In its Preliminary Declaration in Bamako on Monday, the 100-member Mission led by Prof. Amos Sawyer, former President of Liberia's Government of National Unity, noted that the “shortcomings observed, did not in any significant way, affect the conduct of the election in line with globally acceptable standards.”

“Though not intended, the disenfranchisement of some young voters and some electorate in the insecure north, as well as the low turn-out in the elections, are regrettable,” the Mission said in the four-page, 17-point declaration, read by a member of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, Ambassador Leopold Ouedraogo.

The other shortcomings noted by the Mission included:

- Inadequate sensitization of voters on the relocation of some polling stations since the Presidential election, particularly in the northern regions of Gao and Timbuktu;

- late display of Voters Lists at several polling stations across the country, which resulted in difficulties in locating polling stations;

- Poor representation of women, who constituted only 14% of the more than 1,140 candidates, as well as “an isolated case of ballot box snatching in the northern region of Kidal.”

However, the Mission observed that the processes and conduct of stakeholders on Election Day showed “a marked improvement” over the Presidential elections of July/August, including the timely arrival of electoral officials, early delivery of essential materials and the orderly conduct of voters.

Ahead of the second round of the legislative election in a few weeks' time, the Mission urged the relevant electoral management bodies to ensure adequate voter sensitization and early display of voters lists in polling stations.

While welcoming the scaling up of counter-terrorism and security operations in the north of the country,” the ECOWAS EOM urged the allied forces to maintain the momentum in order to further improve the security environment, particularly in Gao, Kidal and Tessalit.”

It “encourages the political parties to intensify efforts in party building, ensure greater internal party democracy, and implement affirmative action in favour of women and the youth to enhance their competitiveness and representation in critical decision-making institutions of the state, particularly the National and Communal Assemblies.”

The EOM congratulated the political parties, candidates and the electorate for their peaceful conduct in the electoral process, and encouraged them to show the same maturity during the processes of collation and declaration of results.

“It also enjoins them to seek solutions to any grievances exclusively through legal channels.”

“The ECOWAS EOM is convinced that the conclusion of the legislative elections will endow Mali with another legitimate platform to spearhead the on-going reconciliation and reconstruction efforts. It reiterates the commitment of ECOWAS to accompany Mali in these processes,” the Mission said.

While expressing appreciation to the UN Mission, MINUSMA, the French Force, Operation Serval and the entire International Community for their support to the Malian efforts aimed at re-establishing and stabilizing the security, political, and institutional order in the country, it condemned “the recent upsurge in sporadic terrorist activities and calls on all armed non-state groups to submit to disarmament and join the dialogue and reconciliation process.”

More than 6.5 million registered Malian voters went to the polls on Sunday to elect members of the country's 147-seat Parliament.

The deployment of the ECOWAS Observation Mission is in furtherance of efforts aimed at helping Mali conclude the ECOWAS-facilitated transitional road map for the restoration of full constitutional order and the country's territorial integrity following last year's military coup and separatist insurrection in the north.

The law gives wide-ranging powers to local security authorities to ban such gatherings. Article 7 of the law prohibits protesters from conduct that would, among other things, constitute a threat to “security” and “public order,” “disrupt citizens' interests,” or obstruct justice, without providing clear definitions of those terms.

“International law requires precision in detailing what specific conduct is prohibited by law,” Pillay said.

“This is a country whose people have proclaimed loudly, clearly, courageously and repeatedly their desire to be able to demonstrate peacefully in accordance with their international human rights,” she said. “Egyptian civil society organizations and human rights defenders raised many concerns, but unfortunately these have not been taken into account.”

“Of particular concern are the provisions on the use of force by law enforcement officials and the excessive sanctions, including massive fines as well as prison sentences, that can be imposed on those found to be in breach of this law,” the High Commissioner said.

The new law prescribes a list of escalating measures that law enforcement authorities can employ, after issuing warnings, to disperse unruly demonstrators. These include use of tear gas, water cannon, smoke grenades, warning shots, rubber bullets and even live ammunition.

“There has been a succession of extremely serious incidents over the past three years when the authorities are alleged to have used excessive force against protestors -- most recently during the deadly 14 August events in Rabaa al-Adawiya in Cairo,” Pillay said. “The law should make it absolutely clear that, in accordance with international standards, intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.” *

“There is a real risk that the lives of peaceful protestors will be put at risk because of the violent behaviour of a few, or because the law may too easily be interpreted by local security authorities in a way that permits them to use excessive force in inappropriate circumstances,” the High Commissioner said.

Organisers of protests are required by the new law to give at least three days' notice to the police (except during election periods when it is reduced to 24 hours). “This effectively outlaws spontaneous peaceful demonstrations,” Pillay said.

“The law is also much too wide-ranging in terms of restricting locations,” she said. “Article 5, for example, has a sweeping ban on public meetings or assembly for political purposes in and around places of worship. There are tens of thousands of mosques, churches, shrines and other such places of worship in Egypt.”

“No one should be criminalised or subject to any threats or acts of violence, harassment, persecution, intimidation or reprisals for addressing human rights issues through peaceful protest,” the High Commissioner stressed. “The fact that the law criminalises acts by demonstrators which may breach ‘security and public order,' without clearly defining these terms, leaves the door open to a very restrictive and repressive interpretation.”

“Assembly organizers should not be held liable for the violent behaviour committed by others,” she said. “Instead, police have the duty to remove individuals committing violent acts from the crowd in order to allow protesters to exercise their basic rights to assemble and express themselves peacefully.”

“I urge the authorities to amend or repeal this seriously flawed new law,” Pillay said.

The right to freedom of assembly is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is guaranteed by major human rights treaties, in particular, by article 21 of the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights, and article 8 of the International Covenant on Social, Cultural and Economic Rights, both ratified by Egypt in 1982.

Over the last five years Switzerland has strengthened its economic ties and scientific cooperation with South Africa, its main strategic partner on the African continent.

During the 5th round of high-level consultations on 26th November 2013, the countries exchanged views on a broad range of shared issues concerning foreign policy, the economy, trade, financial matters, development cooperation, science and technology.

The Swiss State Secretary and his South African counterpart underlined the value of further cooperation in areas of mutual regional and global interest. A key issue was peace promotion, in which the two countries have longstanding experience (for example in Mali, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region). Both Switzerland and South Africa stressed the importance of civilian peace-building efforts aiming at accelerating the political transition process in post-conflictual contexts in African countries.

South Africa is the most important trading partner for Switzerland on the African continent and Swiss companies are among the biggest investors in South Africa. South Africa remains a partner country for Swiss economic development cooperation.

Switzerland reconfirmed its intention to commit up to CHF 80 million during the 2013-2016 period for investment in development projects and to support the development of a competitive economy, to support energy reduction as well as to promote South Africa as a centre of expertise for the region.

Beyond the existing strong bilateral relations in terms of economic, investment and development cooperation, Switzerland and South Africa work together closely in the field of science and technology. Both parties are very satisfied with the positive development of this bilateral cooperation and, in particular, the Swiss-South African Joint Research Programme (SSAJRP).

The 5th high-level consultations enhanced the relations between the two countries and established the areas of focus for future cooperation.

Mr. President,

Members of the Security Council,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like, from the outset, to thank the United Nations Security Council, for convening this meeting at a critical moment in the history of the Central African Republic. I also thank the UN Secretary-General for his report on the situation in the CAR, submitted pursuant to paragraph 22 of Security Council resolution 2121 (2013) and, more generally, for his efforts towards the promotion of peace, security and stability in the African continent.

This meeting is taking place against the background of particularly worrying developments in the CAR. As we all know, the situation is characterized by a total collapse of public law and order and widespread and continued abuses against the civilian population by elements of ex-SELEKA rebellion, including extra judiciary killings, forced disappearance, arbitrary arrests and detention, acts of torture and sexual violence, as well as the recruitment and use of child soldiers. This has led to the emergence of self-defense and other armed groups.

The humanitarian consequences of this situation are disastrous. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are either internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries. Malnutrition is rife, and humanitarian workers are operating under very challenging conditions.

The present situation is a threat to the very existence of the Central African State, as well as to regional security and stability. This meeting provides a unique opportunity to mobilize the international community for it to pay due attention to the situation in the CAR. We need to act fast and effectively, in support of the efforts initiated by the Economic Community of Central African States, which has demonstrated unparalleled commitment and leadership.

Mr. President,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The African Union is actively seized with the situation in the CAR. We worked closely with ECCAS and fully supported the regional efforts to address the situation following the resumption of armed hostilities by the SELEKA rebellion, in December 2012, in violation of the decisions of the leaders of the region. These efforts resulted in the landmark Libreville Agreements of January 2013, which provided a viable basis for a lasting solution to the crisis facing the CAR.

As early as December 2012, we drew attention to the danger that the resumption of hostilities would pose. We indeed feared that this would undermine the efforts of the leaders of the region and result in widespread violence against the civilian population, as well as in heightened tensions among the different CAR communities, with far-reaching consequences for the country and the region as a whole.

Following the entry of the SELEKA rebellion into Bangui, the AU Peace and Security Council took immediate action to suspend the CAR from participating in AU's activities and adopted targeted sanctions against some individuals. We sought UN Security Council support.

Over the past few months, we have been working closely with ECCAS, in support of the efforts of the leaders of the region. Allow me, at this juncture, to, once again, express AU's deep appreciation to President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, current Chairman of ECCAS, and to President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Chairman of the ECCAS Follow-up Committee on the CAR. The region has demonstrated utmost commitment in addressing the situation. ECCAS has convened peace talks, deployed peacekeepers and provided financial assistance in support of the people of the CAR. This pro-active engagement should be acknowledged and fully supported by this Council.

The decisions taken by ECCAS provide the basis upon which the ongoing transition in the CAR should be managed. We should insist, once again, on the need for the transitional authorities to fully comply with these decisions, in particular with respect to the duration of the transition, i.e. 18 months, and the ineligibility of the current authorities to the elections that will be organized to restore constitutional order. We should insist that the transitional authorities fully assume their responsibilities, notably with regards to the protection of the civilian population and the control, by the State, of its sources of income.

Together with ECCAS, we continue to mobilize the international community, through the International Contact Group on the CAR. The Group has so far met three times. The last meeting, convened in Bangui, on 8 November 2013, outlined a number of steps to be taken by the transitional authorities. It is critical that the Security Council lends its full support to the Declaration adopted on that occasion.

Mr. President,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Given the precarious security situation on the ground, the AU, working closely with ECCAS, decided to enhance the MICOPAX through the deployment of an African-led International Support Mission in the CAR (AFISM-CAR). With a total strength of 3,652 military, police and civilian personnel, the Mission is mandated to assist in restoring law and order, stabilizing the country, protecting the civilian population, reforming the defense and security sector, and creating conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. In so doing, AFISM-CAR will build on the sustained efforts made by MICOPAX in a particularly challenging environment.

The AU and ECCAS have closely worked together to facilitate the transition from MICOPAX to AFISM-CAR. Following consultations with ECCAS, the Chairperson of the Commission has just appointed the leadership of AFISM-CAR. The transfer of authority between the two Missions is scheduled to take place on 19 December 2013.

Permit me to emphasize this point: the AU and ECCAS are working hand-in-hand to ensure that, indeed, the continent effectively addresses the challenges facing us. We are one on this. CAR challenges are Africa's challenges. Overcoming them successfully require the mobilization of the entire continent.

Against that backdrop, priority for the international community, particularly the United Nations, should be to enhance the current efforts, through the provision of adequate support for the deployment and sustenance of AFISM-CAR. Such support will be consistent with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter on the role of regional arrangements in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security. We take note of the options contained in the report of the UN Secretary-General. In taking a decision on these options, it is important that the Security Council bear in mind the need for predictable and sustainable support to AFISM-CAR.

I would like to express our appreciation to the AU partners that have already expressed their commitment to support the AFISM CAR. I wish to refer here to the European Union, France and the United States. On the ground, we will work out modalities for operational coordination with the UN Integrated Office in the CAR (BINUCA), as well as with the AU Regional Task Force and French forces. The AU Peace and Security Council, at its meeting of 13 November 2013, looked forward to this cooperation with AFISM-CAR. I call on other AU partners to come forward and extend the much-needed support to AFISM-CAR.

It is our conviction that effective support by the UN will go a long way in enabling AFISM-CAR to create the required conditions for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping operation that would support the long-term stabilization and reconstruction of the CAR.

We also call on the Security Council to extend full support to the political role of ECCAS. The leaders of the region never relented in their efforts. They deserve full and continued international support.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the AU's determination, working closely with ECCAS, to address the situation in the CAR. In this endeavor, it is our expectation that the international community will extend the required support and assistance. We look forward, in this respect, to the early adoption of a UN Security Council resolution that would enhance ECCAS and AU's joint efforts and underline an active international solidarity with the suffering people of the CAR.

I thank you.

The mandate of the Assessment Team is in line with the decision by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, at its 20th Summit held in January 2013, where it was decided that there is a need to assess the progress made towards the operationalization of the ASF.

The assessment of the ASF was launched during the inaugural meeting of the Assessment Team on 26 July 2013 at the AU Headquarters. Since then, the team has visited four Regional Standby Arrangements in East, West, South and North Africa, and they plan to meet with representatives of the ASF Planning Element from the Central African region in the next few days. They have also conducted an assessment of the AU as the strategic headquarters of the ASF. The team is expected to produce its report in December, 2013.

Global Health 2035: A World Converging within a Generation

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 9 a.m.

Novotel Tunis, Tunisia

This report, released for the first time in Johannesburg, Tunis and London on December 3, 2013, “suggests investment framework to achieve dramatic health gains by 2035,” said Agnes Soucat, Director of Human Development at the African Development Bank and member of the Commission on Investing in Health, who wrote the report.

What will tomorrow's health sector look like? To answer this question, the Commission on Investing in Health decided to revisit the since December 2012 the case for investing in health on the 20th anniversary of the World Bank's 1993 World Development Report (WDR 1993), Investing in Health (http://bit.ly/IgCuu1). The Global Health 2035 report argues that healthier populations have better education outcomes and are more economically productive, and that well-chosen health expenditures are an investment in economic property and individual well-being rather than a drain on the economy.

The international multidisciplinary group of 25 Commissioners, is chaired by Lawrence H. Summers (http://bit.ly/b5mP1z), President Emeritus, and Charles W. Eliot, University Professor, of Harvard University, and co-chaired by Dean T. Jamison (http://bit.ly/1c88j3a), Professor at the University of Washington. The CIH has received support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) (http://bit.ly/1b3Wc2q), the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) (http://globalhealth.harvard.edu), the UK Department for International Development (DFID) (http://bit.ly/UCiRQ3) and the BMGF-funded Disease Control Priorities Network (DCPN) (http://www.dcp-3.org) project based at the Department of Global Health of the University of Washington.

The report includes an integrated global health investment plan for the period 2013-2035 and examines:

 How the context for health investment has changed over the last 20 years;

 The national policy opportunities for low- and middle-income countries to achieve dramatic health gains over the next 20 years and to reduce illness-related poverty;

 The future role of international collective action for health, particularly in supporting research and development (R&D);

 Controversial questions surrounding health care and health policy;

 Innovative research, including estimations of burden of disease and the cost effectiveness of interventions.



Click here to view profiles of the 25 Commissioners: http://investinginhealth2035.org/commission

Kindly confirm your participation by sending email to: r.dourai@afdb.org

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contacts:

Nawsheen Elaheebocus, .Human Development and Communications officer, AfDB, T. +216 71 10 12 24 / n.elaheebocus@afdb.org

Chawki Chahed, Chief Communications Officer, T. +216 71 10 27 02 / C. +216 98 70 31 68 / c.chahed@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 53 regional member states.

For more information: j.mp/AFDB_Media

The funds will support Sierra Leone's Public Financial Management Improvement and Consolidation (PFMIC) Project, designed to implement the core of the government's Public Financial Management (PFM) reform strategy. The project is a follow on to the current Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project that will close on March 31, 2014.

“Improved public financial management is a prerequisite for enhanced efficiency in allocation of public resources, fiscal discipline, and better service delivery.The project will usher in benefits to Sierra Leone both at the Center and at the Councils in the areas of enhancing budget planning and credibility, improved financial control, accountability and oversight in public resources,” says the World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone Francis Ato Brown.

In addition to IDA funds, the US$28.50 million PFMIC project is co-financed by a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (for US$13.00 million), with contributions from the UK Department for International Development (US$11.19 million), the EU (US$1.81 million), and the African Development Bank (US$3.50 million).

The project includes five components: the first will enhance the government's budget planning process with technical assistance activities such as developing the capacity to forecast mineral resource revenues and to take stock of borrowing for public goods.

Another component aims at improving financial control in the Government by building accountability systems and practices, and enhancing independent and public oversight in the management and use of central public finances. The third component focuses on strengthening revenue policy and the oversight of revenue collection, and integrating revenue systems within the overall PFM system.

Today's funds also support actions to improve the financial management systems in local councils, and to strengthen the accountability and oversight institutions as a way to enhance service delivery efficiency and effectiveness. A final component will support management of the overall project.

“This second generation of PFM reforms should provide Sierra Leone with stronger financial management systems and practices, covering the entire spectrum of the public financial management cycle, and thus contribute to improved accountability and transparency. The World Bank looks forward to working with the government of Sierra Leone counterparts, during project implementation, to achieving the salient objectives of this important reform operation,” says World Bank Lead Financial Management Specialist and Task Team Leader Ismaila B Ceesay.

*The World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world's poorest countries by providing zero-interest loans and grants for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people's lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world's 82 poorest countries, 40 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change for 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 108 countries. Annual commitments have increased steadily and averaged about $16 billion over the last three years, with about 50 percent of commitments going to Africa.

In Puntland, a cyclone that struck on 10 November left dozens of people dead and up to a million head of livestock wiped out by freak freezing temperatures, high winds and severe floods. "The regions of Nugal and Bari were the most affected," said Abshir Omar Jama, who is coordinating the ICRC's relief effort in Puntland. "Hundreds of families have been rendered homeless, and the economy – highly dependent on livestock farming – has been shattered through the loss of so many animals."

"It was raining for three days. It was getting more and more windy and cold," said Mohamed Osman Jama, a livestock herder from Naasa Hablood. "We had 150 goats and lost half of them. We had three houses and they were all swept away by the flood. Our food was lost, too."

ICRC and Somali Red Crescent Society personnel have managed to reach the stricken areas and for the last week have been providing much-needed assistance, but access remains very difficult owing to the storm's impact on the road network. "In some places, we had to swim across flooded roads to get to the affected areas," said Mr Omar Jama.

In Middle Shabelle, the humanitarian situation is no better. Heavy rains in the highlands of the Horn of Africa over the last two months have swollen the Shabelle River massively, causing major flooding that has forced more than 10,000 people to flee to the town of Jowhar, where they are living in wretched conditions. In addition, the town is trying to cope with some 5,000 people who have sought refuge near the airstrip, 13 kilometres to the north, following violent clashes between rival ethnic groups.

"Those who have remained in flood-hit areas, especially in and around Jowhar town, are having to contend with very difficult conditions," said May Hazim, in charge of the ICRC's water and sanitation programmes in Somalia. "Their shallow wells and other sources of water have been contaminated, which represents a major health hazard."

All the standing crops in the affected areas have been destroyed. This is primarily an agricultural region, where the farmers are now facing a severe food shortage with the loss of their harvest. Recovering from this economic shock will be a challenge for the community for a long time to come.

This month, the Somali Red Crescent Society and the ICRC have:

In eastern Puntland:

• distributed emergency one-month food rations and household items to more than 12,000 cyclone victims in Dhir Waraabe, Lebi Cadaad, Xoolo Keen, Balli Shilin, and Abqow;

• made available water as well as chlorine tablets and other items needed to store and distribute water;

In Middle Shabelle:

• provided 25,800 people with such essentials as kitchen sets, tarpaulins, hygiene items, jerrycans, clothes, buckets and sleeping mats;

• distributed fortified biscuits, Plumpy'Nut and other nutritional supplements to needy people;

• cleaned and de-watered 19 hand-dug wells and upgraded 13 of them;

• stopped flooding and reinforced river banks at five locations;

• launched a water trucking operation to distribute a survival ration of five litres per person per day to 5,000 people displaced by inter-ethnic violence;

• started building 100 latrines for 5,000 displaced people at the airport;

• dispatched emergency surgical supplies to Jowhar Hospital for the treatment of weapon-wounded patients and facilitated the transfer of war-wounded people from Jowhar to the ICRC-supported Medina Hospital in Mogadishu.

The ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent Society were already working in both eastern Puntland and Middle Shabelle before the recent cyclone and flooding. Both organizations have been supporting the efforts of local communities to strengthen their self-reliance, and will continue to do so.

“The UN Security Council must immediately authorize the creation of a UN Peacekeeping Mission in the CAR,” said Karim Lahidji, FIDH President. “Any delays in doing so will result in more lives lost, and the country collapsing further into chaos.”

While the Security Council discussed the immediate need for a stronger mandate and increased UN financial and logistical support to AFISM-CAR (the African Union force currently being deployed in the CAR), this will not be sufficient to address growing instability in the country. AFISM-CAR does not have the capacity or expertise to deal with the crimes being committed on a gross and systematic scale in the CAR, including increasing inter-communal and religious violence. In addition, the longer term challenges of political transition, the promotion of human rights and the establishment of rule of law require a more comprehensive international engagement. The urgent deployment of a robust UN force is the best option in order to ensure the effective protection of civilians from violence, and to help establish long-term stability and reconciliation.

The UN Secretary General's latest report on the CAR published this week already outlines provisions and recommendations for the creation of a UN Peacekeeping Mission in the CAR. The report also describes a desperate and rapidly deteriorating situation in the country, echoing FIDH's recentreport that describes crimes being committed by elements of the former Seleka including murder, rape, kidnapping, and destruction of property, as well as the escalation of inter-communal violence.

Considering this escalating violence, FIDH's open letter published today calls on the UN Security Council to immediately authorize the UN to begin preparing for the transformation of AFISM-CAR into a UN Peacekeeping Mission. This mission should be given a strong mandate that includes the protection of human rights defenders and other vulnerable groups, security sector reform, and demobilization of armed groups. This mission should also support peaceful political transition and national reconciliation processes, and contribute to ensuring accountability for human rights violations through national and international justice mechanisms.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png

The Rusumo Falls project will increase renewable power generating capacity and access to electricity in Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The project has two components: an 80 MW hydropower generation plant and transmission lines and substations. The Bank finances the transmission facilities of Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project. Beneficiaries of the project include the households, industries, SMEs and businesses in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania, who will gain access to cheaper, more reliable and clean electricity. Construction of the transmission facilities is expected to be completed by August 2018; the three countries will share the power generated equally. The project will enhance the process of regional integration by the countries developing and managing the joint assets.

“Rusumo Falls is one of many projects financed by the AfDB in response to a crisis in low-energy access rates, limited infrastructure development in the region and regional projects that enhance regional stability through increased cooperation and integration among countries. Africa has incredible untapped hydropower potential: only four per cent of which has been exploited,” explained Alex Rugamba, Director of the AfDB's Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department. “Through projects such as the Rusumo Falls project we are looking to leverage Africa's natural assets for universal access to modern, reliable and affordable energy services on the continent.”

The project will increase hydroelectricity supply capacity to relieve the power deficit in all three countries. It will also allow them to address their low energy access rates. Rwanda and Tanzania will be able to displace some of the energy generated from high cost imported fuel with cheaper hydropower thereby reducing the current electricity tariff. In the case of Burundi, the project will provide 50% of the current peak power demand, which will allow the country to expand access and other economic activities, and reduce CO2 emissions.

The Rusumo Falls project is a Programme for Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA) priority project. In 2012, African Heads of State endorsed a set of priority energy projects to be implemented by 2020 as part of the PIDA. Rusumo Falls is one of nine hydropower projects identified for the PIDA energy infrastructure program, which focuses on major hydroelectric projects and interconnects the power pools between countries.

The AfDB's support to the Rusumo Falls project has spanned several years. In 2006, the Bank provided an ADF grant of US $4 million to the Nile Basin Initiative to finance the technical, financial, economic and social feasibility studies for the transmission lines of the Rusumo Falls hydroelectric plant.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contacts:

Media: Penelope Pontet de Fouquieres, Knowledge Management and Communications, T. +216 71 10 19 96 / C. +216 24 66 36 96 / p.pontetdefouquieres@afdb.org

Technical contact: Alemayehu Wubeshet-Zegeye, Chief Power Engineer, a.wubeshet-zegeye@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: j.mp/AFDB_Media

Photo Tony Elumelu: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/tony-elumelu.jpg

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/heirs-holdings.jpg

Elumelu and Lopes argue that while governments must ensure that they build more enabling business environments, the private sector must take the lead in ensuring that Africa's abundant natural resources are developed in a way that spreads prosperity throughout the continent.

As highlighted in the article, the latest edition of the Economic Report on Africa (ERA 2013) (http://bit.ly/124IUS5) outlines how Africa's future will be determined by the design and implementation of policies that should promote commodity-based industrialisation. A supportive policy and investment framework will attract long-term investors, while it is also essential to build local capacity and develop skills. In this way, local economies will be able to grow and diversify, jobs will be created and inequality will be reduced.

However, private-sector business leaders must also do more to tackle poverty and drive social progress by ensuring that long-term value addition – as well as short-term gain – is built into their business model. Africapitalism, an economic philosophy developed by Elemelu, promotes a private-sector led approach to development, and provides a framework for effective collaboration between the public and private sectors and the development community.

For the full article, please go to:

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/20/opinion/africas-natural-resources-industrial-revolution/

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Heirs Holdings.

For more information

Moky Makura

Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications

Heirs Holdings

+234-1-277-4641

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png

Through the Urgent Water Supply and Sanitation Rehabilitation Project (UWSSRP) and the Emergency Power Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (EPIRP), ZimFund provides financial and technical support to activities that are consistent with the recovery priorities of the Government, using a pool of donor resources that are mobilised on the basis of a common understanding of the country's recovery needs.

Since the grants were approved, the Government of Zimbabwe has procured the services of two implementing entities, Lahmeyer of Germany and PB Power of South Africa, to oversee the management of these national programmes in water &sanitation as well as energy sectors, respectively. Through a competitive bidding process, Works,Goods and Supply contracts for the water and sanitation project were signed with an Indian firm Technofab-Gammon JV and Com.Int.SpA, from Italy. Two sludge removal works were awarded to local contractors, R. Davis and Drawcard.Meanwhile, two smaller procurement contracts for the supply of computer hardware and software as well as capacity building tools will be tendered out soon.Contracts for the energy project have been signed with CHINT Electric Company Ltd ofChina, Angelique International Limited and The Indure (Pvt) Ltd of India. Four Consultancy services contracts have also been concluded with various consulting firms from Germany, Denmark, USA, Australia and Zimbabwe.

The goal of the Water Supply and Sanitation Rehabilitation Project is to improve the health and social wellbeing of residents in the above-mentioned six municipalities through an equitable provision of these services. ZimFund's intervention will enable the provision of urgently needed support for the restoration and stabilisation of water supply and sanitation services, by undertaking emergency rehabilitation of the systems and reducing pollution of the existing water sources.

In Harare, water treatment works at Morton Jaffray,Prince Edward, and Firle Waste will be rehabilitated, as well as the Crowborough Wastewater Treatment Works and the Little Marimba Trunk Sewer. In Chitungwiza, works will focus on the Zengeza Sewage Treatment Works, while Chegutu will see the rehabilitation of the Clifton Dam Pump Station, the Chegutu Water Treatment Works, the Sewage Pump Stations and Sewage Treatment Works.In Kwekwe,the Dutchman's Pool Water Treatment Works, the Woodlands, East and West Sewage Pump Stations and the Northern Sewage Treatment Works will be rehabilitated. Masvingo will see the rehabilitation of the Bushmead Water Treatment Works, the Sewage Pump Station No.1, the Rujeko Sewage Pump Station and the rehabilitation of the Masvingo Sewage Treatment Works. Works in Mutarewill focus on rehabilitating the existing Odzani Water Treatment Works, completing the partly constructed Chikanga Reservoir,the partly constructed Mutare Outfall Sewer and the rehabilitation of the existing Gimboki Sewage Treatment Works.

Most of the contracts for Works and the Supply of Goods for the ZimFund water and sanitation project are expected to be completed by the end of first quarterof 2014.

The Power Infrastructure Rehabilitation Projectfocuses on rehabilitating the Ash Plant at the Hwange Power Station and several sub-transmission and distribution facilities in Atlanta (Murehwa), Criterion &Mpopoma(Bulawayo), Gweru, Kadoma, Marvel (Bulawayo), Mazowe, Norton, Pomona (Harare), Redcliff, Sherwood (Kwekwe), Victoria Falls, ZISCO (Redcliff), Zvishavane and various electricity distribution facilities throughout the country.

This first phase of the Power project has seven components. To date, three Works contracts,valued at US$34.54 million have been awarded. These cover the rehabilitation of infrastructure at generation (namely the Hwange Power Station), transmission and distribution networks, Thesecontracts are at various stages of execution. Three Consultancy and Project Management Services contracts, to the tune of US$2.68 million, have also been awarded and these are also at various stages of implementation. A contract for Environmental Monitoring and Capacity Building at Hwange Power Station as well as the Environmental Audit are currentlybeing carried out.. Works are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2014.

According to the ZimFund Manager, Mr Emmanuel Nzabanita, the expected results of the power project will be the increased reliability, quality and availability of water; restored wastewater treatment capacity and the reduced incidence of cholera and other water related diseases. He further underscored that by increasing the electricity supply to the City of Harare water supply treatment plants, as well as other urban water supply systems, ZimFund's interventions will eventually reduce incidences of cholera and other water related diseases. Hence there arestrategic linkages between the two ZimFundinterventions.Ultimately, the power project will improve environmental management at the Hwange Power Station, enhancing the reliability of power transmission and improving the distribution infrastructure in the country. It will also help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that currently result from extensive tree felling for firewood, addressingsystem inefficiencies and frequent power failures in urban households. Through this project,power transmission and distribution losses will be reduced due to rehabilitated and upgraded equipment, hence system efficiency will increase.

The second phases of the ZimFund Water and Sanitation Project (USD35.99 million) and the Energy Project (USD32.94 million) were approved by the donors in July 2013 and implementation will commence in the 4th quarter of 2013.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

For further information, please contact:

Mr. E. Nzabanita

(ZimFund Manager)

African Development Bank Group

Zimbabwe Field Office

5th Floor, Joina City

Cnr Jason Moyo Avenue/Julius Nyerere Way

Harare

Zimbabwe

Tel: (04) 752917/838

Email: e.nzabanita@afdb.org

A further wave of mass displacement in the town of Bouca, northeastern Central African Republic (CAR), following fresh clashes between reported anti-balaka elements and ex-Séléka forces, the second time in two months in this area, once again highlights the need for urgent humanitarian action in CAR said Médécins Sans Frontières (MSF) today.

“The fighting in Bouca is indicative of how horrific violence is engulfing the Central African Republic” said Sylvain Groulx, MSF Head of Mission in CAR. “We are extremely concerned about the living conditions of the displaced, whether overcrowded in churches, mosques or schools or invisible, living in the bush with no access to healthcare, food or water and threatened by epidemics. Much more needs to be done and it needs to be done now.”

The fighting in the Bouca area, which started early last week left several dead and wounded just outside the town of 15,000 people. Some of the wounded were taken to the MSF clinic, and two men in critical condition had to be transferred to the hospital in Batangafo 100 km away, one died on the way.

The recent violence follows deadly clashes in September when around 100 people were killed in attacks on civilians by armed groups, 700 houses were burnt down and thousands of people were displaced. Since then people have been living in a climate of fear and intimidation including an ultimatum being delivered last Tuesday to the community of 700 people seeking refuge in the Bouca Catholic Mission to leave the place.

"More than half of the 700 people that were seeking refuge in the Bouca Catholic Mission have fled" said Matthieu Amiraux, MSF field coordinator in Bouca "The situation is very tense, Muslim families are leaving the town in droves. All you see in town anymore is armed men.

MSF also wishes to highlight how the crisis continues in neighboring Bossangoa where an estimated 35,000 displaced people are in need of assistance. MSF started mobile clinics in mid-November to reach those hiding in the bush, where its teams continue to witness the effects of ongoing violence, and the lack of a comprehensive humanitarian aid response.

The UN estimates that 400,000 people, ten per cent of the population, have been displaced across CAR since the coup in March 2013, those displaced in Bossangoa and Bouca are more to add to this ever growing number.

MSF calls for the UN and other humanitarian agencies to increase their presence to respond to this neglected crisis. While the medical organization has had on a few occasions to temporarily evacuate its teams from different locations, its activities have never stopped. In fact, MSF has been able to expand programs as well as emergency response since December 2012.

Having faced political-military instability for decades, the Central African Republic (CAR) now faces a chronic humanitarian and health emergency. MSF has been active in CAR since 1997. Currently, MSF runs seven regular projects in Batangafo, Boguila, Carnot, Kabo, Ndele, Paoua and Zemio, and has started emergency operations In Bossangoa, Bouca and Bria since March. A mobile emergency team is ready to assist in violence-affected areas and so far has been present in Bouar, Mbaiki, Yaloké.

2. Japan has conducted the election observation activities on the first round of presidential election and recognized that a large number of electors that possess the right to vote were not listed on the voters list. Japan appreciates that the CENI-T has decided to add these electors to the voters list.

3. Japan strongly expects that the second round of voting will be steadily held on December 20 (Fri) as scheduled. Japan also strongly expects that a new administration will assume power as soon as possible in accordance with the Malagasy constitution and the stable democracy will take root in the country.

The meeting provided them with an opportunity to exchange views on the USA's long-standing support to the African Union and its willingness to enhance its partnership. The US Ambassador reaffirmed his government's recognition of the leadership role of the AU on the African continent. They agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to peace and security, which addresses the socio-economic dimension of conflicts. They also discussed the support to the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), in particular the African Standby Force (ASF). Ambassador Brigety informed the Commissioner of the personal interest taken by the President of the USA in exploring ways in which to strengthen the relationship between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.

They also discussed the situation in the Central Africa Republic (CAR). In this regard the Ambassador of USA expressed his country's keenness to assist the AU's efforts in the political transition. The Commissioner expressed his thanks to the US government for its support to the AU position on the CAR in the recent discussions within the UN Security Council and looked forward to a continuation of the US support in all areas of cooperation.

The 160-plus forum participants, including regulators, operators and consumers in the electricity sector, also advised that in carrying out the reforms, key stakeholders should take cognizance of the factor of time, and be able to strike the right balance between the interests of political actors, investors and consumers.

This year's two-day Forum with the theme, “Fast-tracking the regional electricity market: The regulatory issues' ended on 21st November 2013 in Banjul, The Gambia. It was preceded by a day-long meeting of ERERA's Consultative Committees, comprising operators and regulators in Member States.

Participants considered the place, roles and responsibilities of ERERA and the national regulators in speeding up the establishment of a regional electricity market in West Africa.

They also critically examined sub-themes such as: the pre-requisites for establishing a regional power market, regional electricity market design and rules, funding mechanisms and regional power infrastructure development, network access and tariff-setting for transmission, as well as best contractual practices and conflict resolution methods.

They specifically called for the deepening of solidarity in the regional energy sector through the development of interconnections and cross-border electricity trade.

They also recommended a better understanding and application of the conditions of access to funding, even while noting the need for countries and operators to meet the minimum requirements to ensure the success of projects embarked on.

Furthermore, they stressed the need for the development of the capacity of regulatory authorities in West Africa in the area of contractual and financial arrangements.

In addition, they called for the strengthening of the mastery of the relevant areas for trade development, such as transmission pricing.

Participants were drawn from the energy sector of ECOWAS Member States, including the Ministries in charge of Energy and Finance, national regulatory authorities, utility companies, parliamentarians, academics, researchers, consumer groups and other civil society organizations.

Representatives of banks and financial institutions, regional and international institutions as well as development partners were also in attendance at the Forum.

ERERA Forums are designed to promote cooperation and exchange of information amongst the regulatory bodies of ECOWAS Member States, as well as between regulators, operators, consumers and other stakeholders in the electricity sector in West Africa.

The theme of the 4th Forum reflects ERERA's concern that regulation is central to the development process of the regional electricity market, which is being established to address the challenges of the limited size of most of the domestic markets within the region.

The Foreign Secretary William Hague today met the newly appointed Moroccan Foreign Minister, Mr Salaheddine Mezouar.

Speaking after the meeting, William Hague said:

“I was delighted to welcome my Moroccan counterpart Mr Salaheddine Mezouar today, at a time when Britain and Morocco are celebrating 800 years of diplomatic ties.

“We discussed regional issues including Iran, Syria and Libya, and agreed to keep in close touch on these issues.

“I thanked Mr Mezouar for Morocco's support during our presidency of the G8; and I reaffirmed our support for the Moroccan government's reform programme.

“We discussed the developing economic relationship, and welcomed the launch of the Moroccan British Business forum later this week. We agreed we can do more to increase bilateral commercial links, and I hope that these will remain at the heart of the relationship as it develops further.”

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

November 27, 2013

On behalf of the American people, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Mauritania on the 53rd anniversary of independence on November 28.

Mauritania and the United States work closely to advance regional peace and security. We are especially proud of our cooperation through the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership.

The United States fully supports Mauritania's democratic and economic development. We look forward to finding new opportunities to promote human rights and expand trade and investment.

I wish all Mauritanians a safe and festive 53rd anniversary celebration. We are committed to building upon our partnership to promote prosperity and peace in the coming year.

The three-day meeting, which opened on Monday 25th November 2013, seeks to enhance knowledge and strengthen the capacities of the trade and environment experts to generate and share information that will boost negotiations as well as formulate coherent Trade and Environment policies.

In his opening address, ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade, Customs, Industry, Mines and Free Movement, Mr. Ahmed Hamid said the crucial role of trade flows and investments in growth and development justified the need for “the pursuit for expansion of opportunities for trade” in the region.

He commended African countries' efforts to expand their share of global trade and address obstacles to intra-African trade in response to the global trade increase from USD 13 trillion in 2000 to an estimated USD 30 trillion in 2010.

In the address read by the ECOWAS acting Director for Trade, Dr. Gbenga Obedeyi the Commissioner highlighted the potential for increased volumes of tradable goods and services through sustainable exploitation and development of natural resources as well as ecological goods and services.

“The benefits of trade,” he affirmed, “can only be maximized by effectively addressing and harnessing the linkages between trade and environment.”

Similarly, Ms. Isatou Gaye, the Chief, Green Economy and Natural Resources Section, Special Initiatives Division, UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), also pointed out the “crucial role of trade flows and investments in growth and development” and urged participants to come up with ideas to boost UN support for the establishment of the trade and environment platform.

She stressed the need for effective and mutually supportive trade and environment policies to reduce and sustain the exploitation of the environment and natural resources.

Ms Gaye also affirmed ECA's willingness to work with partners in developing and promoting an integrated approach in the formulation and implementation of trade, environment and development policies.

Mr. Joachim Monkelbaan, representing the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), also spoke of the Centre's desire to build longer-term working relations in the ECOWAS region for effective cooperation.

He recalled a recommendation from a previous workshop on the improvement of knowledge management in the region and the need to use trade as a tool for development and poverty eradication.

A World Trade Organization (WTO) representative, Mr. Devin McDaniels, expressed the organization's determination to support the development of a Knowledge Platform on Trade and Environment Linkages for the ECOWAS Commission and its Member States.

He noted that the promotion of mutual supportiveness between trade and environmental policies is an objective of the Doha Development Round negotiations, adding that that WTO rules provide sufficient policy space for members to implement environmental protection measures.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) representative to the meeting, Mr. John Maughan, traced the progress of dialogue on trade and environment, noting that the Green Economy Initiative dialogue evolved from the risks to the opportunities of the Green Economy.

The workshop is jointly organized by ECA and the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with UNEP, ICTSD, and UNCTAD.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png

Specifically, Nakao recognized the African Development Bank for its investment in the solar energy field. He also emphasized that Africa has better solar energy resources than Asia and that the continent must exploit those resources prudently to fuel its development. Nakao went on to stress the need for collaboration among development finance institutions (DFIs), highlighting a seminar later in the conference where the African Development Bank would share its expertise on financing solar projects. ADB President emphasized that Africa had solar energy resources that were comparable to the best in Asia.

Youssef Arfaoui, Chief Renewable Energy Specialist, Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, represented the African Development Bank at the conference. During a session entitled “Solar Development Opportunities in Other Regions and Lessons Learned”, Arfaoui gave a presentation on “Powering the Future on Africa's Terms – Supporting the Transition Towards Clean Energy”.

“Investing in renewable is important to ensure the energy mix,” said Arfaoui. The African Development Bank played an important role in the forum, which has further reinforced its collaboration with the ADB.

Also during the conference, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Rustam S. Azimov, extended warm greetings to the African Development Bank, also noting the need for South-South collaboration with African countries. Given Uzbekistan's enormous potential of solar energy, the country is poised to developing this energy in the country and in Central Asia.

The collaboration between DFIs is critical for sharing experiences on how to improve services and assist member countries. Cooperation between the Asian Development Bank and the African Development Bank is a key objective for the operations of both banks. It has helped both institutions to exchange ideas, structure and solve issues related to complex projects, and facilitate risk mitigation.

The ASEF is an independent, non-partisan, and non-political knowledge society facilitating solar energy technology transfer across Asia and the Pacific. ADB, together with its partners – the International Energy Agency (IEA), Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEP) and United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) – introduced the ASEF as part of a broader initiative to accelerate the development of solar energy in Asia and the Pacific. The solar energy forum is held every year in a different Asian country with the objective of exchanging experiences and promoting the improved use of solar resources.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contacts:

Media: Penelope Pontet de Fouquieres, Knowledge Management and Communications, T. +216 71 10 19 96 / C. +216 24 66 36 96 / p.pontetdefouquieres@afdb.org

Technical contact: Youssef Arfaoui, Chief Renewable Specialist, y.arfaoui@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: j.mp/AFDB_Media