I bring you best wishes from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who deeply values the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. Together with our colleagues at the United Nations, he is committed to the success of this partnership.

Today, I will briefly speak about how the African Union and the United Nations can work together to address pressing crises and to build on Africa's progress to also promote our global development agenda. The world needs this continent's vitality, entrepreneurship and diversity.

As the rest of the world struggles to recover from the economic crisis, we meet at a time of advancement and impressive growth for Africa. Now, this growth should be translated into transformative economic development, more jobs, greater equality and better living conditions. The United Nations is your unwavering partner in this pursuit.

The AU (African Union) agenda 2063 can serve to mobilize Africa to fulfil its potential, in fitting tribute to the OAU (Organization of African Unity)/AU jubilee. Africa has already made major strides towards the Millennium Development Goals, especially on education, maternal and child health and on gender equality.

But many MDG (Millennium Development Goals) targets remain lagging.

L'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire, qui est le thème du Sommet de cette année, sont essentielles à la réalisation des objectifs de réduction de la pauvreté et des OMD en Afrique. Je salue vos efforts dans le domaine de la lutte contre l'insécurité alimentaire qui s'inscrivent dans le cadre du Programme détaillé pour le développement de l'agriculture africaine. Je me félicite de l'engagement de l'Union africaine en faveur des initiatives Défi Faim zéro et Renforcer la nutrition.

Alors que nous célébrons l'Année de l'agriculture et de la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique, je rends hommage aux gouvernements qui ont intégré la promotion de l'égalité des sexes au sein de leurs politiques de sécurité alimentaire. Promouvoir l'égalité des sexes et l'autonomisation des femmes est un moyen pour l'Afrique de réaliser tout son potentiel agricole, et de promouvoir le développement durable et la justice sociale.

Je suis choqué par la mort atroce de nombreux migrants africains, comme on a pu le voir l'an dernier au large des cotes de Lampedusa ou dans le désert du Niger. Ces êtres humains méritent toute notre compassion et doivent pousser tous les pays concernés à faire un examen de conscience et à agir.

Investir davantage dans l'enseignement, la santé, la technologie, l'innovation et l'entreprenariat permettra d'accélérer le développement sur tout le continent et d'offrir de nouvelles opportunités. La désertification, les conditions climatiques extrêmes et les catastrophes naturelles sont autant de phénomènes qui peuvent remettre en cause les avancées réalisées par l'Afrique.

I welcome the strong African voices for an ambitious climate agreement in 2015. I encourage African participants at the Secretary-General's 23 September Climate Summit to present bold ideas on mitigation, adaptation and resilience. I am proud to be joined at this Summit by the Secretary-General's Special Envoys on Climate Change, John Kufuor, former President of Ghana, and Jens Stoltenberg, former Prime Minister of Norway.

Africa has shown admirable leadership in the post-2015 process, not least through the continued active and skilled engagement of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. I applaud the emerging African Common Position's focus on structural transformation and inclusive economic growth.

There is hardly any higher priority for the United Nations than tangible and sustainable development in Africa. We support African-owned and African-led efforts to achieve this objective.

Peace, development and human rights, as well as the rule of law are inextricably linked. Conflict-shattered economies can take a quarter of a century to recover. The United Nations aims to deepen our partnership with the AU Peace and Security Architecture. While more work needs to be done, we have already seen positive results in a number of crises, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Somalia.

As I returned to Mogadishu after more than 20 years last year, I noted the remarkable progress and felt new hope and resilience. At this crossroads for Somalia, we all have a responsibility to ensure that State- and peace-building move forward.

Like you, I remain deeply concerned about South Sudan. Our combined efforts should now focus on protecting civilians, preventing gross violations of human rights and facilitating humanitarian assistance. I urge the parties to strictly adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement signed last week, and to intensify their efforts for reconciliation and domestic peace. The United Nations warmly commends and supports the mediation efforts of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development).

La situation en République centrafricaine nous préoccupe tous au plus haut point. Notre objectif commun doit être de mettre un terme aux affrontements atroces qui opposent les communautés chrétiennes et musulmanes, et de restaurer les relations harmonieuses qui ont existé pendant si longtemps entre ces deux communautés. Nous devons agir sans délai pour prévenir de nouvelles atrocités.

Pour l'heure, notre priorité immédiate doit être de soutenir la MISCA, qui manque sérieusement de fonds. J'encourage tous les États Membres de l'ONU à être généreux lors de la conférence d'annonce de contributions qui se tiendra ce samedi.

Je me félicite de notre engagement conjoint a faire respecter les droits de l'homme et salue a ce titre le fait que l'Union africaine ait dépêché des observateurs au Mali et en République centrafricaine pour aider à y faire respecter les droits de l'homme. De son côté, le Secrétaire général vient d'annoncer la formation d'une commission d'enquête internationale sur les violations commises en République centrafricaine.

Je salue l'initiative prise par l'Union africaine de créer une commission d'enquête sur les violations des droits de l'homme commises durant le conflit au Soudan du Sud. Ce ne sont là que quelques exemples de l'action que nous menons en commun pour lutter contre l'impunité et prévenir la commission de nouveaux crimes.

Toutefois, nos efforts collectifs pâtissent d'un manque de ressources. Je me fais l'écho de l'appel à contribution lancé par l'Union africaine pour financer ses opérations de soutien à la paix. J'invite également les donateurs à soutenir l'action menée pour prévenir, gérer et résoudre les conflits.

As we address crises facing African countries, we celebrate Africa's impressive progress. I was inspired by hearing the AU anthem today. Its call for Africans to work together for lasting peace and justice resonates deeply with the United Nations.

The United Nations stands firmly at the side of the African Union and its Member States as you advance for the benefit of all the people of this great continent, offering them a better future and a life of dignity. Thank you.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/logo-5.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/frise-2.png (The 2013 Laureates. From left to right: Gabriela Maldonado (Guatemala), Priyanka Bakaya (United States), Leonora O'Brien (Ireland), Bilikiss Adebiyi (Nigeria), Sima Najjar (Jordan), Namita Banka (India). © Cartier, 2013)

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The Cartier Women's Initiative Award is an entrepreneurship competition for start-ups led by women organized by Cartier in partnership with McKinsey & Co., and INSEAD business school. The Award will be given to six laureates, one by geographical region, who will receive a year of coaching, US$ 20,000 in funding, valuable networking opportunities as well as media exposure.

Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2014.

Entrepreneurs are invited to submit a short business plan using the online application form. The projects must be between one and three years old.

APPLY NOW!

The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards are looking for committed female entrepreneurs heading initiatives with the potential to grow significantly in the years to come. To apply for the 2014 edition, fill out the application form on http://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/how-to-apply

All applications must be submitted online in English.

Application deadline: February 28, 2014 at 10am Paris time (CET).

As it cannot be extended, please verify the corresponding deadline in your time zone.

What can you win?

Eighteen finalists representing the best projects worldwide will be selected in the first phase of the contest. They will receive coaching and media exposure and will be invited to France for the Finale week which includes a presentation in front of the international Jury, entrepreneurship workshops and the Global Meeting of the Women's Forum.

The six Laureates nominated for the Awards receive one year of coaching, US$ 20 000 in funding, media visibility and networking opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

The business project to be considered for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards must be:

• An original for-profit business creation,

• In the start-up phase: between one and three years of operation,

• The main leadership position must be filled by a woman.

The competition is open to women from any country, nationality and industry.

Application Form

The questions that feature on the application form are detailed below for reference:

About the team

Contact details and resumes of lead entrant and team members.

About the business

• Executive summary of the business

• Project development stage

• Product or service

• Sales and distribution strategy

• Market analysis

• Competitive environment

• Management team

• SWOT analysis

• Impact of the business

• Financials

Appendix and supporting documents

Logo, photos of the product, patents, articles…

Download the full list of questions online.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Cartier International.

CONTACT

Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

Tel: +33 1 58 18 10 28

contact@cartierwomensinitiative.com

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Spelling out the priorities for the continent, the AUC Chairperson invited the UN as well as other partners interested in the development of Africa, to pay attention to the continent's priorities. These priorities include investing in the people through education and equipping them with skills, and knowledge in research, science and technology.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma also noted the continent's drive toward combating food and nutritional insecurity, enhancing its agriculture, industrializing, beneficiation of the continent's rich natural resources, and developing its energy and transport infrastructure. “We want to industrialise, grow our blue and green economies, and boost our intra-African trade, “she reiterated.

These areas remain very critical while the continent strives to better communicate within itself and with the rest of the world, telling its own narratives, overcoming the current challenges of peace and security, while at the same time dealing with the other basket of issues around governance, human rights and the rule of law.

The Deputy Secretary General expressed the need to intensify development cooperation in crisis areas, as well as in areas of human rights and the rule of law. He hailed the excellent relations between the Commission and other UN agencies. He highlighted the UN's expectations for input from Africa's 54 member bloc to greatly inform the post-2015 agenda.

Mr. Eliasson also expressed the UN's worries around ethnic polarization of politics as it is currently unfolding in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Syria and other places. “This negative trend,” the DSG agreed, “is fueled by those who play around differences to foment problems for the sake of power and their selfish interests, as opposed to exploring the richness in diversity.”

Sharing her concerns about conflict, Dr. Dlamini Zuma noted the need to conceive strategies aimed at managing diversity, pointing to the need for strong institutions which will help in managing and preventing violent escalation of conflicts. “If there were stronger institutions in South Sudan, Central African Republic or elsewhere, the ongoing situations would have been prevented. Intra party conflicts happen every where,” she remarked. She called for deeper analysis and understanding of the root causes of these conflicts, including the role of external actors, given that these groups have lived together in the past.

The AU and UN delegations also exchanged views on the regional oversight meeting holding in the sidelines of the Summit, during which the technical support committee is expected to produce a plan of action on the peace, security and cooperation framework agreement of the Great Lakes, signed in February 2012.

The AU Commission Chairperson and the Deputy Secretary of State discussed issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening their cooperation.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma highlighted investment in people, industrialisation, intra-African trade, and others, as important areas in which US partnership with Africa would help the continent to move forward. She underscored the importance of African partners taking the continent's priority areas into consideration.

Mr Burns concurred that these are areas in which President Obama takes keen interest in working with Africa to unleash its potential. He noted that these areas would be discussed further in a Summit to be held in August, to which President Obama is inviting African leaders. The US, he said, looks forward to working with the AU on peace and security in South Sudan, Central African Republic and other areas.

The AUC Chairperson also expressed gratitude to the US for its support in the airlifting of Rwandan soldiers to support the AU peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic.

The prizes were handed out by the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to Professor Andre Batiano, from Burkina Faso winner in the field of Earth and Life Sciences and Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, from Nigeria, winner in the field of basic science, Technology and innovation.

Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma congratulated the two laureates and said Science and Technology have to play a very important role in solving challenges in infrastructure, development and energy among others. “The Kwame Nkruma award program is a key flagship program of our Union, it aims to raise awareness on the use of science of technology in our continent” she added. Dr. Dlamini Zuma also thanked the partners, particularly the European Union and the numerous Academy of Sciences for working with the Commission on these projects.

The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards, formerly known as the African Union Scientific Award Program, aims to honor top African scientists for their scientific achievements, valuable discoveries and findings. It is an opportunity to honor the memory of the great Pan-Africanist and first President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Established in September 2008, this program is part of the African Union Commission's commitment to ensure science and technology contributes to the sustainable development efforts of the African Union. The Human Resource Science and Technology Department of the Commission, implements the program.

He kicked off the meeting by explaining how capacity should be understood according to the African Union. In his explanation, the first type of capacity concerns having the mandate, structure, and sustainable funding, while the second type is the capacity to develop institutions in Africa that outlive individuals and the last one is the capacity to implement which as he explained includes capacity to mitigate disasters.

While talking about the Commission itself, Mr. Mwencha said that different activities are being undertaken to improve internal and external communication, improve systems and methods of engagement to improve stakeholder management and most importantly to strengthen the Commission to be more responsive to the needs of the continent.

In order to achieve this, the Deputy Chairperson said a series of actions will be taken, including human resource exercises, increasing the Union's execution rate, improving communication and corporate governance and work on alternative sources of funding for the AU institutions. In his briefing, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, stressed the need for integration to move forward with the flexibility of taking in member states that are ready, and giving the alternative for the others to join later. As an important driver for the integration, the Commission in collaboration with Council for Infrastructure Development will endeavor to facilitate the implementation of the PIDA projects, aimed at boosting infrastructure and energy.

In conclusion, Mr. Erastus Mwencha said that all the actions taken will feed into the new long-term strategic framework for the continent also known as the AU agenda 2063. He also stressed the need for inputs from all stakeholders for its successful completion as the foundation laid in 2014 will set the tone and determine whether a paradigm shift towards the realization of African renaissance is achieved.

The flights from IOM's logistics hub in Juba are carrying water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) equipment, medicine, shelter materials and relief supplies, including blankets, kitchen sets, soap, buckets and mosquito nets.

Since the outbreak of fighting in South Sudan last month, humanitarian actors have faced numerous challenges in delivering aid to displaced and vulnerable people. Many overland supply routes are insecure, and South Sudan's road infrastructure is among the least developed in the world.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced throughout the country, and our ability to access these populations has been significantly diminished by the conflict,” said IOM South Sudan Head of Operations John McCue. “These flights will allow us to rapidly deliver essential humanitarian supplies, and ensure that people can get the assistance that they need.”

The first series of flights is delivering supplies to Malakal, the capital of South Sudan's Upper Nile State, where heavy fighting has displaced thousands of people in recent weeks. Over 27,000 people are currently taking shelter on a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in Malakal.

Needs in Malakal were further exacerbated by the looting of IOM's warehouse in the town. Medicine, water purification equipment and other supplies were stolen and destroyed.

IOM is providing WASH assistance and health care for displaced persons in Malakal, and is also distributing shelter materials and relief supply kits. The first flights to the UNMISS Malakal base have carried items including hospital stretchers, detection equipment for meningitis and measles, plastic sheeting, building materials and supplies for IOM partner agency UNHCR.

Approximately 40,000 kg of cargo was transported from Juba to Malakal between 27 and 30 January, with IOM planes averaging two rotations per day. Flights to Malakal will continue through next week. Subsequent flights will deliver supplies to the towns of Bor and Bentiu.

The finding emerged from a report: Mapping of Sierra Leonean Health Professionals in the United Kingdom, commissioned by IOM and produced by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD).

Report co-authors Moses Okech and Denise Awoonor-Renner interviewed over 100 Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, researchers, psychiatrists and health policy advisers.

The report provides an overview of their location, educational, professional and employment profiles, and explores the extent of diaspora engagement from the UK. It also lays out some of the issues and challenges that need to be addressed to better harness Sierra Leonean healthcare diaspora skills.

“What comes out strongly is that Sierra Leonean healthcare professionals are able, willing and ready to give to their country of origin. The policy framework and structures here (in the UK) and in Sierra Leone need to be improved to harness this passion and enthusiasm,” says Denise Awoonor-Renner.

The report is the outcome of a year-long project by IOM exploring how acute human resources shortages in Sierra Leone's healthcare system might be addressed through diaspora knowledge and skills transfer.

“The Sierra Leonean government recognizes the important role that Sierra Leonean health professionals in the diaspora can play in improving healthcare in Sierra Leone. This report outlines some of the challenges and barriers that they face and suggests ways to overcome them,” said IOM Chief of Mission in the UK Clarissa Azkoul.

Similar mapping exercises have also been undertaken in the US, Canada and Germany.

A new two-year Global Fund grant of 10 million euros will allow the population of Niger, estimated at around 17 million, to access quality TB diagnosis and treatment services. The grant will expand and enhance TB services for more than 26,000 people in 200 treatment centres by 2015, targeting vulnerable populations, including those in nomadic communities, migrant groups and prisons.

TB is a major global health concern, killing 1.3 million people every year and infecting a further 8.6 million, despite being an entirely preventable and curable disease. In Niger, while overall numbers of people with TB have fallen in recent years, incidence of the disease is still high. The vast majority of TB cases can be easily cured when medicines are provided and taken as prescribed.

"Access to sustainable diagnosis and treatment services is a burning priority in a country like Niger, where a lack of predictable funding, sustained technical support and health care workers have seriously undermined the government's capacity to regularly provide quality TB services and distribute drugs,” said Bekele Geleta, Secretary General, IFRC. “With support from the Global Fund, we will be able to ensure access to treatment for people living in the most underprivileged areas, especially those facing discrimination and living on the margins of society.”

In Niger, despite a high degree of political commitment and local ownership of the TB response, the disease is putting a heavy strain on an already overburdened health system. Treatment can take up to six months and requires extensive supervision and patient support by a health worker or trained volunteer. Without this, treatment adherence can be difficult and the disease can spread further.

“This grant will support and strengthen existing in-country capacities, working closely with the National Tuberculosis Program of the Ministry of Health,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. "The IFRC is an excellent partner combining a unique community perspective and experience that will accelerate the scale-up of TB interventions and provide faster screening of at-risk populations.”

In Niger, only 46 per cent of people with TB are ever tested for HIV. TB and HIV form a lethal combination, each speeding the course of the other. Someone who is infected with HIV and TB is much more likely to become sick with active TB. The grant will also ensure that all TB patients have access to HIV testing and early treatment services.

“We believe that no one should be left behind in the fight against TB,” said Geleta. “Equitable access to quality diagnosis and treatment services, combined with skilled community volunteers - is the winning formula to accelerate progress towards zero TB deaths, infections and suffering.”

"Hundreds of thousands of people are not getting enough clean drinking water," said Marc Suchet, who is in charge of the ICRC's water and habitat activities in South Sudan. "Security constraints and other limitations on access, not to mention the already weak water systems, make it difficult for people to obtain clean water. This is a challenge both for displaced people and for the residents hosting them."

Since fighting began in mid-December, the ICRC, in cooperation with the South Sudan Red Cross, has been delivering potable water by truck and setting up emergency water points in hospitals and prisons as well as in camps for displaced people.

"Our activities have helped ensure that displaced people in Juba, Bentiu/Rubkona, Leer, Malakal, Wunrock (Warrap state) and North Jonglei have clean water," said Mr Suchet. "So far, we have trucked over a million litres of clean water, and built water points in six different South Sudanese states."

The ICRC's efforts aim to minimize the exposure of people displaced by violence to water-borne diseases. In many places, displaced people have no choice but to consume stagnant surface water or fetch their water directly from the Nile.

"Untreated water can transmit diseases such as diarrhoea, hepatitis, cholera and typhoid fever – all of which spread through water contaminated by human faeces," said Mr Suchet. "It is vitally important, therefore, that water engineers and other humanitarian workers be able to carry out their activities."

Since December, the ICRC has

• installed emergency systems to provide regular supplies of drinking water for more than in Malakal, Bentiu, Awerial, Wunrock and Juba;

• replaced a damaged water tank and repaired a submersible borehole pump in a prison where 1,400 people are being held;

• upgraded water facilities, delivered clean water on an ongoing basis, built latrines and erected ward tents in two major hospitals in Juba and Malakal.

As a neutral and strictly humanitarian organization, the ICRC has also been providing treatment for people wounded in the fighting, and food and relief items for displaced people. In addition, it has been restoring contact between family members separated by the violence. On several occasions, it has reminded the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Subject to an on-going evaluation of the current needs, the EU also stands ready to support the electoral process in the CAR with around €20 million. This new support will go towards putting in place voter registration, electoral operations (such as printing ballot papers, providing training, equipment and staff, as well as voter education) and involving civil society groups as domestic observers.

"This new funding will bring the EU's total commitments to the Central African Republic since the beginning of the crisis to around €200 million – a clear indication that we are mobilising all available resources, not just development aid, to help the people of the Central African Republic and improve their security, in a situation that has been getting worse for more than a year now", Commissioner Piebalgs said.

He added: "The MISCA support mission is a cornerstone for stabilising the country; protecting the local population and creating the conditions needed for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the reform of the security sector."

High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton said: “Together with our partners, the European Union will remain actively engaged in supporting the stabilization of the Central African Republic. We will do all we can to help the new authorities to implement the transition agreement.”

This new funding for MISCA, which is subject to usual decision-making processes, will allow the extension of the already-announced €50 million of EU support. It covers the costs of allowances, accommodation and food for troops deployed in the field, as well as the salaries of civilian MISCA personnel and various operational costs such as transport, communication or medical services. The EU also calls on other potential donors to follow and respond to the call of the African Union. Although it has slowed down considerably due to the security and institutional situation, the development cooperation of the European Union has never been suspended in the Central African Republic (CAR). Creating jobs through road maintenance projects, the management of public finances and the restoration of an operational policy that protects the population are among the ongoing priorities of EU cooperation with the country.

To this end, projects worth €23 million are already being mobilised using funds from the 10th European Development Fund, while implementation is underway for a €10 million stabilisation package under the EU's Instrument for Stability. The immediate priority, once security is restored, will be to support the process of transition towards the restoration of democratic institutions and the provision of basic social services to the population.

In addition, given the immediate humanitarian needs, Commissioner Piebalgs recently announced the mobilisation of an additional €10 million from the European Development Fund for humanitarian assistance to the CAR. The EU is the largest provider of relief assistance to the country, providing €76 million in 2013.

Background

The security situation in the CAR, particularly in Bangui, has been temporarily stabilised thanks to the French military operation Sangaris and the deployment since 19 December of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic, MISCA. Nonetheless, the situation remains extremely concerning, volatile and fragile.

The Council of the European Union, convinced of the importance of supporting African efforts and stepping up EU involvement in the CAR as part of its overall approach, agreed last week (20 January) on a future EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military operation. The operation will provide temporary support, for a period of up to six months, to help to achieve a secure environment in the Bangui area, with a view to handing over to the AU.

The Central African Republic ranks among the world's poorest countries and has been embroiled in a decade-long armed conflict. The surge of violence in December 2013 exacerbated this situation and today half of the 4.6-million-strong population is in need of immediate aid.

Almost a million people have been internally displaced, half of them in the capital Bangui alone. More than 245,000 Central Africans have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

Commissioner Piebalgs made today's announcements following his participation in the 22nd African Union summit in Ethiopia, from 30-31st January. The summit presented a key opportunity for the EU and the African Union to meet ahead of the 4th Africa-EU Summit, which will take place in Brussels on 2-3 April 2014.

The Brussels summit will be held under the theme "Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace". It is expected to mark a further significant step forward for the partnership between the EU and Africa in these three areas.

and African Renaissance”. She said. Focusing on the Africa's democratization record within the framework of the African Governance Architecture (AGA), Commissioner Aisha Abdullahi explained that, the AGA is designed as a complementary framework to the Africa Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). It is conceived as the overall political and institutional framework for the promotion, protection and sustenance of democracy, governance and human rights in Africa. She said AGA is the comprehensive, overarching and consolidated framework for addressing issues of governance and governance related challenges aimed at addressing structural causes of political instability and crisis through inter alia, preventive diplomacy, mediation, negotiated settlement of conflicts, humanitarian assistance and durable solutions, reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction and development.

“This thinking is firmly rooted in the 2014 – 2017 Strategic Plan of the African Union which has prioritised the promotion of peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as foundations for development and stable societies. It is also inspired by the AU Agenda 2063-our long-term development vision. In the long term, the AGA strategy resonates with the African Union Agenda 2063. Anchored on the quest for Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, the vision for 2063 is of an Africa that is at peace with itself, secure, corruption-free encompassing democratic and properly governed states run by efficient and effective public service institutions. A continent, where gender equality, youth empowerment, respect for minority rights and climate resilience will be the norm. It will be a continent that is capable of mobilizing its own financial resources and not reliant on external aid. It will be an Africa that influences and drives growth elsewhere on the globe. It will be an Africa that plays its rightful role in global affairs including governance reforms of major international institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund”.

The Commissioner added that, through the AGA, the Union seeks to facilitate implementation, support and compliment efforts by Member States to achieve their commitments under article 3 of the AU Constitutive Act and other relevant AU pronouncements. These commitments permeate various policy pronouncements (Conventions, Protocol, Charters and Treaties) at the regional and continental level. These commitments amongst others include: human rights and the rule of law, popular participation, accountability and transparency, strong democratic institutions, anti-corruption; improved service delivery ; credible and democratic elections, durable solutions to humanitarian crises and free movement of African citizens across borders of AU member states.

The Commissioner finally presented the vision, missions and objectives of her department in view to insuring an integrated, peaceful and democratically governed Africa driven by its citizens and playing a pivotal role in global political and economic diplomacy. (See complete press statement of the Commissioner on the AU website: www.au.int ).

“Despite incredibly challenging circumstances, MSF local staff continued running the hospital in Leer for as long as they could,” says Raphael Gorgeu, MSF Head of Mission. “However in the past three days, the situation became too unstable and the only way to provide medical care was to take patients out of the hospital and to flee with the population into the bush.”

Twelve MSF non-local staff were forced to evacuate Leer due to rapidly deteriorating security on 21 January. Although most of the town had fled, many locally-hired MSF staff chose to remain in Leer and continue providing life-saving medical care in the hospital, until security no longer allowed. MSF is extremely worried for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and patients.

“In the last six weeks in South Sudan, our staff have worked in extreme conditions – we've been forced to evacuate multiple times, our facilities have been looted and our teams have operated in areas of active conflict,” says Gorgeu. “Leer Hospital was the only fully functioning hospital in southern Unity State and now that it is no longer safe to work in this medical facility, more than 270,000 people have no access to healthcare.”

Since the beginning of the crisis, tens of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes in southern Unity State. This includes the more than 10,000 displaced from the fighting in Bentiu who had gathered in Leer and have now been displaced for a second time. The longer the population lives out in the open without adequate food, clean water or shelter, the more vulnerable they become to disease outbreaks and malnutrition.

“Our colleagues have shown tremendous dedication, continuing to care for patients with only basic medical kits, cleaning and dressing wounds, treating diseases like malaria and providing what healthcare they can,” says Gorgeu. “Right now they have a very limited medical supply and when that supply runs out, the situation will become even more dire for people who depend on us for healthcare.”

MSF has been working in Leer for the past 25 years, providing outpatient and inpatient care for children and adults, surgery, maternity, HIV/TB treatment, and intensive care. MSF is ready to return to Leer to provide medical care as soon as security allows.

MSF calls on all parties to respect the integrity of medical facilities, to allow aid organisations to access affected communities, and to allow patients to receive medical treatment irrespective of their origin or ethnicity.

“The armed conflict in South Sudan has resulted in a widespread displacement and protection crisis, and violence continues unabated despite the agreement to cease hostilities reached on 23 January,” Mr. Beyani noted. “In attending to this crisis, we as a whole system must ensure that protection is up front, and not fail in protecting South Sudan's internally displaced.”

“Targeted attacks against civilians, including women and children, are not acceptable,” the expert stated with concern over the ethnic politicization of the armed conflict that has uprooted almost 650,000 South Sudanese. Some 80,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) sought refuge in protected areas of the UN Mission in South Sudan, while the majority fled elsewhere within the country.

The UN Special Rapporteur drew special attention to those displaced before the crisis: “There is urgent need to put in place a holistic system for protecting internally displaced persons in South Sudan,” he said, reiterating one of his key recommendations after his first official visit to the country in November 2013 (check his press statement: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13998&LangID=E).

“The congested situation within the UN bases has started to create risks for IDPs,” Mr. Beyani warned. “While decongestion of the sites is advisable, this cannot be a quick and standalone measure amid South Sudan's ongoing crisis, but must be embedded in a long-term comprehensive strategy on internal displacement.”

“The safety and security of the displaced populations must be the absolute priority for the United Nations to safeguard, the expert said. “IDPs must not be forced or induced to leave these areas and robust physical protection of civilians irrespective of the source of the threat is critical now.”

“It is important that all parties remain calm, committed to dialogue and support reconciliation efforts. I call on the traditional leaders, politicians and all stakeholders to play a constructive and reconciliatory role,” said SRSG Kay.

“Nobody should risk taking steps that spoil peace- and state-building processes. I recognise the need for all stakeholders to meet without delay in Baidoa to address the legitimate concerns and aspirations of all parties. UNSOM is working closely with local partners, the Federal Government, IGAD and others to that effect, in order to reinvigorate peaceful talks and reconciliation efforts,” SRSG Kay added.

We, the signatories of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, held the third meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) on 31 January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the margins of the 22nd Summit of the African Union. The meeting was convened jointly by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and the United Nations Secretary–General, H.E. Mr. BAN Ki-moon, who was represented by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson.

The Heads of State and Government or the representatives of the following signatory countries participated in the meeting:

The Democratic Republic of Congo

The Republic of Angola

The Republic of Burundi

The Republic of the Congo

The Republic of Kenya

The Republic of Rwanda

The Republic of South Africa

The Republic of the Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan

The United Republic of Tanzania

The Republic of Uganda and

The Republic of Zambia

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) also participated in the deliberations.

We reaffirmed that the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework remains a viable and effective mechanism to achieve durable peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, and renewed our commitment to its implementation.

We reaffirmed our respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all the countries in the region.

We welcomed the participation of the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of the Sudan, as new Members of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework.

We endorsed the Plan of Action for the implementation of regional commitments under the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework and commended the Technical Support Committee for developing this plan under the co-chairmanship of the African Union and the United Nations.

We called for the immediate implementation of the Plan of Action and requested the Technical Support Committee to submit, through the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mrs. Mary Robinson, and the Special Representative of the African Union for the Great Lakes Region, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, a progress report on its implementation at our next meeting.

We committed to support concerted efforts, through multi-track approaches, to implement the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, including through a broad political dialogue on issues of mutual concern, and to focus on development initiatives, particularly for women and youth. In this regard, we endorsed the initiative of Special Envoy Robinson to organize a Private Sector Investment Forum in conjunction with the ICGLR. We also welcomed the launch by Special Envoy Robinson of the Women's Platform for the PSC Framework, to combat violence against women and promote women's livelihoods and development in the region.

We welcomed the recent developments in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and commended the joint efforts by the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). We commended H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and his Government for their efforts to reform the security sector and we encouraged them to further progress in the implementation of the national commitments under the PSC Framework, including the strengthening of the National Oversight Mechanism.

We noted that the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remained fragile and urged the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to swiftly extend state authority to all areas and to further strengthen security and judicial institutions.

We further encouraged countries in the region to cooperate and to take necessary measures to neutralize illegal armed groups, combat impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity, conflict-related sexual violence and other gross violations of human rights, and take appropriate actions against persons falling under the UN sanctions regime.

Mindful that the current situation represents a significant opportunity for peace and stability, we called for concerted efforts to sustain the gains made and, in particular, to translate those gains into concrete peace dividends and better living conditions for the populations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.

We demanded that all illegal armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region immediately cease their activities, lay down their weapons, and pursue their legitimate objectives through peaceful political means.

We commended the successful conclusion of the Kampala Dialogue and the useful roles of the ICGLR and the SADC. We acknowledged the roles of the mediator H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and the Facilitator, Dr. Crispus W. Kiyonga in concluding the Kampala Dialogue and commended them for their efforts.

We called on the United Nations, the African Union, the ICGLR, SADC and other international partners to support the efforts of the national mechanism provided for by the Nairobi declaration for the implementation of the outcomes of the Kampala Dialogue and to accelerate steps aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict in the region.

We welcomed the joint ICGLR and SADC Summit held in Pretoria, South Africa, on 4 November 2013 and encouraged the two organizations to continue to align their efforts in support of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework.

We congratulated the incoming Chair of the ICGLR, H.E. Mr. José Eduardo dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola, and encouraged him to continue the efforts of his predecessor, President Museveni to utilise the instruments of the ICGLR to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region.

We extended our appreciation to the Team of Envoys led by Special Envoy Robinson for their diplomatic engagements in the region. We requested Special Envoy Robinson to hold consultations as soon as possible with the signatories of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework on modalities for further dialogue amongst the leaders of the region for the effective implementation of the Plan of Action, particularly on the priority activities, and to brief on progress in this regard at the next meeting of the ROM.

We called on the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries, with the support of regional and international partners, to continue working towards the voluntary and safe return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons, in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

Concerned by the unfortunate events that took place on 15 December 2013 in Juba, Republic of South Sudan, and the subsequent escalation of the conflict and deterioration of the humanitarian situation, we welcomed the signing of the Cessation of hostilities Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A in opposition) and the Status of Detainees, facilitated by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on 23January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

We condemned all unconstitutional attempts to change the legitimately elected government by use of force or challenging the constitutional order, democracy and the rule of law in the Republic of South Sudan and called on the parties concerned to create suitable conditions for the pursuit of dialogue and durable peace.

We expressed deep concern about the prevailing situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), and called on the parties concerned to fully cooperate with the new Transitional Government. We welcomed the election of Madame Catherine Samba-Panza as new Head of State for the transition and called upon the parties to work in good faith to end the conflict and to promote national reconciliation. We welcomed the efforts of the African Union-led International Support Mission in the CAR, supported by the French Forces mandated under United Nations Security Council resolution 2127 (2013). We commended the support provided by the countries of the region, including through the Economic Community of Central African States.

We agreed to hold our next meeting in September 2014 on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.

We extended condolences to the People and Government of the Republic of South Africa on the passing of Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa.

Finally, we extended our appreciation to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for co-hosting this meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism, and expressed our gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the meeting.

The Minister will also deliver opening remarks at a Canadian-hosted breakfast discussion forum entitled "Investing in Mining in Africa: Transformation, Challenges and Opportunities." In his remarks, Minister Paradis will announce Canada's support toward a number of new initiatives. This event will be open to media. Minister Paradis will also deliver opening remarks at an African Union Commission event on the Africa Mining Vision and African Minerals Development Centre, where he will discuss the importance of responsible resource development that benefits communities and of engaging the private sector in the development of the extractive sector in Africa.

Events and site visits in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (February 4–5)

On February 4, Minister Paradis will deliver opening remarks at a round table event on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) co-hosted by the governments of Canada and Tanzania, and the Aga Khan Foundation. Discussions will focus on advancing MNCH in Tanzania, including using innovative approaches to improve health systems. This event will be open to media.

On February 5, Minister Paradis will visit a hospital in Dar es Salaam to see first-hand the provision of health care for newborn and maternal health, and to gain further insights into Canada's support to Tanzania's health sector. Minister Paradis will also visit a secondary school with senior officials from the Tanzanian Ministry of Education and Vocational Training to engage on the education sector's challenges and opportunities.

During the visit, Minister Paradis will also meet with key senior officials of the Government of Tanzania. Lastly, Minister Paradis will deliver keynote remarks at an event on Canada's G-8 partnership with Tanzania on transparency in the extractive sector, originally announced by the Prime Minister at last June's G8 Summit in Lough Erne, and where the Minister will announce a number of Canadian-funded projects. This event will be open to the media.

More than 20 million people – roughly one in eight - struggle with food insecurity. As of January 2014, more than 2.5 million people require urgent lifesaving food assistance, and many more may need assistance during the regional lean season starting around mid-May.

UN agencies and humanitarian partners are launching an unprecedented, three-year Strategic Response Plan to bring life-saving assistance to vulnerable families and help break the crisis cycle for years to come. Planned assistance will address a wide range of needs, including reinforcement of early warning and monitoring systems for flooding, epidemics and population movements.

The nine countries to be covered by the plan are: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, the Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, the Niger, Nigeria and Senegal.

What: Press conference – Strategic Response Plan for the Sahel

Who: Valerie Amos, United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator; José Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Romano Prodi, UN Special Envoy on the Sahel; Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response; Amir Abdulla, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, World Food Programme (WFP); Nancy Lindborg, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, USAID; Robert Piper, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel.

When: Monday, 3 February 2014, at 12:30 CET

Where: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla: Sheikh Zayed Center, Ground Floor Atrium.

Webcast: The event will be webcast at: www.fao.org/webcast

Online questions from journalists: Press-Conference@fao.org

Accreditation: Accreditation at main entrance to FAO beginning 45 minutes before the event. A valid press card or letter of assignment on company stationery, plus picture ID, required.

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SkyVision recently received Frost & Sullivan's Market Leadership Award – ICT in Oil and Gas.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of SkyVision Global Networks Ltd.

Media Contact:

Iris Tovim

Marketing Communications Manager

SkyVision

Phone: +44 (20) 8387 1750

Fax: +44 (20) 8387 4004

Email: irist@skyvision.net

About SkyVision

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African Business Weekly: Every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm GMT/ 4pm GMT / 7pm GMT:

African Business Weekly brings you the latest business, financial and economic news from across the continent. Anchors Eleni Giokos, Boason Omofaye, and Uche Okoronkwo interview key African figures with the power to make important business decisions.

As well as bringing you our weekly market update and the latest stories impacting Africa, we hear from heads of state, including the Senegalese President Macky Sall who reveals his country's ambitious growth targets. We also sit down with leading CEOs from the biggest companies across the continent, such as Egypt's biggest investment bank EFG Hermes.

And every week, Bloomberg TV Africa (http://www.bloombergtvafrica.com) wants to hear from you, with our special interactive Twitter segment and our Question of the Week.

Photo African Business Weekly - Boason Omofaye and Uche Okoronkwo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/Uche_Boason-1.jpg (African Business Weekly brings you the latest business, financial and economic news from across the continent)

Photo African Business Weekly - Eleni Giokos: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/eleni_giokos.jpg (Anchor Eleni Giokos interview key African figures with the power to make important business decisions)

African Women To Watch – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Special: Every Sunday at 7.30pm GMT throughout February:

In our special edition of African Women To Watch airing throughout February, Uche Okoronkwo takes an in-depth look at the life and career of Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

In 2012, Dr Okonjo-Iweala became the first African candidate nominated for the World Bank Presidency. She is also credited with spearheading the $18 billion debt write-off from Nigeria's creditors in 2005.

Now serving a second term as Finance Minister, Dr Okonjo-Iweala offers Bloomberg TV Africa unprecedented insight into her life as one of the world's most influential women. She opens up about her vision for Nigeria, including a crackdown on oil corruption in 2012 and the launch of the country's first sovereign wealth fund in 2013.

Photo Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/ngoziokonjo-iweala.jpg (In a special edition of African Women To Watch airing throughout February, Uche Okoronkwo takes an in-depth look at the life and career of Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala)

Football Dynamics: Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm GMT/4.30pm GMT/7.30pm GMT:

Each week on Football Dynamics Ayesha Durgahee is joined by former Nigerian international Efan Ekoku to bring us a unique insight into the latest football news. With expert commentary from Dave Farrar and BSports contributor Ben Lyttleton, we preview upcoming matches, the game's key performers and the latest transfers.

We discuss our ‘African Team of the Week' and Efan reveals his ‘African Star', followed by quickfire questions in ‘Ask Efan'.

This is the only show that uses its own data to break down the action, with our unique BSports analytics.

Photo Football Dynamics: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/footballdynamics.jpg (Each week on Football Dynamics Ayesha Durgahee is joined by former Nigerian international Efan Ekoku to bring us a unique insight into the latest football news)

"These shows demonstrate an editorial variety that give our advertisers and sponsors the opportunity to appear in a premium business news environment, currently distributed to over 200 million television households across Europe and Africa”, said Rick Plata, International Commercial Director of Bloomberg TV Africa.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Bloomberg TV Africa.

Media Contact:

Miranda Atty

miranda.atty@bloombergafrica.tv

+44(0)2035250692

Follow us on @BloombergTVAfri