The outgoing chair of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has called on African leaders to stay determined and take charge of their destiny and unity.
Addressing the 30th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU, Dlamini Zuma also warned against the siphoning off money that should be used for development and peace.
The AU Commission chair says economic insecurity and climate change also take the toll.
“Whilst on the surface there is no global arms race, expenditure on arms is sky rocketing, with the proliferation of arms in the hands of states and increasingly non state actors. This pose threats to global and regional stability.”
Dlamini Zuma says economic is the global context in which Africa has to navigate its continental agenda.
“First and foremost we are required to revive and strengthen the spirit of Pan Africanism, unity and solidarity.”
“Meaning we have to guard our unity and not allow ourselves to be divided and diverted from our agenda.”
In his address, the Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Abdalla Hamdok, says Africa and the world are confronted with critical developments that are likely to shape the future of humanity for many years to come.
But he emphasised the need for promoting good governance, peace and security.
“Africa also needs to look inward and focus on governance ,as a pre-requisite for development.”
There were differing views on the message. But there is common consensus that the revitalisation of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism should help in this regard.
The AU is due to vote for a new Chairperson……
– By Lehana Tsotetsi
