Category: APO-OPA

WINDHOEK, Namibia, February 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On January 29, 2014, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 with Namibia without a meeting.2

Namibia’s real GDP grew by a healthy 5 percent in 2012. Preliminary data for the first half of 2013 suggest that growth has moderated; the slowdown reflects weak global demand for exports, which more than offset the solid growth in the nonmineral sector, most notably in retail trade. At end-October 2013 inflation stood slightly below 5 percent.

The fiscal outturn in the FY2012/13 (starting April) was significantly better than targeted; the overall deficit was 0.3 percent compared to 3.9 percent projected in the original budget. The strong performance reflects revenue over performance and some under-execution in capital spending.

Reflecting the fiscal withdrawal in FY2012/13, the current account deficit narrowed to 2.6 percent of GDP in 2012 from 3.5 percent in 2011. This outcome was driven mainly by an increase in official transfers in the form of higher-than-projected Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenues, and savings made in capital spending. Despite the narrowing of the current account deficit, the official reserves coverage stood at just 3 months of imports at end-2012.

Namibia’s banking system is highly profitable and well-capitalized, with relatively low nonperforming loans. Favorable credit conditions also supported domestic demand growth in recent years. The 2011–21 Namibia Financial Sector Strategy (NFSS) is sound and strikes an appropriate balance between financial inclusion and stability. The Bank of Namibia’s semi-annual Financial Stability Reports have also rightly focused on the challenges that could emanate from the high household indebtedness and recommended appropriate policy responses to minimize the associated risks.

Staff projects that output growth would further moderate to about 4 percent in 2013. Mineral exports will likely remain subdued on account of weak external demand with growth slowing in Namibia’s major trading partners. However, this factor would be partly offset by strong domestic demand growth emanating from the recent income tax reform, along with the fiscal expansion targeted in the FY2013/14 budget. The nonmineral sector, in particular construction, is expected to further rebound in the second half of 2013, on account of the development of the Swakop Uranium mine, which is expected to become the second largest uranium mine in the world.

The main near-term risks relate to the fragile and uncertain external environment, especially for emerging markets, which could constrain export demand. Further deterioration of the euro-area economies may generate significant negative spillovers through trade linkages as a large share of Namibia’s total exports—mainly diamonds, uranium, beef, unrefined copper and fish—are destined for Europe. In addition, a delay in finalizing negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union may bring additional risks to some nonmineral exports.

Executive Board Assessment

In concluding the 2013 Article IV consultation with Namibia, Executive directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

Namibia has made impressive strides in economic development since gaining independence in 1990. The positive growth record in recent years has raised overall incomes and delivered good economic outcomes.

However, the solid growth has not led to sufficient job creation and lower inequality. The government remains the largest employer in the economy and TIPEEG is yet to put a significant dent on the high level of structural unemployment.

The 4th National Development Plan (NDP4) serves as the authorities’ blueprint for structural transformation. Staff welcomes a tightly focused NPD4 that emphasizes returning to high and sustained growth, reducing income inequality and enhancing job creation through reforms that lay the foundation for greater private sector development.

The period ahead will require a delicate balancing act in the implementation of macroeconomic policies because of global spillovers and domestic policy developments. The uncertain global environment especially for emerging markets and a possible delay in finalizing negotiations of the EPA with the EU are key risks. In a more adverse global scenario than anticipated, the authorities should allow the automatic stabilizers to work on the revenue side and avoid discretionary fiscal measures to support domestic demand.

Staff recommends that the government pursue a “growth-friendly” medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy. This should aim to rein in current spending (wages and transfers and subsidies to SOEs) while preserving growth-promoting capital. Staff welcomes plans by the department of public servants management to link civil servants’ pay with performance. Staff also commends the measures being put in place by the government to improve domestic revenue generation which bodes well for a balanced fiscal consolidation. Staff advocates for a broadly balanced fiscal position by FY2015/16 to help rebuild the fiscal and reserve buffers.

Staff commends the sense of urgency shown by the government to address the state of finances of the State-owned enterprises (SOEs). Speedy implementation of SOE performance agreements is needed to put them on a financially viable footing.

The government’s emphasis on enhancing greater financial inclusion through its financial sector strategy, while preserving the stability of the financial system, is appropriate. While the level of household indebtedness has stabilized, it remains elevated. In staff’s view, this in itself does not pose imminent risk to macroeconomic and financial stability. Staff commends the authorities for the initiatives taken to strengthen their surveillance of the financial sector.

Achieving sustainable growth would require a set of reform-oriented innovative policies to reinvigorate productivity growth. These include increasing the quality of public spending, improving the business environment, implementing supportive measures to liberalize the service sectors, reducing the domestic regulatory burden on firms and the skill mismatch in the labor market. Staff commends the authorities’ efforts to strengthen public financial management including bringing Namibia’s procurement system in line with international standards.

Namibia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2009–14

(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Est. 2014 Proj.

Real GDP

-1.1 6.3 5.7 5.0 4.3 4.3

CPI (end of period)

7.0 3.1 7.2 6.4 6.0 5.8

Overall fiscal deficit/surplus (percent of GDP) 1

-2.2 -5.7 -8.4 -0.3 -6.3 -0.8

Public debt (percent of GDP) 1

15.6 16.1 25.9 25.0 26.6 28.5

Broad money (end period)

3.6 7.3 7.7 17.1 10.7 10.5

Credit to the private sector (end period)

10.0 11.1 9.3 16.9 10.7 10.5

Current account balance (percent of GDP)

-1.1 -1.8 -3.5 -2.6 -5.5 -6.1

International reserves

US$ millions

1918.7 1581.0 1811.4 1684.7 1720.7 2047.9

Months of imports of goods and services

4.1 3.0 3.5 3.0 2.8 3.2

Exchange rate (Namibia dollar/U.S. dollar, end of period)

7.4 7.1 8.1 8.7 … …

Sources: Namibian authorities; and IMF staff estimates.

1 Figures are for fiscal year, which begins April 1.

1 Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every 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.”

WASHINGTON, February 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
February 3, 2014

Fusing technology with efforts to empower women and girls, the U.S. Department of State announced today that a de…

WASHINGTON, February 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
February 3, 2014

The Gulf of Aden Counterterrorism Forum is a regional forum that addresses counterterrorism issues, focusing on t…

OTTAWA, Canada, February 4, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On February 3, 2014, Minister Paradis delivers opening remarks at a breakfast discussion forum in CapeTown, South Africa: “Investing in Mining in Africa – Transformation, Challenges and Opportunities”.

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, today concluded a successful visit to South Africa. During his trip, Minister Paradis announced Canada’s support for a number of new projects that will help Mozambique and Tanzania better manage their natural resources to ensure they are the source of long-term sustainable benefits to their people.

“Sustainable, private-sector-led economic growth and poverty reduction are two sides of the same coin. That is why Canada is supporting African governments as they look to manage their extractive sector more transparently and responsibly,” said Minister Paradis. “We are ensuring communities draw the greatest benefit from the development of their natural resources to create prosperity and growth across the African continent.”

In South Africa, Minister Paradis met with African ministers, Canadian mining industry representatives, and South African government officials. He also took part in an event where the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) and the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development (CIIEID) discussed ways of achieving effective cooperation.

In addition, Minister Paradis delivered opening remarks at a Canadian-hosted breakfast discussion forum entitled “Investing in Mining in Africa: Transformation, Challenges and Opportunities”. Minister Paradis also attended a session that looked at strategies to fast-track the implementation of the African Union’s Africa Mining Vision. In his remarks, he spoke to the importance of engaging the private sector in efforts to broaden the benefits derived from the extractive sector.

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — “Yes Seychelles is an island but not an island out of reach of traffickers and their nefarious activities in today’s globalised world,” the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, warned* on Friday at the end of her first official visit to the country.

“Trafficking in persons in Seychelles is at best insidious and remains hidden as a result of lack of awareness,” said the independent expert mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to promote the prevention of trafficking in persons in all its forms and to encourage measures to uphold and protect the human rights of victims.

“The potential scale of the problem of trafficking in persons in the country, its trends and scope appears to be underestimated or unknown, and needs to be further investigated by the Government and law enforcement agencies,” she stressed.

The scarcely populated island has a large influx of both tourists and migrant workers. Anecdotal evidence suggest that trafficking in persons happens and that Seychelles may increasingly become a destination country for both trafficking for sexual exploitation, especially of girls from Eastern Europe, and also for labour exploitation of migrant workers from India, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Kenya, Madagascar and others.

“The political commitment to end human trafficking clearly exists in Seychelles,” Ms. Ezeilo said. She noted, among other things, the country’s ratification of key international conventions and the creation of the National Anti-Trafficking Committee.

The Special Rapporteur welcomed the commitment to fight this phenomenon and ensure that it does not take root in Seychelles expressed to her by the President of Seychelles, James Alix Michel, during an official meeting.

“However”, she said, “the immediate concern is the absence of a legal and policy framework to prevent and combat trafficking in persons.” The expert expressed regret that the Government was yet to criminalize trafficking in persons as required by article 7 of the Palermo Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, to which Seychelles is a state party.

“I am concerned that in critical sectors of the economy, such as tourism and fisheries, the government is yet to put in place measures that will discourage sex tourism, child prostitution and trafficking in persons for labour exploitation,” Ms. Ezeilo added.

The human rights expert urged the Government to fast-track the draft anti-trafficking bill to fulfil its international obligations, and establish a National Action Plan to combat trafficking based on a human rights and victim-centred approach.

The Special Rapporteur highlighted the need to collect data on trends, forms and manifestations of trafficking, its causes and consequences. “This survey should be carried out in collaboration with research institutions and in close cooperation with international, civil society and faith-based organizations,” she specified.

“Seychelles also needs to assess technical assistance towards building the capacity of its frontline officers, including police, immigration officers, labour Inspectors and prosecutors, to help them identify possible victims of trafficking, carry out necessary investigation and prosecute the criminals involved,” she said.

The Special Rapporteur called for a more effective and adequately funded National Human Rights Commission, in accordance with the Paris Principles. She also urged the Government to ratify without delay relevant International Labour Organization Conventions against forced labour and exploitation, especially the recent ILO Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

“I want to reinforce the call made during the Universal Periodic Review of Seychelles at the Human Rights Council in Geneva urging the government to adopt and implement measures to protect women and children from domestic violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking in persons,” the expert added.

Ms. Ezeilo will present a comprehensive report with her final observations and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2014.

(*) Check the full end-of-mission statement by the Special Rapporteur: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=14212&LangID=E

PARIS, France, February 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Tomorrow, the first trial in France against a Rwandan national accused of complicity in genocide is opening at the Paris criminal court (Cour d’assises).

Pascal Simbikangwa, accused of complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity, will have to face jury trial, for allegedly having supplied with weapons and other material the officers guarding the roadblocks and giving them instructions that lead to the massacre of numerous Tutsis.

« We welcome this long-awaited trial that should shed the light on important events that occurred during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda » said Sheila Muwanga, FIDH Vice-President. « With this trial, France is finally living up to its legal obligations to deliver justice for the victims of the Rwandan genocide. Hopefully it will be the first of other trials against Rwandan genocide suspects currently living in France », declared Patrick Baudouin, FIDH honorary president and coordinator of the FIDH Litigation Action Group.

While being investigated in France for the forging of administrative documents, Pascal Simbikangwa was arrested on the French territory and investigated for his alleged responsibility in crimes against humanity and crimes of genocide committed in 1994 in Rwanda, after a complaint was filed against him in February 2009.

FIDH and its member organisation in France, the French League for Human Rights (LDH), are civil parties in these proceedings next to three other human rights NGOs : Collectif des parties civiles rwandaises (CPCR), Survie and LICRA.

WASHINGTON, February 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Media Note

Geeta Pasi

U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti

Djibouti, Djibouti

February 3, 2014

Good morning. Welcome to the Second Gulf of Aden Regional Counterterrorism Forum. I am honored to join Djibouti in welcoming you. I would like to acknowledge the strong and growing partnership that we enjoy with the Government of Djibouti in countering terrorism in the region and beyond. Our strategic partnership continues to contribute to a region and a world with a brighter and better future.

The Gulf of Aden region is a critical front in the fight against terrorism. Many of you seated here today play a vital role in advancing this effort – whether within your Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Defense, or other services. Your hard work, and that of your governments, help all of us make progress towards our shared goals of regional peace and stability. Our conference this week provides us the opportunity to reflect on our successes, identify challenges, and determine ways forward.

The U.S. government is committed to the fight against both al Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula and al-Shabaab.

In Somalia, U.S. security assistance is focused on two key efforts: first, support for peacekeeping operations, including the provision of training, equipment, and transportation to the troop contributors to AMISOM, and second, support to security sector reform activities and related mentoring, training, equipment, and logistical support for the Somali National Forces. Working together with international partners and the Somali National Security Forces, the U.S. government has a vision to see Somalia’s security sector capacity increase, through the training, equipping, and professionalization of its security institutions, to one day effectively address, on its own, the threats posed by al-Shabaab.

In Yemen, we are working to build local capacity to counter the terrorist threat as well. But first, let me take a moment to commend the people of Yemen on the conclusion of their National Dialogue on January 25, a critical milestone in the political transition process. A democratic, unified, and stable Yemen will be best able to meet the needs of its citizens and participate fully as a partner in supporting regional security. The United States remains firmly committed to supporting the Yemeni people and the government throughout the subsequent stages of the transition process.

As part of the political transition process, President Hadi and the Yemeni government have taken important steps toward restructuring the military and security services and toward enhancing the professionalism and capacity of Yemen’s armed forces. We encourage the Yemeni government to continue progress on this important aspect of the transition agreement, which will strengthen Yemeni capacity to secure the country against internal and external threats. The United States provides assistance to help develop the capacity of Yemen’s security forces to conduct counterterrorism operations and to secure maritime and land borders and territorial waters.

We are encouraged by the counterterrorism efforts President Hadi and the Yemeni government have taken, and remain committed to continued close coordination in the fight against terrorism.

I would like to share with you why the United States wanted to organize this second forum in Djibouti. Djibouti plays a critical security and counterterrorism role in the region and beyond — as an active participant in regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and as a troop-contributing country to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and in other international fora.

Djiboutian troops have played a crucial role in stabilizing Somalia…and some of their soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in that effort. The combined efforts of the Somali National Security Forces and AMISOM against al-Shabaab – with financial support, training, and other support from partner nations have been key to the creation of the security conditions necessary for Somalia’s government to operate. Al-Shabaab has attacked Djiboutian forces in Beletweyne and threated to attack all troop contributing countries at home. We applaud Djibouti’s commitment to Somalia by announcing the deployment of a second battalion.

Djibouti hosts Camp Lemonnier, the largest U.S. military facility in Africa, which provides an operational headquarters for the Combined Joint Task Force for the Horn of Africa – whose mission includes supporting efforts to defeat violent extremist organizations. The United States would like to thank Djibouti for their contributions to AMISOM, as well as their continued commitment to hosting U.S. troops stationed at Camp Lemonnier.

The United States enjoys a strong partnership with Djibouti. I would like to take a moment to provide a few examples of how the United States partners with Djibouti to counter terrorism in the region.

Funds from the U.S. Regional Strategic Initiative (RSI) funded patrol boats and training for the Djiboutian Coast Guard. December marked the third anniversary of the establishment of Djibouti’s Coast Guard – we congratulate them on the progress they have made in such a short time – particularly in interdicting small boats used to smuggle illegal goods and people.

With funding from the U.S. interagency Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism program – or “PREACT”—the United States has trained the Djiboutian Navy, the Republican Guard, and Border Security Forces.

U.S. Department of Defense programs such as the Counterterrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP) fund courses that range from short-term professional training seminars to full-time programs in the United States.

Programs are designed to strengthen the capabilities of friendly countries to fight terrorism, as well as construct and strengthen the dedicated global network of counterterrorism experts and professionals.

In looking at the terrorist threat beyond the Gulf of Aden over the past decade, the United States and our partners can count many accomplishments, including remarkable success in weakening al-Qa’ida’s core leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yet the nature of the threat has evolved. Today’s terrorist organizations are more diverse, more independent, and more inclined to focus on smaller-scale attacks closer to their home base. A great deal of work remains to be done.

Continuing our counterterrorism efforts demands creativity, flexibility, and—above all – partnership. Building, strengthening, and leveraging partnerships is vital to our counterterrorism efforts. This is one of the reasons why we are so pleased to be able to convene the Second Gulf of Aden Regional Counterterrorism Forum here in Djibouti. Our goal for the week is for you to share experiences and to develop new ideas with your colleagues from the region that will help all of us counter the constantly evolving threats we face each day. We look forward to your participation in the coming days. Thank you very much.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, February 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today criticized the Somaliland administration which has officially banned privately owned Universal TV from operating in its territory, and accused authorities of attempts to stifle free media.

Somaliland Minister of Information, Culture and National Guidance Abdullahi Mohamed Dahir (Ukuse) announced today that they had revoked the operating licence of the London-based broadcaster Universal TV, alleging that the TV accustomed to transmit “scandals” and “insults” against Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Silanyo).

“This action was taken without warning and shows an extraordinary intolerance on the part of the Somaliland authorities. We urge the authorities to uphold freedom for the media to report the main stories taking place in Somaliland and to lift the ban immediately,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

Minister Abdullahi Mohamed Dahir (Ukuse) asserted that they would take legal action against owner of Universal TV, Engineer Ahmed Abubakar, and the TV station for broadcasting “slanderous” programmes. “They violated the terms and conditions which they were allowed to operate in Somaliland,” said Ukuse.

Ukuse alleged in a press conference that Somali Federal Government is using Universal TV as a “proxy war” against Somaliland leadership. Somali government “corrupted” Universal TV by giving the TV station a piece of land in Mogadishu, and in turn the TV is broadcasting “derogatory information against Somaliland”, as said by Ukuse. Management of Universal TV strongly rejected these claims.

“This ban reveals again just how unstable free expression is in Somaliland,” said Osman. “This TV channel may not be to the taste of people in power, but it should be allowed to work in Somaliland”.

NUSOJ calls on Somaliland authorities to respect media rights to work without restraint, in order to maintain an open dialogue.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The African Union (AU) Executive Council, has selected the Republic of Kenya to host the African Institute for Remittances (AIR). The Council asked the African Union Commission to conclude the Host Agreement with the Republic of Kenya so as to ensure the formal take-off of the Institute this year. It also asked the World Bank and other development partners to support the Institute. The Institute is scheduled to be fully operational by 2015.

“I am delighted that the Executive Council has decided that the Republic of Kenya will host the AIR. The establishment of AIR, the first of its kind in the world, is a cornerstone in harnessing Diaspora resources for social and economic development in Africa”, said Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission. He also called upon development partners to continue supporting the Institute.

Kenya is one of four member countries that had expressed interest in hosting the AIR secretariat. The decision to select Kenya was made during the 24th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council which met from 27 to 28 January 2014 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

AIR project partners agreed to the need for sustained collaboration and coordination of efforts in support of the Institute to achieve the planned improvement in the market for remittances, and to leverage their impact on development in the continent. The partners are African Union Commission, World Bank, European Commission, African Development Bank, and the International Organization for Migration.

Background

The African Union Commission resolved in 2010 to create AIR in the framework of the Africa-European Union partnership on Migration, Mobility and Employment, to leverage the untapped development potential of remittance flows to the African continent. The magnitude of remittances to and within Africa has grown remarkably in recent years, gaining the attention of the international development community due to their positive impact on the living standards of beneficiaries. However, the precise volume of these remittances is unknown and presumed undercounted. Their transfer cost remains unacceptably high by international standards, and their full potential for economic and social development is largely unexploited.

The AIR Project was launched with funding from the European Commission while the World Bank was responsible for overall implementation and execution of the project, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the International Organization for Migration. The primary objective was to facilitate the AU Member States and the African Union Commission in establishing the Institute of Remittances. The AIR will be anchored within AUC.

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 3, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IPU welcomes release of former Burundian MP Gérard Nkurunziza – IPU has welcomed the release today of former Burundian MP Gérard Nkurunziza after more than five years in custody in a case marked by grave judicial irregularities.

A member of the dissident wing of the Burundian ruling party CNDD-FDD, Nkurunziza was arrested in July 2008 accused of slandering the country’s President and supplying arms for a rebellion against the government. According to his lawyers, no evidence was ever found and no weapons seized.

Burundian courts did not examine his case until May 2012 when the Supreme Court decided to hold hearings on it for the first time. However, it still did not consider the legality of Nkurunziza’s continued detention.

The former Burundian MP was acquitted by the Supreme Court on 30 January on insufficient evidence.

IPU had long deplored the flagrant disregard for international and national fair-trial standards by the Burundian authorities, arguing that “justice delayed is justice denied”.

Nkuruniza’s release follows that of two other dissident voices within CNDD-FDD in 2012. Pasteur Mpawenayo and Deo Nshirimana were both acquitted of plotting against the government after being held in custody for four and two years respectively.

IPU’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians is, however, deeply concerned about the alleged harassment, threats and intimidation against Mpawenayo and Nshirimana since their release in 2012. It calls on the government to investigate these allegations and provide security for both men.

Another senior dissident, Hussein Radjabu, is serving a 13-year jail sentence for subversion since April 2008 in another case marked by irregularities. Having served more than a quarter of his sentence, IPU has encouraged the Burundian authorities to explore all possible legal remedies to his case, namely release on parole, a re-trial or a presidential pardon.

IPU has also expressed hope that an independent, legitimate and credible Truth and Reconciliation Commission will finally be established to shed light on the episodes of violence that have plagued Burundi since independence in 1962, including the assassination of six members of the National Assembly between 1994 and 2002.