Addis Ababa – It was back to business for African Heads of State as they began their two-day African Union summit in Ethiopia on Sunday morning.
The weekend has been characterised by celebrations in various parts of the continent to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union (AU).
But the 21st Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union, which is closed to media, will deliberate on more serious issues facing the continent and the ability of the so-called Vision 2063 document to help the continent become better in the next 50 years.
The high-level meeting will adopt several reports dealing with peace and security on the continent, and the political and financial position of the AU.
President Jacob Zuma will brief his fellow Heads of State on the outcomes of the BRICS summit, with a special focus on the BRICS Leaders’ Africa Dialogue Forum, held in Durban earlier this year.
Leaders will also look at a report on funding options for the AU prepared by Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and Chairperson of the High–Level Panel on Alternative Sources of Funding the African Union.
While Africa has become home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, the continental body has struggled to secure funding, with most of its member states struggling financially and dependent on external donors to supplement their own budgets.
Previously, the panel recommended a number of proposals for more sustainable funding, including a $2 tax on hotel rooms on the continent and a $5 levy on flights to and from African countries.
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Planning and Coordinating Agency admits that delays in payment of contributions by member states, coupled with the difficulty in accessing partner funds, are increasingly impacting negatively on the pace of implementation of the union's activities, projects and programmes.
“These are major challenges that deserve urgent attention and all the technical analyses conducted so far have confirmed that options identified as alternatives to the current system of financing will not only have a significant revenue impact for the Union, but will also be equitable and efficient,” the agency says.
The Peace and Security Council will table a report on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa.
The council has had a busy year trying to put out fires in conflict-ridden states such as Sudan and South Sudan.
Leaders are also likely to discuss the political instability and conflict in Mali, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Madagascar, which is in a political deadlock since a 2009 coup. Madagascar has been in crisis since Andry Rajoelina seized power from former President Marc Ravalomanana.
The UN says the instability of Madagascar’s political situation has resulted in an economic downturn in the country and international donors have been reluctant to continue with development aid, amid insecurities of how the money will be spent. – SAnews.gov.za
