FROM:            WADU Executive Council                  

DATE:             2/25/13

Re:                   CIDO/AU Commission 50^th Anniversary Update

This first page of the following is a WADU overview of the OAU/AU Commission Update sent on 2/25/2013. WADU sees the O/AU 50^th anniversary commemoration as a unique opportunity for Pan all Africanists, African-centered and Africanists in Africa and the African Diaspora to collaborate on intensifying our work for the total liberation and unification of African people under a Pan African government directed and responsible to all Africans, worldwide. As such we seek your advise, support and especially your direct actions during this commemorative period. Some key Diaspora dates are:

March 1, 2013 – All African Diaspora leaders share basic community/State plans for May 2013

April 1, 2013 – Diaspora leaders consolidate plan/begin actions for May 2013 –May 2014

May 1, 2013 – Diaspora leaders implement May 2013 plan, including Ethiopia mission

May 31, 2013-May 31, 2014 – Diaspora leaders press for seminal projects for African people.

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As a mark of the importance that the Union attaches to the Diaspora Initiative, it has been agreed that the Anniversary celebrations will have a specific Diaspora component.  Accordingly, we expect to have a Diaspora Week celebration in the 1^st or 2^nd week of May 2013.  The event is being planned as a global commemoration involving all people of Africa descent everywhere in the world.  Hence, we expect also that Diaspora communities will have special event commemorations elsewhere and at other times. The year 2013 marks the 50^th Anniversary Celebration of the existence of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).  It will also be a decade since the formation of the AU, which seeks to promote “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena”  Consequently, the Heads of State declared the year 2013 the Year of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.The 19^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in July 2012 “ENCOURAGE(D) the Commission, in close collaboration with the Ethiopian Government, to work together with all the Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as other AU Organs to organize various activities, including media events, debates and competitions in schools and universities, public opinion surveys, sessions in local and national legislatures and other activities to celebrate the year of Pan-Africanism and Renaissance so as to enhance awareness of the new generation of Africans about the ideals of Pan-Africanism.”

The concept of Pan Africanism reflects the long history of African civilizations as the cradle of humankind, and is at the heart of the formation and existence of the OAU and now the African Union.  It informed African responses to slavery and colonialism, the struggles for independence and self-expression and the post-independence processes of nation-formation.  In a similar vein, the yearning for an African Renaissance was inspired by these same challenges, an acknowledgement that throwing off the yoke of slavery and colonialism must free the continent to rediscover its identity and chart its own cause, in all areas of human endeavor. The effective program design will have three main elements.  First are preparations leading to specific date of the anniversary on 25 May 2013.  Second is to prepare an impactful program that marks that specific day of celebration.  Third, is the yearlong anniversary celebration calendar from 25 May 2013 to 25 May 2014. The 50^th Anniversary celebration is conceived as a process linking two main events: the Anniversary celebration of 25 May 2013, the Summit and a yearlong celebration beginning on 25 May 2013 to 25 May 2014.  The 50^th Anniversary provides a unique opportunity, and comes at a moment when Africa is on the rise, and must therefore build its confidence in its future.  To reach this tipping point, will require unity, creativity and resolute action.  The 1963 generation fulfilled their mission of liberating our continent and starting the integration project.  Building on this, the generations of 2013 must define their mission, and act to realize this mission, in the shortest possible time.

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Those intending to represent their State or organization in Ethiopia, please send a notice of interest to our office. For more information, to advise, or coordinate and integrate our work across the world for May 2013 and throughout the year, please contact WADU in NY at 718-523-3312, wadupam@aol.com, or wadupam.org. You can contact the AU for direct updates on @ www.africa-union.org/

Dear All,

Diaspora Organisations and Diaspora Network,

As you are probably aware, arrangements are now underway for the 50^th Anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU.  A special Summit of the African Union has also been convened to coincide with the anniversary date of 25^th May 2013. CIDO had previously sent a draft concept note on the anniversary celebrations.  The note has been revised and we are attaching an updated version for your information and necessary action.

As a mark of the importance that the Union attaches to the Diaspora Initiative, it has been agreed that the Anniversary celebrations will have a specific Diaspora component.  Accordingly, we expect to have a Diaspora Week celebration in the 1^st or 2^nd week of May 2013.  The event is being planned as a global commemoration involving all people of Africa descent everywhere in the world.  Hence, we expect also that Diaspora communities will have special event commemorations elsewhere and at other times. Brothers and Sisters, it is important that we keep track of and consolidate the Diaspora work program so that the Union and Africans in the continent and the Diaspora as well as the international community can keep track of events and celebrate effectively with us.

Thus CIDO wishes to establish a diary of intended and proposed Diaspora activities.  We are thus requesting that all Diaspora communities should inform us about intended and proposed events.  The information should include details of intended celebration, dates, focal points, participants, venue and expected outcomes.  Adequate notice should be given on events scheduled to take place in Addis Abba so that we can consolidate the program with the Host State at the Headquarters.  It is important also to state whether the event is intended as an independent initiative or require close association with the AU Commission.  In the later case, the coordination requirements should be clearly outlined.  Global event schedules should also highlight requirements of association with AU Headquarters, regional offices or the African Group of Ambassadors outside the Headquarters, as may be required.

The 50^th Anniversary celebration is conceived as a process linking two main events: the Anniversary celebration of 25 May 2013, the Summit and a yearlong celebration beginning on 25 May 2013 to 25 May 2014.  It is important therefore to underline the stream in which a proposed event is to be located.  We will urge that the period surrounding the specific date of 25 May 2013 should concentrate on activities sponsored by the Union, the Commission and the Host State.

We kindly request that this information be made available to us on or before 10 March 2013 to support the process of preparation.  We will also be working closely with the Communication and Information Division of the AU to put the Diary of Activities on the AU Website and internet.  It is important that this information be communicated early to facilitate the effective mainstreaming of Diaspora activities in the framework of the wider Anniversary Celebration.

We solicit you kind cooperation to make this family event a distinct and memorable success.

Jinmi Adisa

Director, CIDO

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Project Document for the Commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the OAU/AU

Table of Contents

^{PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT}. 3

Introduction. 3

Purpose of Document and matters for PRC consideration. 3

 ^{PART 2: 50TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT PROPOSAL}  4

Vision: Goals and Purpose of the 50th Anniversary Commemorations. 4

Expected outcomes. 4

Theme and Key messages. 5

Defining Features of the Commemoration activities. 7

Typography of Activities. 8

Key Actors and Instruments. 9

Anniversary Program Package. 10

The May 25, 2013 Commemoration, Summit and Activities. 10

Budget and Financing. 12

CONCLUSION.. 12

ANNEXURES

A.        May 25 Commemorative activities programme

B.        Organisational structure

C.        Communications strategy

D.        Year-long Anniversary Events Schedule (to be updated)

E.         Provisional budget

PROJECT PLAN FOR THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 50^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OAU/AU

 ^{PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT}

 Introduction

1.               The 19^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in July 2012 “ENCOURAGE(D) the Commission, in close collaboration with the Ethiopian Government, to work together with all the Member States and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as other AU Organs to organize various activities, including media events, debates and competitions in schools and universities, public opinion surveys, sessions in local and national legislatures and other activities to celebrate the year of Pan-Africanism and Renaissance so as to enhance awareness of the new generation of Africans about the ideals of Pan-Africanism.”

2.               On the basis of this decision, the Commission and the Ethiopian government started preparations for the Anniversary, and the Commission presented a report to the Summit in January 2013.  The report was discussed extensively by the PRC and the Executive Council, and Summit resolved that these deliberations be taken in consideration by the Commission.  The Commission and PRC were further requested to “take all measures necessary to finalise this document immediately after the January 2013 Summit…”  (EX.CL/Dec.751(XXII)

3.               The Summit further resolved that an Extra-Ordinary Session of the Executive Council be convened to finalise preparations for the 50^th Anniversary.  This Extra-ordinary session is scheduled for 8-9 April 2013.

Purpose of Document and matters for PRC consideration

4.               The purpose of this document is therefore to present a revised and comprehensive 50^th Anniversary Project Plan to the PRC. 

5.               It furthermore seeks input and approval from the PRC for the following specific issues:

a)    Preparatory activities leading up to the 25 May 2013 Anniversary Summit,

b)    The format of the 25 May Commemorations and

c)    The approach to the year-long (25 May 2013 –25 May 2014) activities.

d)     Finally, approval of the Provisional Budget and funding of the 50^th Anniversary activities.

^{PART 2: 50TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT PROPOSAL}

Vision: Goals and Purpose of the 50th Anniversary Commemorations

6.               The year 2013 marks the 50^th Anniversary Celebration of the existence of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).  It will also be a decade since the formation of the African Union, which seeks to promote “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena”.  Consequently, the Heads of State declared the year 2013 the Year of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.

7.               Given the historic nature of this event, it an opportunity for reflection on the road Africa has travelled, and to chart the course of the next five decades. The Anniversary should therefore facilitate and celebrate African narratives of past, present and future that will enthuse and energize the African population and use their constructive energy to accelerate a forward looking agenda of Pan-Africanism and Renaissance in the 21^st century.

8.               The program for the celebration is anchored by the state of the continent and the Union.  It begins with a reflection on the past fifty years, where we are today and where Africa wants to be in fifty years.The thrust of this agenda is a program of social, economic and political rejuvenation that links the past, present and future and the legacy that will be bequeathed to future generations. It must facilitate a process of Pan-African socialization that will enablecurrent and successor generations to imbibe the lessons learnt from historiography and use it to accelerate the integration and development agenda of the continent.

Expected outcomes

9.               The Commission therefore proposes the following set of outcomes for the 50^th Anniversary Commemorations, at continental, Member state and global level:

9.1                      Reflect on the past fifty years, the key lessons and acknowledge the contributions of founders of the OAU and Pan Africanism in all countries, regions and the Diaspora, linking the past, present and future.

9.2                      Take stock of our assets and capabilities vis a viz the opportunities and challenges.

9.3                      Establish a precise agenda and workplan for achieving the vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and taking its place in the global arena” in the 21^st century

(Agenda 2063) and mobilize the broadest strata of the African population in support of this vision.

9.4                      Promote and define the Pan-African values that will underpin the African agenda over the next five decades; inspiring new generations of Pan-Africanists that will serve as the vanguard of this movement as well as a process of Pan-African socialization that will nourish and sustain this leadership.

10.             The impact of the main event and the yearlong activities will be assessed against these outcomes, with precise indicators for each of these outcomes set in the detailed Project Implementation Plan.

Theme and Key messages

11.            The 50^th Anniversary commemorations will be anchored by the Theme Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance.  The concept of Pan Africanism reflects the long history of African civilisations as the cradle of humankind, and is at the heart of the formation and existence of the OAU and now the African Union.  It informed African responses to slavery and colonialism, the struggles for independence and self-expression and the post-independence processes of nation-formation.  In a similar vein, the yearning for an African Renaissance was inspired by these same challenges, an acknowledgement that throwing off the yoke of slavery and colonialism must free the continent to rediscover its identity and chart its own cause, in all areas of human endeavor.

12.            The approach to Pan Africanism and African Renaissance over time took different forms, but ‘shared a common notion of a united or politically integrated continent complete with its own economic institutions.’  The strands of Pan Africanism converged into the founding of the Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) in 1962 and the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.  When the OAU was established on 25 May 1963, one of its primary objectives was to fast-track the total liberation of Africa, from colonialism and all forms of discrimination, including apartheid. The OAU equally aimed at promoting unity and solidarity amongst African states, as a means of securing Africa’s long-term economic and political future.

13.            Five decades after the formation of the OAU, Africa is on the rise – economically, culturally, socially and in terms of its demographics.  Not since the completion of the mission of the OAU, to rid the continent of colonialism with the end of Apartheid in 1994 have we seen such optimism and energy in all areas of human endeavor.  At the same time, the continent is aware of the challenges it face, and of the need to use this opportunity to rejuvenate its mission, through the spirit of Pan Africanism and the ideal of African renaissance.

14.            Arising from this, the Commission proposes the following key message for the activities, in order to capture and explain the vision of the Pan Africanism and Renaissance we envisage in the 21^st Century:

Uniting for a prosperous and peaceful Africa

Or

One Africa for Prosperity and Peace

15.            Based on the theme and key message, the Commission further proposes the following sub-themes for the 50^th Anniversary Communications and

Outreach strategy, that will be tailored for different constituencies to achieve the outcomes set out in paragraph 8:

15.1                    Sub-theme 1.Celebrating Africa’s Heroes and Heroines: this sub-theme will pay tribute to the founders of the OAU, to the contributors of Pan Africanism and African renaissance and the heroines of the liberation and anti-colonial struggles.  In addition, the sub-theme will put the spotlight on African achievers of the fifty years and of today, in all fields of human endeavour.

15.2                    Sub-theme 2. Pan African Development Goals: here we will take stock of the progress and setbacks of the fifty years. This includes reflection on the key lessons, taking stock of our assets and capabilities vis à vis the opportunities and challenges, with a view to mobilise and build consensus around our development priorities for the next decade or so.  This should be based on our key continental programmes and frameworks (e.g. infrastructural development, agriculture, mining and minerals, building human capabilities, our industrialisation, trade and integration agenda, etc.), addressing the key obstacles towards accelerated progress on all of these plans – hence the concept of Pan African Development goals, which should inform our Strategic plans from 2014 onwards. Under this subtheme we must also celebrate achievements in terms of democracy, peace and governance, and ensuring that we consolidate and expand efforts in these areas.

15.3                    Sub-theme 3. Proudly African!:  enthusing and energizing the African population, taking pride in our diversity, strengthening people to people links, and uniting for the Africa we want. We must celebrate Africa as both the youngest continent and the cradle of Humanity, its natural and human resources, its diverse cultures and languages, its sporting achievements, and tributes to Africans and the diaspora who are positively contributing in various fields and platforms for intra Africa tourism.  Important under this sub-theme will be the popularisation of the African Union symbols – anthem and flags especially.  This subtheme must also help celebrate and renew the values of Pan Africanism – solidarity, self-reliance, integrity, service to the people – and unleash the creative energy of a lasting renaissance.

15.4                    Sub-theme 4. Africa 2063:[Unlocking/unleashing] Africa’s potentials towards 2063, and the popular and substantive process towards developing the African Agenda 2063.It should galvanise and rally the energies which will enable the African continent to seize the opportunities the future holds. It is an opportunity to provide an inclusive platform for public and private sector, citizen and sectoral engagements, since this will be pivotal to the realisation of a better future for the majority of the continent’s people.

Africa is well placed to develop new solutions of its own to the challenges that the world is facing. Africa has its own genius, own Shared Values and resources, be they human or natural, to invent new models of equitable growth and sustainable development that will ensure a harmonious future for the generations to come.  The Agenda 2063 Framework document will be ready for the May Summit and the substantive agenda and plan for adoption at the January 2014 Summit. This will also focus on Africa’s place in the world, towards becoming a global growth pole over the next few decades.

16.            The proposed 50^th  Anniversary sub-themes thus allow for distinct areas of emphasis in content, which all contribute towards the broader goals of the commemorations, and provides space for multi-facetted activities, in both form and content. 

Defining Features of the Commemoration activities

17.             As a catalyst to this process and spreading the messages, the activities organized for the 50^th anniversary commemoration will have the following defining features:

17.1                    The 25 May commemorations must be memorable raising the visibility, potential, diversity and profile of Africa and the Union, across the length and breadth of the continent, amongst all sectors of African citizenry, the Diaspora, and in the wider global community.

17.2                    It must be underpinned by the meaningful involvement of young people to ensure the continuity and consolidation of the Pan African Values and Identity through inter-generational engagement and exchanges.

17.3                    It should be global in the sense that events marking the celebration must be spatially distributed within and outside Africa and impact significantly on views and perspectives in Africa and all over the world.

17.4                    Consequently, the framework of celebrations should be activity-based and people-centric.  The gamut of activities involved should be wide ranging as directed by the Assembly decision, be inclusive and involve broadly all the strata and relevant groups in African society and Diaspora.

17.5                    The framework of activities should be multi-level, with activities organized at the level of the Host State and all AU Member States; at the level of the three branches of government within states, (executive, legislature and the judiciary), at the level of civil society, workers, faith based groups, writers, artisans, NGOs, professional, social, business and cultural groups.  The multi-level framework should also have gradations at the level of the state system.  It is incumbent upon the African Union system therefore, to seek to involve partners within the framework of specific partnership forums that would take place between now and 25 May 2014 and at bilateral levels so that visual celebrations at the level of various AU offices will involve not just the AU office and representatives but some level of recognition and commemoration by host states.

17.6                    The African Union through the Commission will provide guidance on the overall framework and the major activities, but the yearlong commemorations should unearth the creativities of all sectors of the continent and Diaspora, so that no event nor activity come to pass that does not reflect on the meaning and aspirations of the Jubilee celebrations.

Typography of Activities

18.             Various proposals have been presented for inclusion in the list of activities for the 50^th Anniversary of the OAU/AU as contained in the Annex attached to the Report of the Commission to the recent session of the AU Executive Council EX, CL.577 in January 2013.

19.             A review of the submission and others presented by Member States, Civil Society and Diaspora Groups show that the framework of activities can be divided into the following main components:

19.1                    Awareness Raising and Mobilization Activities: Promotional Materials, Visual Enhancement and Commemoration Activities, Interviews and Broadcasts Segments, Feature Film Production, Arts and Exhibition.

19.2                    Intellectual and Representational: Debates, Symposiums, Roundtable Discussions, launch of a Center for African History etc.

19.3                    Sports events: celebrating Africa’s sporting history, the current teams and greats and the role of sport in uniting the continent and showcasing its diversity.

19.4                    Cultural and Educational activities including film, music, exhibitions and other cultural expressions, essay and other competitions in schools and higher institutions, the official launch of the Pan African University, the development of a Pan African history curriculum, etc.

19.5                    Physical and Environmental : Beautification of AU Premises and Streets of Hoist State Capital andchoosing one day to beautify all our capitals, cities and villages.This will include environmental projects with focused attention to the Great African Green Wall project and otherthe environmental projects across countries and regions, as part of investment in the future.

19.6                    Celebrating best practice: sharing and showcasing country, regionaland continental best Practices, Pan-Africanist Awards and symbolic Representation

19.7                    Sectoral activities: according to categorical groups e.g. women, children and youths, the Diaspora, public and private sectors, etc.

19.8                    Legacy Projects to commence as a result of the totality of the various activities, including the Diaspora legacy projects.

20.                                 The eight different forms of activities can also take place at different levels as follows:

20.1                    Activities carried out at the level of the Host State and the AUC, mostly but not confined to the AU Headquarters.

20.2                    Activities carried out by other AU Organs or agencies and institutes, including  Representational Offices.

20.3                    Activities carried out at the level of Member States.

20.4                    Activities carried out at the level of RECs

20.5                    Activities carried out by non-state or non-governmental actors such as Trade Unions, professional and social groups, faith-based groups, civil society organizations

20.6                    Activities involving the Diaspora in all its diversity

20.7                    Activities involving Partners, Friends or Partner Forums at multilateral and bilateral levels

21.             It is important to recognize that categories and levels are fluid and not static. Thus activities at one level can easily flow into another or be combined with its results. Moreover, there is need for sequencing and interconnectivity among the various activities to produce optimal results.

Key Actors and Instruments

22.            Key actors and instruments include the Commission, Member States, RECs, the African Diaspora, non-state actors, etc.  A package design of activities at various levels is included with emphasis on form, content and scale.  The general design to enable cost efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Anniversary Program Package

23.            The effective program design will have three main elements.  First are preparations leading to specific date of the anniversary on 25 May 2013.  Second is to prepare an impactful program that marks that specific day of celebration.  Third, is the yearlong anniversary celebration calendar from 25 May 2013 to 25 May 2014.  The schedule will have three sequences – pre-events, celebration day and subsequent yearlong  anniversary celebration

24.            The program package includes four main areas of operation as follows:

24.1                   An Organizational structure to lead and support the process of preparation.  The mainstay of this organization component is an inclusive Steering Committee of the AUC, PRC and Host country, chaired by the AUC Chairperson and an Organizing Committee under the Deputy Chairperson that is subject to the overall guidance of the Commission.  (Annexure B)

24.2                   A Communications and public affairs campaign that would anchor the overall enterprise.  (Annexure C)

24.3                   A 50^th Anniversary Events Schedule arranged in tune with the nature of Anniversary Celebration.  This includes details of activities at three levels of the pre-events, May 25 celebration day and yearly long activities that are synchronized to produce maximum results and will be continually updated. (Annexures A and D)

The May 25, 2013 Commemoration, Summit and Activities

25.            The official 50^th Anniversary activities will kick-of on 25 May 2013.  Recalling the defining features mentioned in para.17, that it must be memorable, global, people centric and multi-level, the Commission proposes the following:

Saturday, May 25, 2013

26.            An Open-space Mass Commemoration Eventfrom 09:00-13:00 at Meskil Square in Addis Ababa, that will include a choreographed Commemoration item, opening reflections, speeches and messages of solidarity, interspersed with cultural activities reflective of the concept of renaissance and the regional diversity of Africa and the Diaspora.  To this effect, the Commission proposes that this be organized by an Event management company. The proposed Programme of Events is attached as Annexure A, including proposals on Speakers and Guests to be invited.

26.1                   Thematic Sessions from 15:00-18:30 in the AU Conference Centre, focusing on the themes of (i) Pan Africanism and African Renaissance; (ii) Integration; and (iii) Africa’s and the World, amongst other themes.  Whilst these continue, parallel activities (sport, cultural, exhibitions) will be held at other venues across the city.

26.2                   Anniversary Gala Dinner from 19:00 organised by the Host country at the Millennium Hall, with other parallel activities continuing into the evening at other venues.

26-27 May 2013

27.            Closed session of the 21^st Summit on 26 May, including debate on the 50th Anniversary Proclamation, and a public signing ceremony during the day.

28.            Closed session continues on 27 May in the morning, ending with an Open session in the afternoon that sets the tone for the year-long activities to follow.

Other activities

29.            Based on the initiatives from Member states and requests being processed by the Commission, side events will take place during the entire period, in line with the typology of events described above.  These will be compiled in an updated schedule of events.

30.            In addition, Member states, other AU organs and the Diaspora are also invited to organize events in their countries on 25 May 2013, so that the day can be truly Pan African and global.

Budget and Financing

31.            Attached is a Provisional Budget for approval that speaks to the Anniversary Programme Package. The Commission will ensure accountability, and will insist that the activities are run in a transparent and prudent manner.

CONCLUSION

32.                 The 50^th Anniversary provides a unique opportunity, and comes at a moment when Africa is on the rise, and must therefore build its confidence in its future.  To reach this tipping point, will require unity, creativity and resolute action.  The 1963 generation fulfilled their mission of liberating our continent and starting the integration project.  Building on this, the generations of 2013 must define their mission, and act to realize this mission, in the shortest possible time.

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Dear all,

Civil Society Organisations, CSOs platforms, Trade Unions, CSOs Networks, Diaspora Organisations and Diaspora Networks

 French Version attached

 Notice and Information for CSOs and Diaspora on the Special AU Summit of 25 May 2013

The Citizens and Diaspora Organization Directorate of the African Union Commission (CIDO) has the honor to inform African Civil Society and Diaspora Community that the AU Assembly decided on 16 July 2012 that the theme of the 20^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union will be on “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”.

25^th May 2013: Special Summit of the African Union for the celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of the OAU/AU.

 It is important to underline that our emphasis is on having a people-driven organization and as per the established tradition, members of the African Civil Society Community and Diaspora whose presence and contribution would be of a great relevance and value addition vis-à-vis the theme being discussed are kindly invited to apply for Observer Status at the AU Special Summit. It is important to note that access to AU meetings is based on rules and procedures of the AU as authorized by the Chairperson of the Commission in accordance with the Statutes of the Commission. It should be noted that AU Observers and Guests would only be invited for the Special Summit on 25 May 2013 and that the AU Ordinary Summit will be held in a closed sessions on 26 and 27 May 2013.

As you may be aware, CIDO has to submit a list of CSOs for accreditation to the Secretary General of the Commission by 10 March 2013 and we therefore insist that all interested applicants must submit their application before this date, in order to enable us collage properly and send the list in time for processing and for the Commission to release the invitations in time before the Summit. No application will be considered after the deadline mentioned above.

The Office of the Chairperson and the Secretary General of the Commission will direct CIDO on the number of accreditation vacancies available to CSOs. However, we have been informed that due to the limited space and accommodation constraints and the serious inconveniences faced during the previous Summits with the ever-expanding lists of observers and invitees beyond the Commission’s capacities to accommodate them, only those observers / invited guests whose presence and contribution would be of great relevance and value addition vis-à-vis the theme of the Summit could be accommodated. In addition, we shall have to make choices based on the timing of application, role envisaged in Summit, activities related to the theme of the Summit and carried out by the organization during the last two years, history of association with AU etc. The bottom line is that not all applicants can be accredited. We shall however, do our utmost to ensure that we can get accreditation for as many CSOs as possible. We urge a sense of realism among willing participants in this regard.

It is important to note that the AU will bear no responsibility for travel and maintenance costs of CSOs accredited through our Office. CIDO remains available to assist CSOs or Diaspora representations with seeking appropriate facilities. 

It is our expectation that this short notice will assist the African Civil Society Community in preparation for the Summit. Accreditation for the Summit is open to both local and international NGOs, with preference given to relevant grassroot organizations, where required. 

Citizens and Diaspora Organization Directorate (CIDO) African Union Commission

Kindly submit your application to the following email address:CIDO@africa-union.org / TsebaotA@africa-union.org

 Thank you for sharing widely this information with other COSs

Best Regards

Jalel Chelba,

Head of Civil Society Division; CIDO; African Union Commission

Date:    2/15/13                                                         

Re:       Join, Support or Assist the African Diaspora @ 50^th Anniversary O/AU Ethiopia Summit

The World African Diaspora Union (WADU) is organizing a delegation of Diaspora leaders to participate in the African Union (AU) 50^th Anniversary Summit this May 2013 in Ethiopia. The theme for the Summit is Pan Africanism & the African Renaissance. The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stated that “It is our view that we should use the anniversary activities to stimulate a continent-wide debate on the importance of the concepts and praxis of Pan Africanism and of the African Renaissance – past, present and future – so as to inform and mobilise the African citizenry and the Diaspora behind the AU vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.”

The 50^th Anniversary AU Summit is a once in a life-time experience to officially participate in a AU Summit as a tribute to the Diaspora contributions to the formal establishment of the O/AU 50 years ago by some of Africa’s greatest leaders. The May Summit will also be an opportunity to courageously stand firm with Africa against the recent, enduring and ongoing attacks on Africa and African people. Most importantly, the gathering in Ethiopia will be a unique opportunity to formally establish long-term relationships with the AU and other Pan Africanists from across the world to expedite the integration of Africa, as a union government responsible and responsive to all Africans worldwide.

The WADU engagement for the mobilization of the Diaspora involvement with the AU was relentlessly pushed by WADU late President the “Legendary Pan Africanist” Ambassador Dudley Thompson. As such, WADU work at the 2013 AU Summit will be dedicated to Ambassador Thompson’s work highlighted in the Dr. Dudley Thompson 2012 Resolution calling for a United States of Africa by 2017. An immediate integrated, prosperous, and powerful federated Africa was the central work of the greatest of our ancestral leaders, such as those like the Honorable Marcus Garvey, Emperor Haile Selassie, Dr. John Henrik Clarke and President Kwame Nkrumah. The African Diaspora participation in the AU is also consistent with the AU constitutive act declaring that it shall “invite and encourage the full participation of the African Diaspora as an important part of our continent, in the building of the African Union.”

As part of the work for the mobilization of the Diaspora, WADU will launch a Pan Africanism & African Renaissance (PAAR) Campaign starting April 1, 2013 that will include Pan African leaders and those planning to participate as a member of the AU Summit delegation. Leaders will participate in programs across the Diaspora to organize the Diaspora as a Diaspora region for the political, cultural and economic integration of African people. The formal May 2013-May 2014 anniversary actions will also include promotion of local to global actions, proclamations, resolutions, and Pan African task forces.

The Pan African delegation to Ethiopia may include some of the foremost veteran leaders on Africa such as Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Dr. Julius Garvey, Nana Yaa Farika Berhane, Dr. Molefi Asante, Dr. Georgina Falu (Puerto Rico), Minister Akbar Muhammad, Omowale Clay, Minister P.D. Menelik, Dr. Norma L. Jackson (South America), Joe Beasley, Dr. Rosalind Jeffries, Dr. Chika Onyeani and others. Other African Diaspora leaders will join us in Ethiopia from various parts of the world. For more information on PAAR Campaign 50, to join us to the AU Summit in May 2013, or just to make a contribution to our historic mission, please contact Baba John Watusi Branch at jwatusi@aol.com, 718-523-3312 or on our website at WADUPAM.ORG. You can contact us at wadupam@aol.com.

Sincerely African,

Minister P.D. Menelik Harris

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Dr. Jinmi Adissa Reasserts the Importance of the African Diaspora

Nana FarikaBerhane, Queen Omega Communications      2/19/2013

“I have a long history with Ambassador Dudley Thompson. He helped to grow me. He is lanternbearer for Pan-Africanism. I will leave no stone unturned for honoring him,” Declared Dr. JinmiAdissa, Director of Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) at a meeting for representatives of the Diaspora arranged by World African Diaspora Union (WADU) at the African Union (AU) on Thursday, February 7th in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“WADU is doing a good job,” he told the delegation. “It is Pan-Africanists. You can always rely on me for contributions. What I do here is in the spirit of Ambassador Dudley Thompson. Without his efforts many African states would not be independent.” Dr. Adissa recorded appreciation for correspondence and suggestions he received from Minister Menelik Harris, Secretary General of WADU.

He pointed out that the 50^th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) celebrations in May of this year will reflect and take stock of where Africa is going and where it is coming from. Activities will lay the path that will inspire new generations. “We want to inspire,” he confided. “We want to write our own narratives.” He informed the meeting that Dr. Nkosazana D. Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, is “very keen” about the Diaspora.

Ras Ambrose King, President of the Addis Ababa Local of the Ethiopian World Federation (EWF) shared that the spiritual and cultural brings unity and that the 50^th Anniversary should be both spiritual and cultural in order to bring unity to Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora.

Dr. Adissa revealed that he is proposing a Diaspora week to the AU as part of the African Diaspora activities for the OAU 50^th anniversary celebrations. He said that celebrations will be global. “We have recognized that the house is global,” he informed the meeting. He said he wanted the celebrations to promote African identity in its variations. He envisioned multi level activities that will be memorable and include video conferences and musical participation. He saw the celebrations as beginning on May 25, 2013 and ending on May 25, 2014 with each member state of the AU and the Diaspora participating.

Present at the meeting were Nana Farika, Vice-President of WADU, Professor Abby Ford, whose father wrote the Ethiopian National Anthem of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) that is used by the EWF and the worldwide Rastafari movement,RasAmbrose King of the EWF, Mr. Ahmed L. Basheer, Head of CIDO Diaspora Division, and Mr. WuyiOmitoogun, CIDO Expert in Diaspora Relations.

TO:                 The African Diaspora Leaders & Communities   

DATE:            2/5/13

RE:                 OAU/AU 50^th Anniversary Brief (Excerpts)         

FR:                 Min. Menelik

DISCUSSION:  This is brief overview of the African Union CIDO draft framework below for the OAU/AU 50^th Anniversary for 2013. The Draft was sent from the AU CIDO Office upon request and for the Diaspora to work together for the implementation of this agenda. Our V.P. Nana Farika (still in Ethiopia) and Diaspora leaders in Africa will also contribute to advancing our efforts. To participate, query, or comment on the OAU/AU 50^th tribute in Ethiopia and for the implementation of the Diaspora wide 50^th OAU/AU agenda, please contact us at 718-523-3312, wadupam.org or amenelik@aol.com.

Dear Mr. Menelik,                 2/4/13                                                                                                                                              Thanks for your message of 29 January 2013. Please find enclosed a draft concept note for the 50^th anniversary celebrations.  I should add that the concept note is still being interrogated and there will be serious revisions before it is consolidated.  In the meantime and taking into account your submissions amongst others, CIDO has put forward specific proposals and recommendations for a Diaspora component of the anniversary celebrations. Best Regards, Jinmi Adisa

Draft Framework Paper on the Commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the OAU/AU

OAU/AU 50^TH ANNIVERSARY INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

“Over the years, the dignity of Africa has been eroded by the de humanizing practices of slavery and slave trade as well colonialism and apartheid. Africa has since seen it fortunes change for better as we entered the 21^st century, with notable improvements in the economic and political governance systems of the continent. Africa has since seen it fortunes change for better as we entered the 21^st century, with notable improvements in the economic and political governance systems of the continent. Even the most violent critics have been unanimous to acknowledge that Africa is the continent of the future and that Africa’s time has come.

The year 2013 marks the celebration of 50 years of existence of the Organization of African Unity / African Union (OAU/AU). When the OAU was established on 25 May 1963, one of its primary objectives was to fast-track the total liberation of Africa, from colonialism and all forms of discrimination, including racial discrimination. As soon as independence was achieved, however, new challenges started to emerge on the scene, which became the priority. In other words apart from fostering the liberation and integration of Africa, it was also necessary to propel the continent into sustainable socioeconomic development that would change the lives of the African people for the better.

Thus, while the total liberation of Africa from colonial domination and racial discrimination stands out as one of the major achievements of the OAU, the AU is grappling with issues pertaining to the integration of Africa and bringing about sustainable and people-centered development that is not only inspired and informed by Africa’s culture, but that also leads to poverty reduction and changing the lives of Africans for the better. Nevertheless, the vision of the African Union remains: “An Integrated prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena”.

OAU/AU 50^TH ANNIVERSARY – SOME OBJECTIVES &

OUTCOMES - The AU Commission would organize a continental High Level Panel discussion (including the Diaspora) on Pan Africanism and African Renaissance in a location different from Addis Ababa. The Commemoration of the 50 years of existence the OAU/AU is to: Raise awareness of OAU/AU as a catalyst for development; generate an African re-awakening; propel greater integration and development; ratify and implement policies of shared interests; and plan for the next 50 years.

2013 THEME “PAN AFRICANISM & THE AFRICAN RENAISANCE - Pan-Africanism has been at the core of the struggles for the liberation and integration of Africa well before the creation of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union). Indeed the vision of Pan-Africanism has been the subject of debate since the first summit of the OAU in 1963. The debate centers on a crucial element of the African vision namely should the political unity of the continent: (a) be realized immediately, or (b) be a long term objective to be achieved through the creation and consolidation of independent nation states first and then built up through sub-regional building blocks.The quest for integration and socioeconomic development has found expression in African Cultural Renaissance, which focused more on culture as one of the main factors of socio-economic development in Africa.

OAU/AU 50^TH ANNIVERSARY DIASPORA INITIATIVE AND

INVOLVEMENT - The African Diaspora proposed to mark the Year of Africanism and African Renaissance and 50^th Anniversary of the OAU/AU through organizing the following activities: 1. Create an effective 12 month – 2013 AU campaign to popularize Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance; 2.  Engagement of all Africans towards the upliftment of the Motherland and her Peoples; 3. Coordinate a signature event including socio-cultural expressions such as music, art, dance, gastronomy, sciences etc. that express African heritage and ingenuity to help strengthen the spirit of Pan Africanism; 4. Encouraging collective efforts towards Africa’s complete liberation and prosperity; and 5. Organize forums to engage and help popularize the AU messages, cultivate commitment and general support from various sectors of society, while ensuring the occasion of the 50th is widely acknowledged and celebrated.

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING MECHANISM - In consonance with the Decision of the Assembly on the 50^th Anniversary celebrations (supra), there is absolute need to put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the planned activities are carried out timely and to address any constraints likely to impede the deliverables.

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O/AU ANNIVERSARY DIASPORA ACTION – WADU is urging the Diaspora family members, organizations, communities and leaders to join us to implement the above as a way to honor the major efforts to institutionalize the long struggles for our liberation and unification by some of the greatest Pan Africanists with the creation of the OAU in 1963. As you are aware, this bold decision to create the OAU led to the exponentially growth of Africans in the 1960’s. However, there are efforts since then and still underway to erode our advances, and so we must now redouble our work for Pan Africanism or…

From:             MGANGA (Minister) P.D. Menelik Harris

Subject:          PAA Alert 2013-9 for O/AU 50^TH Anniversary Tributes and Actions

Re:                  O/AU 50^TH Anniversary Commemoration, Africa & the African Diaspora 

Date:               2/13/2013

This May 25, 2013 will mark the 50^th anniversary of the creation of the Organization of African Unity/African Union (OA/U) on May 25, 1963 by some of the most distinguished leaders since the enslavement and colonial era of Africa and African people. Under the O/AU 2013 theme of Pan Africanism &the African Renaissance, the African Union is urging Africans everywhere to organize political, cultural, social and economic programs as a tribute to legacy and struggles for the freedom and unity of African people in Africa and across the world. Since its creation, the OAU is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopia is the original homeland of African people and humanity, and also is the first and most enduring nation that has promoted the civilization of the world.

During the 20th ordinary session of the AU assembly in Ethiopia from January 22-28, 2013 under the theme, “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance” the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stated that the theme is to “propel its citizens towards an integrated, people-centred, prosperous Africa at peace with itself.” She continued “Our 50th Commemoration activities must enable us to tell our story: the story of Africa’s rich pre-colonial history of great civilizations, its struggles against slavery and colonialism and its process of nation-formation and state-building over the last fifty years.” Using Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as a model, Dr. Zuma asserted that “we must as President Nkrumah urged fifty years ago, apply the single-mindedness and strength to achieve the mission of the social and economic liberation of our continent.”

In regards to the African Diaspora Dr. Zuma stated that “It is our view that we should use the anniversary activities to stimulate a continent-wide debate on the importance of the concepts and praxis of Pan Africanism and of the African Renaissance – past, present and future – so as to inform and mobilise the African citizenry and the Diaspora behind the AU vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.” On her election to the Chair of the AU in 2012 she quoted the great Diaspora leader Honorable Marcus Garvey that her work is within the context of “The history of a movement, the history of a nation, the history of a race is the guidepost of that movement’s destiny, that nation’s destiny, that race’s destiny.” In the report sent to the AU Commission by the AU Civil Society & Diaspora Office (CIDO) headed by Dr. Jinmi Adisa, the proposal called for the Diaspora to the mark the anniversary as a campaign to engage Africans at home and abroad for the economic, political, cultural, social upliftment “towards Africa’s complete liberation and prosperity”. Key AU ambassadors such as Her Excellency Madame Ali and His Excellency Antonia Tete have also called for the full mobilization of the Diaspora.

The final push for the full integration of Africa comes as global forces of imperialism are on a full scale economic, cultural politico-military scramble to further divide, plunder and control Africa for its resources. However, our dedication to the Pan African vision is steadfast as reported by Nana Farika Berhane from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that “We have started a long journey and we must not give up until we have achieved our goal.” This statement was made from the Jan. 17, 2013 pre-summit forum consisted of Pan African grassroots leaders representing Africans from across Africa and the Diaspora.

ACTIONS TO PROMOTE THE 50^TH O/AU ANNIVERSARY IN THE DIASPORA IN MAY 2013

1.      Organize Pan African activities through the month of May 2013 to May 2014.

2.      Establish “Pan African Task Force 50” in each Diaspora community & organization.

3.      Engage Diaspora task forces for Black economic, political and cultural empowerment.

4.      Organize local and global youth public and private programs to promote African culture.

5.      Encourage new leadership for decisive, deliberate and bold advocacy actions globally.

6.      Continue to advocate for the union government of Africa and against forces of imperialism. 

7.      Join WADU and other leaders in Ethiopia this May to promote our Pan African union.

The letter to Her Excellency Chair Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will be directly delivered through the office of Madame Nana Farika B. Taylor, Vice President of WADU. She and other Diaspora leaders are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate in the January AU 20^th Summit.

Some key issues on the African Union Summit agenda are the security problems facing Africa, the economic integration of Africa, the 2013 OAU 50^th anniversary events across the African world, and advancing a union government of Africa. The latter issue for an AU government espoused and tirelessly worked for by legendary Pan Africanists such as the Honorable Marcus Garvey, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and other great leaders of Africa is the priority for WADU. A union government of Africa would enhance both the security and economic development of Africa. This same agenda was relentlessly pushed by President Khadafi of Libya before he was murdered by invading foreign and mercenary forces.   

According to a panapress report from the AU Summit, the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) consisting of African Ambassadors are already discussing a plan for the integration of the continent’s 54 states through what is called a “minimum integration plan.” This renewed effort by the AU PRC is a result of the massive security crises across Africa from the invasion of Al Qaeda type forces in Africa. It is also due to the militarization Africa by Africa’s former colonial powers, especially the French and now the United States. Africa’s current crisis, not experienced since the colonial era was unleashed when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spearheaded the destruction of Libya with France and other nations of the EU, and some member states of the Arab League. Since then Muslim extremists have committed wanton destruction, untold massacres and a mountainous of misery on Africans in states across Africa.

WADU is one of the foremost Pan African Diaspora organizations with a coalition of leaders and an umbrella of organizations representing the global African Diaspora. Some of the key founders, leaders and supporters of WADU are: Ambassador Dudley Thompson, ‘Pan African Legend’; Dr. Leonard Jeffries, (Association of the Study of Classical Civilizations - ASCAC); Dr. Andy Thompson (UNIA/ACL & ASCAC); Baba Elombe Brath (Patrice Lumumba Coalition); Nana Farika Berhane (Maroons & Rastafari); Baba John Watusi Branch, (Kawaida &ATABA); Dr. Georgina Falu, (Scholar/Puerto Rico); Dr. Julius Garvey, (UNIA/ACL); Dr. Joyce King (Scholar/Activist); late Rev. Dr. Ndugu T’Ofori-Atta (RHAW/ITC); Minister P.D. Menelik Harris, (RHAW/IAM Ubuntu); Dr. Nana Niara Sudarkasa, (senior Scholar/Activist); Dr. Molefi Asante (Afro-centricity International); Minister Akbar Muhammad (Nation of Islam); Dr. Abena N. L-Jackson, (Scholar/South America); Mr. Khafra Kambon (Caribbean Pan African Network); late Queen Mother Dorothy Lewis (NCOBRA/GAC); Baba Mukasa Dada, (AAPRP & SNCC); Baba Joe Beasley (Africa Ascension & RainbowPush); Prof. James Small, Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU); the late Del Jones (Activist); Mr. Omowale Clay (December 12^th Movement); and other leaders. Consequently, WADU has the support of some of the most influential and authentic leaders representing the African Diaspora in readiness and are forging forward for a peaceful, prosperous and powerful Africa in the 21^st century.

WADU and the African Diaspora welcomes all the earnest efforts of the AU advancing the long delayed united states of Africa along the principles and goals established by great leaders such as the Honorable Marcus Garvey and President Kwame Nkrumah. WADU is also urging the AU to support key issues to empower Africa such as Diaspora citizenship, representation in the AU, economic partnerships, reparations, and African education. The WADU recommendations for actions are consistent with the African Union constitutive act declaring that it shall “invite and encourage the full participation of the African Diaspora as an important part of our continent, in the building of the African Union.”  The letter to the AU concluded that the AU actions are “more relevant and pertinent this year 2013, marking the 50^th Anniversary Commemoration of the formation of the Organization of AFRICAN Unity.”

For more information to support Africa and to participate in the May 2013 50^th anniversary of the OAU, please contact Baba John Watusi Branch at 718-523-3312 or WADUPAM.ORG.

NYC - The World African Diaspora Union (WADU) will convene its first Ambassador Dudley Thompson Pan African mission to Ethiopia this January to advance the African Diaspora agenda declared in the WADU & AUDITT May 2012 Ambassador Dudley Thompson Resolution. The mission to Ethiopia will mainly include convening a January 19, 2013 birthday tribute to the “Legendary” Pan Africanist Dr. Dudley Thompson to pull together African Diaspora and African leaders to press the African Union for a united states of Africa by 2017. A peaceful, prosperous, and powerful federated Africa was the central work of the greatest of our ancestral leaders, such as those like the Honorable Marcus Garvey, Emperor Haile Selassie and President Kwame Nkrumah.

Some of the key leaders planned to be in Ethiopia representing diverse African Diaspora States and organizations are Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Dr. Julius Garvey, Nana Yaa Farika Berhane, Dr. Molefi Asante, Dr. Georgina Falu, Minister Akbar Muhammad, and Omowale Clay. Other Pan African leaders will join us in Ethiopia from various parts of the world at Africa’s Capitol in Addis Ababa. The above and other leaders heading to Ethiopia have been influenced directly by the work of those like late Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Kwame Ture and Dr. Cheik Anta Diop and will also help to set a unified agenda for the OAU 50^th anniversary and action plan for May 2013 and beyond.

The WADU travel to Ethiopia will also coincide with the African Union Summit planned for the month of January with the 2013 theme of “Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance.” In addition to the WADU 2012 Resolution, WADU is urging greater African Diaspora integration in the African Union agenda as a way to advance African people as a unified family. The WADU and the AU African Diaspora Task Team (AUDITT) 2012 Resolution called for the African Union and African people to press for: 1. A united states of Africa for the long-term security and advancement of Africans; 2. African citizenship, economic partnership, reparations and representations for the African Diaspora in the AU; and 3. the African Diaspora leaders to strengthen our work with the AU on an economic agenda for the rebuilding our global communities.

After helping to liberate Africa and the African Diaspora, Ambassador Thompson spent his final years working with some influential Pan African Diaspora leaders to establish a Pan African government in Africa, with an integrated African Diaspora. The African Diaspora participation in the AU is consistent with the AU constitutive act declaring that it shall “invite and encourage the full participation of the African Diaspora as an important part of our continent, in the building of the African Union.” WADU is now one of the foremost Pan African Diaspora organizations with a coalition of leaders and an umbrella of organizations representing the global African Diaspora.

WADU is asking you and other brothers and sisters to support or participate in unifying and empowering all Africans in the world, as one global family. For more information on the mission to Ethiopia, please contact Baba John Watusi Branch at our WADU 6th region main office at 718-523-3312 or on our website at WADUPAM.ORG.

HUJAMBO (Greetings) Family:

Addis Ababa: I stand before you today as a humble servant of the African

continent and its people, ready - together with the newly elected Commissioners - to join the hundreds of African Union Commission staff, who have held the banner of the African Union flying high. This position has been held by an illustrious list of selfless and dedicated Africans who have had the privilege and honour of leading the Secretariat and Commission of our pre-eminent continental organisation, first the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and now the African Union (AU).

While I am filled with humility and honour that I have been elected into this

position, the magnitude of the task does not escape me. Let me therefore say from the onset that I expect to stand on the shoulders of the giants that

preceded me, working together with member states and other partners to create a prosperous Africa, which is at peace with itself and the world. In this regard I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the current

Chair of the African Union who is, not only here amongst us today, but who has given me his full support and encouragement since my election – the President of Benin, His Excellency, Dr Thomas Boni Yayi.

We are honoured to have our Host, Ethiopian Prime Minister, His Excellency Ato Hailemariam Dessalegn with us. We wish to convey best wishes to him as he discharges the duties of the Office of Prime Minister of this great country, building a developmental state on the foundations of an ancient and progressive civilisation.

At this moment, I also wish to pay tribute to one of Africa’s great sons, a

visionary and firm proponent of the renaissance of the continent, the late Prime Minister Ato Meles Zenawi, who made such a significant contribution to Ethiopia, Africa and humanity as a whole. I also want to acknowledge the achievements and efforts of my predecessor and outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Jean Ping. Mon frère, merci. Thank you Dr Ping for working tirelessly these past four and a half years to build on the work of those who have come before us, such as President Alpha

Konare and others, including the founders of our organisation.

Through your commitment and dedication during your term of service, the African Union Commission has made many strides and I will therefore build on the foundation that you have laid. Merci mon frère. Of course paying tribute to the outgoing chair of the Commission goes hand in hand with our appreciation to the rest of the Commissioners, who worked with him, because all of us are as good as our teams. Thank you to all the

commissioners and the staff, for the achievements and progress.

Your Excellencies

The eve of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Union offers us an opportunity to take stock of where we have come from and where we are today, in order to assist us to plan for the journey ahead. At this point I would like to quote from former President Mandela in his Long walk to freedom: “I have walked a long road to freedom. I tried not to falter, I have missed steps along the way, but I have discovered the secret that after climbing the Great Hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

I’ve taken a moment to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that

surrounds me. To look at the distance I’ve come. But I can only rest for a

moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities and I dare not linger. For my long walk is not ended.”

Although this referred to President Mandela’s long walk in South Africa, it can also be seen as the long walk of the continent. Indeed our long walk to a

prosperous, peaceful and integrated Africa has not ended and there are many more hills to climb ahead of us.

Distinguished guest, Excellencies

Looking at the distance travelled, it might be interest to recall where we come from in the distance past. There is no doubt that Africa is the cradle of

humanity and of advanced civilizations. We have had a very rich and proud

history as Africans on this continent, we have advanced civilization, as

evidence by the architecture as evidenced by the Egyptian sphinx and pyramids, the Tunisian city of Carthage, the Great Zimbabwe, the Old City of Timbuktu and many others. If we look at the intricate sculptures of Makhondo of Tanzania and Mozambique, the Benin Bronzes of Nigeria, and the beautiful rock paintings of the Drakensberg and Algeria.

We can also boast of highly organized kingdoms from Mesopotamia, the Ashanti and Monomatapa to name a few. We also have a rich astronomical heritage. The Dogon people of Mali have generational knowledge for instance of the star Sirius A & B which appears only once in fifty years, but scientists and astronauts are only now discovering what the Dogon people have known for generations.

Gender equality flourished in our ancient lands where women occupied positions of responsibility, for example, we had Queen Ann Nzinga of Angola, Makeda the Queen of Sheba in Ethiopia, Queen Ahmose-Nefertiti of Egypt, Nehanda of Zimbabwe, Yaa Asantewa of the Ashanti Empire, Dahia Al-Kahina of Mauritania, Buktu of Mali and many, many other women that held very great responsibilities in our ancient civilisations.

Of course, this great history was followed by the darker painful side of slavery and colonialism. The continent responded through the anti-colonial struggles and wars of liberation, made sure that we bring to an end this dark side of our history. Our forbearers were thus inspired to unite by creating the Organisation of African Unity.

At the launch of OAU of 1963 Haile Selassie as the first Chairperson said: “We name as our first great task the final liberating of those Africans still

dominated by foreign exploitation and control.” He continued, “As we renew our vow that all of Africa shall be free, let us also resolve that old wounds shall be healed and past scars forgotten and memories of the past injustice shall not divert us from more pressing business at hand. We shall live in peace with our former colonisers shunning recrimination and bitterness and foreswearing the luxury of vengeance and retaliation, lest the acid of hatred erode our souls and poison our hearts.”

So today we can say, without fear of contradition, that indeed the founding

generations defined and fulfilled their mission to liberate the continent from

colonialism. It is up to us, to now define our own mission, it is up to us to

fulfill it and not betray it.

Distinguished guests, Excellencies

Looking at the vistas that surround us today, we have come a long way. Over the last two decades we have witnessed momentous changes to the political landscape of the African continent. Democratic elections have become the norm, demonstrating the commitment of African states to promote a political culture based on legitimacy and accountability. This development has not taken place in a vacuum, it has taken place within the context of the African Union efforts aimed at consolidating democracy on the continent.

In spite of this laudable progress, we must also acknowledge that there have

been some difficulties and setbacks, with pockets of instability and conflict.

It is therefore our responsibility as governments, as citizens, as regional

bodies to ensure that the democratic process is irrevocable and to pledge

ourselves to work for its success. For our part as the Commission, I would like to assure you that we will take proactive steps as has been done before to support member states and regional bodies in their efforts to promote,

consolidate and expand citizen-centred, developmental and democratic governance. One cannot over-emphasise the point that peace and stability are a prerequisite for social, economic and human development and good governance. While we should feel proud of our achievements in this regard, we must not forget that these pockets of conflict not only cause untold suffering, death and destruction, but also impede the social, political and economic development of the rest of the continent. 

We will, therefore, spare no efforts to try and resolve the conflict in Mali and

the Sahel region. This crisis has the potential to spread across the region and

even the continent. We shall be working closely with the United Nations Security Council and of course with the regional organisation ECOWAS, who has been dealing with the matter up to now.

We will continue to provide the necessary support to the AU High Level Panel on Sudan so that it can help both the Republics of Sudan and South Sudan in finalising all outstanding issues between them. Continued support will also be provided to the newly elected Somali government to bring an end to the conflict that has ravaged this sister republic for over thirty years, and help build strong institutions of governance and public order. In light of the resurgence of armed conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, we will support all efforts to bring about peace and stability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region as a whole. And of course we shall not forget Guinea Bissau.

Drawing on the lessons learnt from recent conflicts on the continent, we will

take appropriate measures to improve cooperation and coordination with the United Nations, given its primary responsibility for the maintenance of

international peace and security. The African Union, as the premier continental organization, will take leadership role in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in the continent, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction and development. Of course it will do this working with the regional organisations. This is in accordance with the principle of finding African solutions to African problems.

Conflicts and conflict resolution, important as it may be, must be balanced with development, because the majority of our countries are stable and are

developing. But if we neglect them, they may become unstable. It is therefore important to balance conflict resolution and development.

Africa accounts for more than one quarter of the world’s arable land and land is a source of livelihood of 70% of our people. However Africa currently generates only 10% of global agricultural output and imports tens of billions of dollars of food a year. As a continent we must strive towards food security. Access to food is the most basic right. No nation or continent can develop to its full potential if cannot feed itself. If we invest in increasing the productivity of our land we can have food security, export and generate revenue and also save the resources we use to import food. All these resources can be used for development. The continent and AU have taken decisions on these measures, and we know there is the CADAP programme. We must accelerate its implementation.

Our continent is also well endowed with mineral and other natural resources,

with estimations that Africa accounts for 30% of the world’s mineral reserves. The people of the continent have not seen the full benefit of these resources, neither have the exploitation of our national resources been used to develop the productive economies of our continent. The situation that President Nkrumah described still prevails. In his words, “that is why we have in Africa the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty and scarcity in the midst of abundance.” So its important that we all try to use these resources to improve our productive capacities and for the benefit of all our people and their development

As we speak, African has an unacceptable high maternal and infant mortality. What women in other countries – especially in the developed world - take for granted as a normal physiological function of giving birth and ensuring the continuation of the human race, in our continent, it means putting your life at risk. The death of the mother is not just a death of an individual. It means survival of the young children that she may be leaving behind is not guaranteed, and if they survive, they may not reach their full potential in life. And of course a loss of a mother is a loss to the family and the community.

At the formation of the OAU in 1963, the African population was just above 250 million. Now we stand at over a billion and this figure is expected to rise to two billion by 2050. Africa has the advantage of having a youthful population, unlike many developed countries which are struggling with aging populations. We must therefore harness the energy, resourcefulness and enthusiasm of our young people so that they contribute positively to our societies, nations and the continent. Our increased investment in young people, in their education and training, in youth employment, in their general economic and social participation must assist them to reach their full potential. An investment in the youth is therefore an investment for the future.

We are also a continent where at least 50% of our people are women (in fact a little bit more). Let us look at this not only as a human rights issue, but also as a resource that we must develop by prioritising investment in the education and health of women and girl children. To this end, we must accelerate the implementation of programmes related to the Decade of Women, in our efforts to advance and accelerate gender equality. At a time when prospects look bright for our continent, we should ensure that women have access and control of productive resources, including in agriculture and in business in general. Proactive measures should be taken to bring women into the mainstream of decision-making processes and structures at all levels of society. Of course this decision was taken long time ago by the Heads of States, we must make sure that we implement this decision.

Excellencies, Distinguished guests

Contemporary literature on Africa paints a positive vista of the continent’s

prospects, portraying it as the Eldorado of the 21st century. The narrative on

Africa as the next pole of growth and prosperity has come to be accepted by all. This confirms the prophecy of our leaders, who on the eve of the new millennium in 1999, declared that the next century will be the ‘African Century’. This more robust economic performance is also having an effect on socio-economic conditions and human development in general. The 2010 and 2011 UN reports, assessing the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, indicate that in sub-Saharan Africa progress has been made in reducing absolute poverty, with improvements in primary education enrolment and a decline in under-five infant mortality rates.

Our common objective remains to define and build a trajectory that extracts the continent from poverty and underdevelopment. Amongst the core attributes of such an African agenda are the shared values of consistent political and democratic freedom; the development and modernisation of African productive forces.

All this must take place within the context of renewed momentum for the

continent’s economic integration, and we must take the necessary steps to speed up this process, to ensure that the ultimate goal of an African Economic Community (AEC) does not remain a distant dream.

Key to integration is the development of our infrastructure and connectivity

between our countries and regions to facilitate people-to-people relations and facilitate intra-Africa trade and tourism. The only way to ensure success in our continent’s endeavours is to move together as one united continent and people. Unity is our watchword, unity is our salvation.

Indeed, as Prime Minister Lumumba said in 1960, “We all know, and the whole world knows it, that Algeria is not French, that Angola is not Portuguese, that Kenya is not English, that Ruanda-Urundi is not Belgian. We know that Africa is neither French, nor British, nor American, nor Russian, … that it is African.”

Excellencies, Distinguished guests,

As we approach the next set of hills, let us recall the vision for our continent

as articulated by the African Union, and which guides the work of the

Commission: An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

Next year of course we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity. We must celebrate the achievements, but also indicate to ourselves and the world where we want to go in the next fifty years. Therefore, when we gather to celebrate in May 2013, we should chart a way forward for the continent for the next fifty years. This should be our agenda for the coming months, and beyond this summit.

All these challenges require an organisational machinery that is equal to the

task of implementing our vision of an integrated, prosperous, peaceful and

people-centred Africa. There has been progress in strengthening and improving the capacity of the AU Commission, but we are not there yet, in the words of the Deputy Chairperson as he bid farewell to the outgoing Chairperson yesterday.

An urgent priority will therefore be to ensure that the African Union Commission is effective, responsive and efficient in its work, and that it represents the organisational and shared values of collective leadership, hard work, inclusivity and a people-centred approach. As I take this responsibility I would like to work very closely with United

Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank as we are three organisations with different but complementary mandates to advance the African agenda.

The African Union is founded on the building blocks of regions. We will

therefore have robust and dynamic relations with the Regional Economic

Communities and encourage the different Regional Economic Communities to work closer to share best practice and information. As building blocks of

integration, we will work closely with the RECs on the issues of integration,

peace-building and economic, social and human development across the length and breadth of the continent.

Every decision taken by the policy organs of the AU is important and must be implemented. On our part as a Commission we will do our best to implement those decisions assigned to us. I am mindful however that the member states and the RECs are at the core face and main agents for implementation of the bulk of those decisions. The impact of the policies of the Union can only be measured by how they affect our people on the ground and this can only happen if these policies enunciated in the decisions of the AU are implemented.

The Commission is an instrument created by and for the member states of the Union. It does not exist in a vacuum and cannot work in a vacuum. It shall therefore maintain close contact with the member states through the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), which plays a critical role in implementing the decisions of the African Union Heads of State and the vision of our continent.

I just like to refer to the London Olympics, one evening I was watching the

track events and we saw in action the great talent on the African continent and from the diaspora. We must therefore continue to build relations with our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, and ensure that they make an even greater input into the development of our continent.

We must also improve our resource mobilization for our continental and regional programmes. A lot more needs to be done to mobilise resources from within our continent, in addition to the support that we get from our partners. We must provide for our own development whilst not cutting ourselves global support that we graciously receive from our cooperation partners.

To our global partners, we express our appreciation for the support to the

African Union. We must continue to work and re-evaluate our strategic

partnerships, with a view to enhance them and ensure that they focus on the

strategic priorities of the continent. We must build partnerships that are

mutually beneficial.

Excellencies, I would like to reiterate that we should look at ourselves as a

continent, not only as individual countries. We are a formidable force as a

continent if we are united, but if we are divided we are weak. Nobody can ignore us united. Nobody can fail to see the continent as a force for global change, if we look at ourselves as a continent. I accept this responsibility encouraged by the fact that the continent is full of possibilities and opportunities.

I take this responsibility with the hope that together, united in our diversity,

driven by our love of our continent and its people, shall every day do our best to bring to reality the declaration of the 21st Century as the Africans Century. So together with the team of the Commission we shall do our best, and we hope we shall get all the support that we need.

I would like to thank our host for the continued support to the AU and the

Commission. I wish the outgoing Chairperson bon voyage and good health, and we will be in touch.

  *   Address by the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, during the Hand-over Ceremony today African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, 15 October 2012.

Chicago, USA. The World African Diaspora Union (WADU) President Leonard Kweku Jeffries declared “African people are in a state of war.” The solution to our problem he said begins with reading and studying the work of our great scholars because our “children need to know the story” of our greatness as a people. The President was in Chicago on October 13, 2012 as part of the WADU 5^th Pan African Congress anniversary tribute and to promote the union of the Diaspora with Africa. 

The crowded audience in Chicago consisting of African youth and adults who came to learn from the Pan African master teacher were spellbound for about three hours as Dr. Jeffries addressed topics ranging from the African personality, heritage and history, youth empowerment, African politics, leadership and colonialism, and also on the recent global scramble for African resources in the 21^st century. He concluded his address stating the significance of “the AU accepting the role of the African Diaspora in Africa’s advancement” and that “we should step into our Africaness and empower ourselves.”

Other speakers during the WADU forums were Nana Yaa Farika Berhane, Ms. Cecile ‘Efua’ Johnson and Mr. Alie Kabba. Nana Farika Berhane spoke of the importance of Africans in Illinois and across the world promoting the AU Diaspora Legacy Projects to strengthen economic trade and business relationships with Africa. Farika, a Commissioner for WADU, also represented the Rastafari and Maroons’ communities during the historic African Union South African Global African Diaspora (SAGAD) Summit in May 2012. Sister Efua Johnson, the key organizer for the WADU meetings in Chicago stated that “the experience was life changing.” 

The President’s visit to Chicago coincided with the National Black Education “Save our Children” conference from October 11-13, 2012. The conference promoting the education of Black children in the was organized and convened by those like Dr. Sam Anderson, Dr, Joyce King, Dr. Wade Nobles, Ms. Susan Taylor, Dr. Conrad Worrill, Dr, Iva Caruthers, and Black educators and activists representing African communities across the USA. Some conference action plan workshops included African curriculum development, building African centered schools, the prison industrial complex, cultural education, national parent union, and mobilizing resources to positively affect the education of Black children.

Before becoming the President of WADU, Dr. Kweku Jeffries served with stalwarts of the Pan African Movement. Thus, Jeffries leadership in WADU is the continuation of the work of those like Dr. WEB Dubois, the Hon. Marcus Garvey, Dr. Cheik Anta Diop and Ambassador Dudley Thompson. As one of the founders of WADU, Dr. Jeffries inspiration to serve as a WADU leader is especially driven by his decades of work with the late Dr. John Henrik Clarke, who called for an African world community.

In 2007, he and other Pan Africanists partnered with the Pan African legend Dr. Dudley Thompson to establish WADU. The Panamanian born Jamaican leader played an important role in the liberation of both the African Diaspora and Africa, including pushing firmly for the full rights of Zimbabwe, Angola, Cuba, and South Africa. His Excellency was also a champion of the reparations movement and worked with the late President-elect MK Abiola of Nigeria, leading to the 1993 Abuja Declaration on reparations. Baba Dudley Thompson’s primary instruction to WADU leaders was to ensure that WADU establish itself with other Pan Africanists worthy of representing the African Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa. Dr. Jeffries Presidency comes after serving as the vice president since 2007. More importantly, he has been serving as a pioneering peoples’ scholar-activist on African history, culture, and heritage.

The World African Diaspora Union (WADU) is urging all Africans to promote the AU Legacy Projects during Kwanzaa by registering those of African descent to work with WADU in the rebuilding of African global communities. For more information on ways to support or participate in WADU programs and to organize a forum in your State, please contact Baba John Watusi Branch at 718-523-3312.

WDC – The World African Diaspora Union (WADU) President, Dr. Leonard Jeffries that the push for African empowerment in the 21^st century must based upon delicate a “balance of the pyramid of power of African economics, African culture, and African politics.” Dr. Jeffries was reminding Pan Africanists representing various constituencies across the Diaspora to build a united front for the economic empowerment of African people. The meeting was hosted by Baba Lumumba and moderated by Mr. Imamu Baucum at the Umojahouse in Washington, DC.

The Pan Africanists gathering on Sunday, September 23, 2012 ended the week long conference activities from September 17-22, 2012 organized by the with the Constituency for Africa and Congressional Black Caucus on global issues affecting Black people across the world. Some of the major contributors at the Washington, DC conferences included Ambassador Madame Salum Ali of the African Union; Mel Foote, CFA; Dr. Georgina Falu, WADU; Susan Taylor, Rep. John Lewis, Rep John Conyers, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep Maxine Waters, Rep. Yvette Clarke, and other numerous other ambassadors, elected officials, dignitaries and community activists. During the meeting with CFA, Dr. Falu of Puerto Rico called for the harnessing of Black Diaspora capital for development.

During the meeting at Umojahouse, WADU Commissioner Nana Yaa Farika of Jamaica highlighted the historic importance of the AU Global Diaspora Summit in South Africa this past May and outlined the AU Legacy Projects as crucial economic plans for the African Diaspora to advance African people in the 21^st century. The five legacy programs discussed are African Diaspora volunteerism, development bank, skills bank, remittance, and marketplace (see wadupam.org).

Mr. Kwame Mustapha (S.C.) called for Pan African economic councils across the Diaspora. He urged Diaspora leaders to organize “proposals ready for business in Africa.” Other leaders presented business initiatives on credit union, oil production, education, and factory production. The presenters included: Obi Holley, Benin; Baba Mosi, Vice President of UNIA-ACL; Baba Lasana Mack, Maryland; Trevor Young, Sierra Leone; Alice Fomimyum, Cameroon. 

The Washington meetings coincided with birthday tributes to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who warned that without a united states of Africa, Africans everywhere will be endangered. Indeed, Africa is fast becoming the central region for global investments and trade. Its economic attraction is also making it the center for militarism, imperialism, and opportunism similar to the first scramble for Africa in the 19^th century.

The overt serial attacks on Ivory Coast, Libya, Mali, and others by Africa’s former colonizers and enslavers are ominous signs of a 21^st century. These incursions combine global economic and military assault on a vulnerable Africa, without politically respectable leadership. There a plan afoot “for the U.S. corporate takeover of Africa,” Mr. Thutmose reported after visiting a number of meetings in Washington, D.C.

As African and other leaders meet this week at the United Nations to discuss world peace and development, WADU and other Pan African organizations will continue to be a force to guide the African world for a people-centered economic, political, and cultural empowerment. For more information on the next meeting or to support our initiatives contact our main office in NY at 718-523-3312 or WADUPAM.ORG.

By Khadija Patel, 8 October 2012   analysis

The thrust of South African foreign policy over the last 18 months was ostensibly defined by a relentless campaign to have Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma elected to the chair of the African Union Commission. While many doubted the motives influencing the campaign, few doubted Dlamini-Zuma was the right person for the job. Former president Thabo Mbeki, however, begs to differ.

“Expectations will be disappointed.” Former president Thabo Mbeki is doubtful of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s chances of success in her new role as chairperson of the African Union Commission. In basic language, Mbeki believes Dlamini-Zuma is in over her head. He believes the expectations of Dlamini-Zuma are so far removed from the actual functions of the African Union Commission that she cannot but fail. In an interview with The Sunday Independent, Mbeki expressed concern “about people putting a burden on her shoulders; a burden she can’t carry.”

Mbeki’s remarks have tempered with criticism the air of triumph that has marked South African foreign policy since Dlamini-Zuma was successfully elected to head the African Union Commission. Quite apart from the growing disillusionment and disappointment with the morass of issues plaguing President Jacob Zuma’s administration, Dlamini-Zuma’s election to the AU Commission was the one thing that went government’s way this year. Mbeki’s remarks, in other words, are pouring cold water on the one good thing Zuma & Co. have had going for them recently.

Few understand exactly why it was so important to South African foreign policy to sacrifice Dlamini-Zuma to the African Union. Her work rescuing the Department of Home Affairs from the throes of indiscriminate chaos was widely applauded. If anything, she appeared to be needed more urgently in Pretoria than in Addis Ababa. Her candidacy for the AU job was pressed even after the first election last January delivered a mortifying blow to South Africa’s ambitions. It had become clear that South Africa’s drive to take over the reigns of the AU commission had embittered the continent’s other big hitters, like Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. But even as South Africa was criticised for pursuing the AU Commission chair, few debated Dlamini-Zuma’s ability to actually turn the AU Commission around.

This, after all, is an instrument of the AU that has been rendered blunt by ineptitude. Key positions were not filled, reports of corruption were rife and there was little opportunity to hold key stakeholders accountable. Dlamini-Zuma, with a proven track record in domestic governance, appears to be well qualified for the job. Mbeki, however, feels that the expectations of Dlamini-Zuma are misplaced by a fundamental misunderstanding of the way the AU Commission works and what exactly she will be able to do. “I think part of this feeling that she is going to change [things] is the failure to understand how the AU operates. People might put a big burden on her shoulders, expecting her to do this and that, and when it doesn’t happen, they will blame her, when actually she has no capacity to do these things,” Mbeki said.

Clayson Moneyla, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, declined to comment on Mbeki’s remarks, but added that Dlamini-Zuma was not charged with changing anything at the AU. “We and SADC were not looking to change anything. Rather we were looking to enhance the everyday functions of the AU Commission,” he said. Mbeki believes the AU Commission would benefit better from a former head of state in the position of chairperson, saying that former Malian president Alpha Konare was once favoured for the job.

“The reasoning was that once you have a former head of state sitting in this position of chair, he will have sufficient influence over his former peers,” he said. According to Mbeki, the strength of the AU does not lie in the commission and its policies, but rather in the persuasive powers of one government upon another. Or, as he put it, “You have to be able to intervene with the governments in a manner that encourages them.” Mbeki detractors, however, believe that it is Mbeki himself who coveted the AU Commission’s top job. They believe Mbeki was embittered by Dlamini-Zuma’s successful election and his comments are a ploy to discredit one of the Zuma administration’s foreign policy successes. From deep within the Zuma camp, Mbeki’s comments further indicate that he may well have lobbied against Dlamini-Zuma. And on the road to Mangaung, such conspiracy theories are par for the course.

The suggestion of skulduggery means that these theories are not altogether irrational, but rather a further demonstration of the bitter clash of interests and ideas warring for the soul of the ANC - and, of course, reign of the country.

The Daily Maverick is a unique blend of news, information, analysis and opinion delivered from our newsroom in Johannesburg, South Africa. Read us on dailymaverick.co.za.

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