AU chief says security main concern in Africa despite economic growth
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
January 28, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – African Union Commission Chairperson, Jean Ping addressing the 18th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union on Thursday said despite the significant economic growth achieved over the past few year, maintaining continent’s security still remains a major concern.
Ping said the economic growth registered by most of African countries is a victory for the continent.
The Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union is underway in the Ethiopian capital from 27 to 28 January under the banner of shared values.
This decision was taken by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union to have a common understanding of the values that member states of the continental organization share and which should guide their actions toward greater unity and an integrated Africa.
Ping said a continents center of excellence would be established to maintain the economic growth and to meet the MDGs.
However, he said a lot is needed to be done to ensure peace and security sectors in different parts of the continents.
Ping mentioned the situation in Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan, and Tunisia which he said are worsening.
The chairperson also said Africa’s voice has become more voiced at international forums giving the examples of the Global climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico, the G20 and others international forums.
The two-day session will discuss issues of peace and security, including the Report of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa and the Report of the Peace and Security Council on its activities.
On the sidelines of the 18th Session of the Executive Council, January 28, there will be a Peace and Security session at presidential level on Côte d’Ivoire. The Ministerial Committee of the African Union on post-conflict reconstruction and development for the Sudan, the Summit of the East Africa Standby Force (EASBRIG) and the Special Summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will be held on January 29.
Decisions from the 18th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council will be submitted to the Assembly for adoption.
(ST)