1 the african union and nepad department of foreign affairs june 2004

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THE AFRICAN UNION AND

NEPADDepartment of Foreign Affairs

June 2004

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THE STATUSOF THE

AFRICAN UNION

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AFRICAN UNION: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

OAU established 25 May 1963, Addis Ababa Since 1979 a need to streamline identified:

Charter “amended” by augmenting through ad hoc decisions of Summit, eg Cairo Declaration

Need for greater efficiency/effectiveness of the Organisation

Need to integrate political activities of OAU with economic and development issues as articulated in Abuja Treaty establishing the AEC.

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AFRICAN UNION:ABUJA TREATY (AEC)

OAU operated on basis of two legal instruments, OAU Charter and Abuja Treaty/AEC: Creation of African Economic Community Co-ordination, harmonisation and

progressive integration of Regional Economic Communities - the “building blocks” of the Continent and Union.

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AFRICAN UNION:EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT IN SIRTE, LIBYA,9 SEPTEMBER 1999

Objective: To amend OAU Charter to increase effectiveness and efficiency

Concluded with Sirte Declaration:» Addressing social/political/economic realities of

Africa» Unity» Revitalise to meet needs of the people» Eliminate conflicts» Meet global challenges» Improve living conditions.

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AFRICAN UNION:BIRTH OF THE AU

OAU/AEC Summit in Lomè, Togo in July 2000 adopted the Constitutive Act of the African Union in terms of the Sirte Declaration of 9 September 1999

South Africa signed the Constitutive Act on 8 September 2000

Instrument of Ratification deposited on 23 April 2001

The Act came into force on 26 May 2001.

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AFRICAN UNION:OAU/AEC SUMMIT, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, JULY 2001

Decisions pertaining to the transformation of the OAU to AU - directed programme for the first two to three years of the AU

Preparation of Draft Protocols and Rules of Procedure relating to Organs and Institutions of the Union.

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AFRICAN UNION:OBJECTIVES OF THE AU

Unity/Solidarity in Africa Defend sovereignty/territorial integrity/independence Political/Socio-economic integration Common positions on issues of interest Encourage international co-operation Promote peace/security and stability Promote democratic principles/institutions, popular

participation and good governance Promote/protect human rights (African Charter on

Human and People’s Rights, and other instruments)

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AFRICAN UNION:OBJECTIVES OF THE AU CONT. Integration into global economy and co-ordinate

international negotiations Sustainable development at the

economic/social/cultural levels and integration of economies

Co-operation to raise living standards Co-ordinate/harmonise policies between RECs Research in all fields, particularly science and

technology (ICT, Centres of Excellence eg Kenya on Agriculture)

International partnerships in eradication of preventable diseases. (Malaria, Polio, TB)

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AFRICAN UNION:DURBAN SUMMIT, JULY 2002 Launch of the AU Winding down the business of the OAU during

this Organisation’s 38th and last Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government,

South Africa the first Chairperson of the African Union.

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THE FIRST THREE YEARS

The focus has been on two areas: Putting structures in place which will be able

to deliver on the scope of the Constitutive Act

A concerted effort to give effect to all decisions by the Assembly and the Executive Council.

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AFRICAN UNION:STRUCTURES Assembly of Heads of State and Government:

Highest decision making organ of the AU - meets at least once a year in Ordinary Sessions. No limit on Extraordinary Sessions.

Executive Council of Ministers: Primarily Ministers of Foreign Affairs - meets at least twice a year in regular sessions, and before Extraordinary Sessions due to “preparatory” responsibility.

Permanent Representatives Committee: Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Member States stationed at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - meets as frequently as necessary, but at least once a month.

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AFRICAN UNION:STRUCTURES

Commission: “Secretariat” of the AU Statutes governing function of Commission have been

adopted Structure for Commission adopted Chair of the Commission, his Deputy and 8 Commissioners

have been appointed (full gender representivity) 755 posts in total, 17 allocated to SA due to quota system Current staff will have to be reassessed and re-appointed Posts, incl. strategic ones are being advertised in a piece-

meal fashion Appointments done on merit, while taking into consideration

quota system DPSA and DFA working on secondment policy in order to

encourage quality SA applicants from within government.

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Specialised Technical Committees:(Meetings of line-function Ministers) Not officially constituted yet. Will be supported by the individual Commissioners and their Directorates. Composition based on the Abuja Treaty, but may be re-evaluated.)

Rural Economy and Agricultural Matters; Monetary and Financial Affairs; Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters; Industry, Science and Technology, Energy, Natural

Resources and Environment; Transport, Communications and Tourism; Health, Labour and Social Affairs; and Education, Culture and Human Resources.

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Peace and Security Council: Standing decision-making organ for the prevention,

management and resolution of conflicts The Common African Defence and Security Policy, in whose

development SA has played a leading role, will inform the activities of the PSC.

Protocol Establishing the PSC entered into force 26 December 2003. Inaugurated 25 May 2004.

15 Members, 5 serving three-year terms and 10 serving two-year terms - Development of Common African Defence and Security Policy

South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Ethiopia and Gabon elected in March 2004 for three-year terms, while Lesotho, Mozambique, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Sudan, Libya, Ghana, Senegal and Togo were elected for two-year terms

Chair rotates on monthly basis.

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PSC implementation structures are the African Standby Force; the Panel of the Wise, Early Warning System as well as a Peace Fund

ASF will have five standby brigades. It will be implemented over ten years and will be supported by a Military Staff Command. SADC will act on behalf of Southern Region and have started discussions. Panel of the Wise consist of five eminent persons appointed by Chairperson of AU Commission - awaiting announcement. Will have right to set own agenda. EWS under development - possibility of using UN system with national to regional to continental linkages. Makes use of open source information and civil society reports. Peace Fund through voluntary contributions. Other sources of funding under investigation, eg tax on arms trade, levies etc. (The EU has established a Peace Facility for Africa with ACP States who contributed from their national programmes unallocated EU funds - 250 Million Euro)

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AFRICAN UNION:STRUCTURES Current Conflict and Post Conflict Areas under discussion by

the PSC: Angola Sierra Leone Comoros Ethiopia Eritrea Sudan Burundi DRC Central African Republic Liberia Somalia Côte d’Ivoire

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Pan African Parliament: “Peoples’ Organ” - consisting of five

parliamentarians per member state (at least one of whom must be women)

Will have advisory role for the first five years of its existence, after which a decision will be taken on whether this should change)

SA Parliament played leading role in development of PAP Protocol

Launched in March 2004 South Africa has offered to host PAP. (An IMC is in

place and is deliberating on a budget and location)

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Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC):

Meeting of civil society Established by means of Statutes Statutes possibly adopted by July 2004.

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African Court of Justice: Adjudicates on the interpretation of the

Constitutive Act of the African Union Protocol on the Court of Justice adopted at

Maputo Summit, July 2003 (African Court on Human and People’s

Rights adjudicates human rights cases, and is separate from the Court of Justice for the time being the Protocol est this Court has entered into force and SA is in the process of appointing a judge).

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Financial Institutions: Financial Institutions will include:

African Central Bank, (Libya, Togo, Ghana - offered to host

the African Monetary Fund, (Namibia - offered to host)

and the African Investment Bank (Botswana, Kenya, Togo, Ghana, Tunisia - offered to host)

Work is expected to commence later on these.

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AFRICAN UNION CONTRIBUTUIONS New scale of assessment:

Two-tier floor, one of 0.25% and one of 0.75%. Member states’ population size, level of

indebtedness and GDP, among other factors, will be used to calculate their level of contribution.

Ceiling of 8.25%. Countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria will fall in this category and will each be responsible for 8.25% of the total budget of the Union per year.

The AU budget for 2004 stands at USD 43 million of which SA paid US $ 3.368.475

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AFRICAN UNION:EVENTS 2004/05

Mozambique current Chair of the AU until July 2004 (next AU Summit in Addis Ababa)

Focus shift to substance matters such as implementation of NEPAD Programmes (e.g. Extra-Ordinary Summits on Agriculture and on Poverty)

Commission in planning phase (Vision and Mission and Strategic Framework)

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AFRICAN UNION:EVENTS 2004/05 Vision and Mission of the AU Commission:

Geographical and political overview Vision - “Renascent Pan-Africanism” Mission broken down into aspects of: Coherence (relating to role of RECs and integration of operational

programmes) Capacity-Building (Institutions, RECs and national structures) Reflection (Eg Common African Defence and Security Policy

comprehensive approach to Defence and Security, beyond militaristic view)

Watchtower (Identify major trends and seeds of change - Council on the Future concept)

Information (Communication Policy) Advocacy(Relationships on and outside the continent involving all

players) Follow-up and Evaluation (ensuring implementation of Decisions)

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AFRICAN UNION:EVENTS 2004/05 Strategic Framework of the AU Commission contains and

analysis of major challenges and strategic areas and identifies five Objectives:

Est accountable and credible Commission Develop common African positions on issues of

strategic interest Highlight African culture and sport Make integration momentum irreversible through

promotion of regional integration Promote society based on Rule of Law and

responsible citizenship Address poverty by contributing to economic and

social development

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New Partnership for Africa’s Development

(NEPAD)

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NEPAD

1. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES To accelerate the eradication of poverty and

inequality in Africa;

To place African countries, both individually and collectively, on a path of sustainable growth and development;

To halt the marginalisation of Africa in the globalisation process;

To promote the empowerment and economic integration of women.

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NEPAD

2. PRINCIPLES African ownership and leadership; New partnerships within Africa and with the international

community; Accelerating and deepening of regional and continental

integration and cooperation; Creation of conducive conditions for economic growth and

sustainable development in order to eradicate poverty; Creation of conditions that make African countries preferred

destinations for both domestic and foreign investors; Comprehensive, holistic and integrated approach to African

development; Anchoring the development of the continent on the resources

and resourcefulness of the African people; Commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

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NEPAD

3. NEPAD STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES

Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) – NEPAD is the socio-economic development programme of the AU and the HSGIC reports annually to the AU Summit. HSGIC determines policy, priorities and programme of action. It consists of 20 states representing the 5 AU regions.

NEPAD Steering Committee – comprised of Personal Representatives of HSGIC leaders. Develops and considers detailed programmes and oversees Secretariat.

NEPAD Secretariat – located in Midrand, SA. Coordination and liaison function in developing and implementing programmes.

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NEPAD

4. PROGRAMME OF ACTION CONDITIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT: Peace, Security and

Stability (incl. Conflict prevention, management and resolution); Political, Economic and Corporate Governance (incl. APRM); Regional Integration and Cooperation

SECTORAL PRIORITIES: Infrastructure (Transport, Energy, ICT and Water & Sanitation); Agriculture and Food Security; Human Resource Development (incl. Education and Health); Environment; Tourism; Science & Technology

MOBILISING RESOURCES: Capital Flows (Domestic resources, Public Resource Management, ODA, FDI, Debt); Market Access, Product Diversification & Beneficiation, and Intra-Africa trade

CROSS-CUTTING: Capacity Building (incl. Centres of Excellence); Gender.

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NEPAD

5. EXAMPLES OF FLAGSHIP PROJECTS

Short-term Action Plan on Infrastructure

Studies Greater Inga Integrator Study - Continental involving

RECs Trans-Maghreb Railway Study - Country to Country

involving UMA Power interconnections in East, Central and West

Africa - Regional involving 3 RECs Study to improve Financing Mechanism for

Development of the Water Sector - All RECs

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NEPAD

5. Examples of Flagship Projects (Continued) Investment Projects:

West Africa Gas Pipeline -ECOWAS Project Kenya-Uganda Oil Pipeline - Country to Country

involving the East African Community (EAC) COMTEL - Country to Country involving COMESA Mombasa Port Container Facilities - Country to

Country involving EAC Mepanda Uncua Power Project - Country to Country

involving SADC Fougamou-Doussala Road Project - Country to

Country involving ECCAS

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NEPAD

5. Examples of Flagship Projects (Continued)

Kati-Saraya Road Project - Country to Country involving ECOWAS

EAC Northern Corridor Road Project - EAC Project Mamfe-Enugu Road Project - Country to Country

involving ECOWAS

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NEPAD


Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme

Extending the area under sustainable land management and reliable water control systems

Irrigation Development and Water Management Project (SADC)

Rural infrastructure and trade related capacities for improved market access

Promoting Regional Agricultural Trade and Harmonising SMS Standards (SADC)

Increasing food supply and reducing hunger Strategic Food Reserve Facility (SADC)

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NEPAD


Agricultural research, technology dissemination and adoption

Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer for Strategic Crops (Tissue Culture Banana, Nerica Rice, Pigeon Peas, Cassava, Sweet Potatoes (ECOWAS, ECCAS, SADC, COMESA)

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Role of National Governments (national structures for coordination, engagement and implementation; align national development strategies/Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers with NEPAD priorities and objectives);

Role of the Regional Economic Communities (align regional strategic development strategies with NEPAD; ensure capacity to drive implementation);

Role of continental institutions – organs of the AU, African Development Bank, Economic Commission for Africa, African Capacity Building Foundation;

Role of Parliaments (Pan African Parliament and Parliamentary Forums);

NEPAD6. IMPLEMENTATION ROLES

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Role of civil society (Economic, Social and Cultural Council);

Role of the private sector (NEPAD Business Group, ESKOM, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Industrial Development Corporation etc.).

NEPAD6. IMPLEMENTATION ROLES (Continued)

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Instrument to monitor performance, share best practice and knowledge, promote peer learning and provide assistance;

Key Policy documents, Accession document and Operational Guidelines completed and adopted (March 2003 & July 2003 AU Maputo Summit);

19 countries signed MOU to join APRM (SA signed March 2003); Panel of Eminent Persons appointed (28 May 2003) and

operational (Mde Savane (Chair) Mr Kiplagat, Mde Machel, Mr Adedeji, Dr Stals, Ms Njeuma and Mr Medelci);

APRM Secretariat appointed and operational in Midrand, SA; First APR Forum held on 13 February 2004 in Kigali, Rwanda; Country guidelines and Questionnaires sent to participating

states and first set of country reviews and visits to begin shortly (Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya and Mauritius). SA review in first quarter 2005.

NEPAD7. OPERATIONALISING THE APRM

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Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation through NEPAD Continue to build and harness the capacity and political

support for the implementation of NEPAD Programmes Facilitate implementation of the five NEPAD priority areas

(infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, health and human resources)

Support the development of a NEPAD Tourism Action Plan, and support existing sectoral plans (e.g. Agriculture, Science and Technology, Health)

Ensure member states support the establishment of a strong NEPAD co-ordination capacity in the SADC Secretariat

Strengthen SA’s NEPAD co-ordination Prepare SA for APRM process scheduled for 1st quarter of

2005.

NEPAD8. IRPS CLUSTER PRIORITIES

Consolidation of the African Agenda

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NEPAD President 2 Ministers (DFA, the dti) Quartet + 2 African Renaissance Committee (IRPS Cluster) DFA NEPAD Business Group (SA), ECOSOCC (SA), NEDLAC

etc. APRM

The Presidency DPSA

NEPAD9. SA STRUCTURES FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH NEPAD/APRM PROCESS

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NEPAD 10. NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY UN – November 2002 Resolution, Monterrey, WSSD G8 – Africa Action Plan EU – Cairo Action Plan, Cotonou, Capacity building OECD and multilateral institutions (IMF, World Bank) –

Africa Partnership Forum Bilateral, eg USA (AGOA, Millennium Challenge Account,

HIV/AIDS) Tokyo International Conference on Africa’s Development,

Asia-Africa Sub-Regional Organisations Conference, Sino-Africa, NAM, Commonwealth etc.

The South (India, Brazil, Malaysia, ASEAN, MERCOSUR etc.) African Diaspora, international civil society and

international private sector.

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FIRST PHASE – Development of the base strategic framework document– accepted at the Lusaka OAU/AU Summit (July 2001).

SECOND PHASE – Development of detailed, concrete implementation plans for the various priority sectors – Initial Action Plan for Implementation accepted at the Durban AU Summit (July 2002).

THIRD PHASE – Implementation – Decisions of the Maputo AU Summit (July 2003) re Agriculture, Health, Environment, Capacity Building and Integration with the AU.

NEPAD11. PHASES OF THE NEPAD PROCESS

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Conflict resolution (DRC, Burundi, Angola, Sudan etc.) Peace Support Operations Plan (AU/NEPAD/G8) Operationalisation of the APRM Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Short-Term Action Plan on Infrastructure Health strategy Environment strategy Establishment of international partnership with NEPAD as

framework (eg Reversal of decline in ODA from $17,73 billion in 2001 to $18,62 billion in 2002)

Engagement of all stakeholders Addressing Afro-pessimism.

NEPAD

12. ACHIEVEMENTS

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Strengthening human, financial, technical and institutional capacity of African states, organisations and institutions to deliver on implementation mandate, especially the RECs.

Broadening of ownership and engagement with key stakeholders in Africa.

Integration of NEPAD principles, priorities and objectives in national and regional development plans.

Strengthening and enhancing international partnerships with a view to maintaining focus on Africa.

Increasing resource flows to scale up and accelerate implementation.

Broadening and strengthening political leadership.

NEPAD13. CHALLENGES

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Building national, regional and continental structures and processes to ensure concrete delivery and to foster coordination and outreach.

Align national and regional development plans with NEPAD objectives, priorities and programmes.

NEPAD13. CHALLENGES (Continued)

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NEPAD is a long-term development programme (approximately 20 years).

Good progress is being made but much more needs to be done.

Trust, respect, dialogue and cooperation are being strengthened.

Critical success factors are enhanced political leadership, ownership by the people, strengthening the institutional, human and financial capacity of national, regional and continental development institutions, and increased support by the international community.

NEPAD14. CONCLUSION

1 the african union and nepad department of foreign affairs june 2004

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