and state of play of APF support beyond 2015, it is important to re-enforce and strengthen the leadership role of the African Union in building, capacitation and coordinating the peace and security architecture of the African continent.

The Early Response Mechanism (ERM) established in 2009 is also one key initiative that has proved to be effective in providing timely support in conflict situations in Africa. Through the ERM, the AU and the RECs have been able to undertake mediation activities on short notice, notably in Guinea (Conakry) and Guinea Bissau, Egypt, Madagascar, Somalia, Sudan/South Sudan through support to the work of the AUHIP, and current support to IGAD mediation efforts in South Sudan among others. The AU and the RECs/RMs could benefit more from this resource if we work more closely to increase access to the Fund, through enhanced coordination, timing and communication.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As the AU and the RECs/RMs prepare to launch the 2014 APSA assessment as a follow-up to the initial study that was conducted in 2010, it is imperative that the outcome of the assessment contributes to the programming of projects and action plans to be implemented under the new Facility (2014-2016). New Action Plans should be developed, building on lessons learned and experiences gained in the implementation of the APSA Roadmap (2011-2013).

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the fact that the EU has been, and will continue to be one of the AU’s main partners in the implementation of the African peace and security agenda. However, as we consider the future of APF support, we have to bear in mind the issue of sustainability and burden sharing. Hence, we have to continue reflection on possible alternatives to APF funding as we move forward with the implementation of APF actions and programs.

I would like to thank all of you for honouring our invitation to attend this important meeting.

I wish you fruitful deliberations.

Thank you.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Tripartite Committee (TC) for the Joint Approach to the International Community concluded a meeting in Addis Ababa on 03 June 2014.
The Tripartite Committee was established …

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Speaking at an event to mark the first anniversary since the launch of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, pledged the UN’s continued support for Somalia and called on Somalis to step up progress on peace and state building.

Commenting on the occasion, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said: “In the year since the Federal Government of Somalia asked the United Nations to help coordinate international assistance as the country emerged from decades of conflict, UNSOM has established a presence across the country. Today, the UN family has a larger presence on the ground in Somalia than at any time in the last eighteen years. This is tangible evidence of our strong commitment to continue to work alongside Somalis as they build peace and rebuild their country.”

“Somalia has made important political, economic and security progress in the last year but much more remains to be done, including the development of a federal system, reviewing the provisional Constitution and preparing for elections in 2016” SRSG Kay noted. “The expectations of the Somali people are high and time is limited. I call on all Somalia’s leaders and institutions to unite for the greater good of Somalia. Much work needs to be done between now and 2016. International support for peace and state building in Somalia will continue to be guided by the principles of Somali ownership, leadership and respect for the provisional Constitution” he added.

Note to editors

UNSOM was established by the UN Security Council on 3 June 2013. Based in Somalia, UNSOM is mandated to support the Federal Government of Somalia with its peace and state building agenda, including the federalism process, review of the provisional constitution and elections in 2016. It also works to strengthen Somalia’s security sector, promote respect for human rights and women’s empowerment and assist in the coordination of international assistance. UNSOM’s mandate was renewed for a further year on 29 May 2014 by Security Council resolution 2158 (2014).

BANGUI, Central African Republic, June 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has just evacuated a number of staff members from the city of Ndélé in the North of Central African Republic (CAR) following fresh attacks on its staff and facilities.

Around 1:30 in the morning yesterday (2 June), four armed men entered the MSF house in Ndélé as part of a violent armed robbery. “We’re appalled by the aggression that our teams are being subjected to. We remain determined to bring medical aid to the people of CAR, but under minimum conditions that must respected by the parties to the conflict. Failing that, we can’t do our jobs”, says Javier Eguren, Head of mission for MSF in CAR.

Part of the team has been evacuated from Ndélé as MSF evaluates the situation and negotiates the prospect of continuing its activities in the area with local authorities. “We carry out more than 1,600 consultations here weekly, and about a third of them are for children under five years old. MSF is the only healthcare provider in the city, so the impact of our departure will be tragic for this community,” says Javier Eguren.

Just a month after a massacre in Boguila that left 18 civilians and three MSF workers dead, this most recent attack against MSF staff and property bespeaks the difficulties that humanitarian organisations are facing. From December 2012 to March 2014, MSF teams have been victim to some 115 security incidents in CAR.

MSF has been supporting the hospital in Ndélé since 2010. Since December 2013, MSF has doubled the number of programmes it runs in CAR from 10 to 21 and has set up six programmes in neighbouring countries in aid of Central African refugees. MSF has been working in CAR since 1997. At present, MSF has more than 300 expatriate staff and 2000 local workers responding to the crisis.