
Sunday July 1, 2018
African union chair Moussa Faki address during the official opening of the 31st AU Summit in Nouakachott,Mauritania.PHOTO/DINAH MATENGO
The 31st AU Summit has officially kicked off with at least 30 heads
of state present committing to strengthen development in ending the war
on corruption in Africa, in line with its’ theme sustainable development
to Africa.
While addressing the opening ceremony in Nouakchott, Mauritania,
African Union Chair Moussa Faki noted that corruption thrives in the
face of the continent and African nations must all come together to slay
this dragon once and for all.
Part of the agenda of the summit was to push for the continental free
trade area at the summit and according to Rwanda’s President Paul
Kagame who also gave an opening speech was that “The agreement is well
on its way to entering into force. From that point forward, Africa will
necessarily engage with partners as a bloc,says Kagame
Sentiments echoed by Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed
“The continental Free Trade area is a vital step that will unleash trade and innovation to benefit millions”
The renewal of Africa’s relationship with the European Union was also
put forth as the African Union’s position seeks to reflect the need to
modernise and expand the terms of partnership.
“And I see a determination to build accountable institutions that
serve Africa’s people. The African Anti-corruption year is a welcome
initiative to crack down on bribery, fraud ,tax evasion, illegal mining
and other illicit acts that drain billions of dollars from Africa every
year and undermine trust in global governance sadly impacting
investments that could undermine growth of African economies”, remarked
Amina Mohammed

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa with Somalia representative.PHOTO/DINAH MATENGO
Following several attacks that have sent shortwaves to Africa barely
two weeks before the AU summit and with the campaign to silence guns
2020 still in place, AU chairperson revealed that it was a race against
time for Africa to stop conflict on the continent.This together with a
clarion call to strengthen support for Africa peace efforts including
AMISOM,the G5 Sahel Joint Force and the Multinational joint task force
against Boko Haram.
“Here in Mauritania we are announcing a re-calibrated strategy for
the Sahel and a new effort to mobilize resources.The recently finalized
UN Support for Sahel is repositioned to channel resources towards
interventionist that meet the needs and priorities of the Sahelian
people.
The UN further showed its commitment to the project noting that in
the coming days they will be undertaking a joint mission to Chad, Niger
and South Sudan.
African Union has also welcomed the Khartoum Declaration agreement
and has hailed the mediation of the IGAD mandated heads of state.
Parties are been asked to fully abide by the agreements.
Singing of the African Union National Anthem.PHOTO/DINAH MATENGO