Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Summit.
The mid-year summit, which starts today until Monday, will be held under the theme: "2016: African Year of Human Rights with a particular focus on Women Rights".
The theme is of significance as the continent continues to reflect on progress made in the field of human rights, especially women's rights, at a time when the thrust of the African Union Agenda 2063 - A Shared Strategic Framework for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development - is being implemented and adapted to South Africa’s specific circumstances.
Among the other major issues of focus, the summit will look at the state of peace and security in Africa, the financing of the AU, United Nations reform, the integration of the continent and the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area.
The leaders will also look into the implementation of NEPAD projects and the consideration of reports such as Aids Watch Africa and the African Trade and Implementation of the Kigali Water Action Plan, among others.
The election and appointment of the new African Union Commission will also dominate the summit as Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s term ends.
The countries of the Southern African Development Community have endorsed the candidature of Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, the Foreign Minister of Botswana, as a successor. – SAnews.gov.za
