Mzwandile Mbeje, Addis Ababa

The controversial climate change Accord struck in Copenhagen last December looks set to be endorsed by the African Union (AU). President Jacob Zuma, who co-sponsored the deal with his American, Chinese, Brazilian and Indian counterparts, pleaded with African leaders to accept the Accord. 

The Copenhagen Accord was criticised in various quarters because it is not legally binding and falls short of setting concrete targets to reduce gas emissions. Facing his African peers to persuade them to accept the Accord, if endorsed, Zuma will no doubt claim a victory as he is one of the select few who co-sponsored the deal. 

Developing nations criticised the Copenhagen agreement, saying it did not go far enough, but Zuma it is convinced it is a good start. The Accord is expected to form part of the resolution when the AU summit wraps-up tomorrow. 

As leaders met behind closed doors for deliberations on the second day of the 14th ordinary session of the Summit yesterday, they tackled challenges facing the continent and the world. They were also expected to consider reports from different commissions and make recommendations.