Title: Highlights of the 5th African Union Coordination Meeting in Nairobi
Introduction :
The 5th biannual coordination meeting of the African Union was held in Nairobi on July 14, bringing together representatives from various key areas. Three speakers held press conferences to discuss important current issues for the African continent. In this article, we present a summary of the points raised by each speaker.
1. Dr. Abou-Zeid Amani: Food Security and the African Climate Summit
Dr. Abou-Zeid Amani, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, addressed the pressing issue of food security in Africa during his press conference. With an estimated 278 million people in Africa suffering from undernourishment, Dr Abou-Zeid stressed the need to redouble efforts to address this global food crisis.
The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of the Africa Climate Summit as a platform to discuss disaster reduction in Africa. He stressed the need to find solutions to avoid further tragedies caused by extreme weather events, such as Cyclone Idai and landslides.
2. Samate Cessouma Minata: Free Movement of Persons and Regional Integration
Samate Cessouma Minata, Commissioner of HHS (Social Affairs), addressed several topics during his press conference, including the protocol on the free movement of people, migration and mobility. She stressed that regional integration was key for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and called on member states to ratify the protocol on free movement of people.
The Commissioner also highlighted the benefits of the free movement of people, which promotes intra-African trade and enhances security. She stressed the importance of cooperation among African countries to address common challenges and promote the harmonious development of the continent.
3. Ambassador Albert Muchanga: Towards an African Customs Union and a Common Market
Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, presented an assessment report at the meeting. He stressed the importance of African integration in achieving the objectives of the African Union.
The Ambassador urged African leaders to return to the basics of the integration ideal and work together to create an African Customs Union and Common Market. He stressed that these aspirations were at the heart of the vision of the OAU Founding Fathers and were essential for the economic development and prosperity of the African continent..
Conclusion :
The 5th African Union Coordination Meeting in Nairobi highlighted Africa’s challenges and aspirations in crucial areas such as food security, natural disaster reduction, regional integration and economic development. The interventions of the AU representatives testified to the Union’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and continental unity. It is now up to African leaders to implement the actions needed to achieve these ambitious goals.