The activities of the 5th biannual coordination meeting of the African Union recently took place in Nairobi, and several speakers shared their views during press conferences. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss topical issues important to Africa, such as food security, climate, regional integration and intra-African trade.
Dr. Abou-Zeid Amani, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, highlighted the urgency of addressing the food crisis affecting nearly 278 million people in Africa. He underscored the need to redouble efforts to ensure food security and combat undernourishment.
At the same time, Dr. Abou-Zeid also referred to the African Climate Summit, an initiative aimed at finding solutions to reduce natural disasters in Africa. He stressed the importance of preventing new tragedies such as Cyclone Idai and landslides, by putting in place adequate measures to deal with climate change.
For his part, Samate Cessouma Minata, Commissioner of HHS (Social Affairs), stressed the importance of regional integration and the free movement of people in Africa. She recalled that only four Member States have ratified the protocol on the free movement of persons, while fifteen ratifications are necessary. The Commissioner emphasized the benefits of free movement, which promotes intra-African trade and strengthens regional integration.
As for Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, he presented an assessment report on Africa’s preparation for an African Customs Union and a common market. He recalled that African integration was an aspiration of the founding fathers of the organization and called on African leaders to work together to achieve these goals.
These various interventions highlight the challenges facing Africa, such as food security, climate change, free movement of people and regional integration. They also underscore the African Union’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and continental unity. It is essential to continue to work on these issues and take concrete action to ensure a better future for all Africans.
Sources:
– [Link to the article on the Congo Tolingi project](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/le-projet-congo-tolingi-la-voix-du-peuple-congolais-pour- a better future/)
– [Link to the article on Kombi Pendani Bosco](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/kombi-pendani-bosco-le-nouvel-espoir-de-la-jeunesse-de-beni /)
– [Link to the article on the national anthem in the DRC](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/anthem-national-en-republique-democratique-du-congo-debout-congolais-reviser-ou-preserver-la-signification-et-la-polemique-behind-the-national-anthem -who-is-debating-419/)
– [Link to the article on the ADF rebels](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/les-rebelles-adf-continuent-leur-serie-dattacks-meurtrieres-en-republique-democratique -of-the-congo-an-alarming-security-situation/)
– [Link to the article on the assassination of Cherubin Okendi](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/lassassination-de-cherubin-okendi-resonances-tragiques-de-sarajevo-dans- a-congo-in-quest-for-justice/)
– [Link to the article on the transfer of militiamen from the armed group Kilima](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/transfert-de-miliciens-du-groupe-arme-kilima-une- major-step-towards-reconciliation-in-the-tanganyika-region/)
– [Link to the article on the national anthem in the DRC](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/hymne-national-en-republique-democratique-du-congo-debout-congolais- revise-or-preserve-the-meaning-and-the-controversy-behind-the-debated-national-anthem-418/)
– [Link to the article on the assassination of Cherubin Okende](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/07/16/le-meurtre-de-cherubin-okende-en-rdc-expose-les- flaws-in-justice-the-need-for-urgent-reforms/)
– [Link to the article on popular justice in Mangina](https://fatshimetrie