30th African Union summit kicks off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Brief: Mon Jan 29 2018

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and Heads of State and Government pose for a picture at the Plenary Hall during the 30th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The 30th ordinary session of the assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union kicked off on Sunday. The summit will be held from January 22 to January 29 is being convened under the theme “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation. "

Corruption has affected all African countries and has been the biggest impediment to progress on the African continent. Peace and Security are also featuring prominently at the summit. There have been mounting calls for more of a global effort to combat terrorism. Most terror groups are interconnected.In Somalia, the terror group, Al-Shabaab, are affiliated with Al Qaeda. Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group in northern Nigeria, has ties to the Islamic State.

The AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Mrs. Minata Samate Cessouma, stated that if we don't find the solution to the causes that bring about terrorism, it will be difficult to eradicate terrorism. She also stressed the need for the continent to work together to face the challenges.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat said the AU will continue in its efforts to foster a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa and promote the dignity of African people. “Tolerance and reconciliation are required if the African continent is to move forward” he emphasized, saying that these values are major prerequisites for ’Silencing the Guns by 2020’.

Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat addressing the assembly

The reform report by President Paul Kagame will be top on the agenda. The report seeks to streamline the working of the African Union so as to make it more efficient. It also seeks to make the member states contribute to the day to day running of the organization. Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, took over the chairmanship from Guinea's President Alpha Conde. President Kagame, in his acceptance speech, called on African countries to create a single continental market, integrate infrastructure, infuse economies with technology and stay together.

The outgoing Chairperson of the African Union, President Alpha Condé of Guinea (left), hands over to President Paul Kagame during the 30th AU Summit

The United Nations (UN ) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, hailed the partnership between Africa and the United Nations as “solid and grounded on sound principles of human rights and good governance ." “I stand here on behalf of the United Nations system and reaffirm our strong commitment to the member states and the people of Africa,” Mr Guterres told the Assembly. He added, “I strongly believe Africa is one of the greatest forces for good in our world.”

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres speaking at the Assembly

Mr. Guterres said this partnership could be further strengthened in five key areas: addressing corruption; cooperation in peace and security; inclusive and sustainable development; climate change; and international migration.He also welcomed the designation of 2018 as African Anti-Corruption Year.

Human Trafficking and the plight of migrants are some of the issues set to dominate the summit. The commission says fighting human trafficking and migrant smuggling is one of its major priorities. Its recently formulated plans for the establishment of migrant centers in Khartoum, Sudan, Cairo, Egypt and Bamako Mali. The centers are expected to facilitate information sharing in transnational crime among AU member states. In Libya, there are 600,000 migrants. The AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, Elfadil Mohammed, pointed out that corruption also played a part in human smuggling.

Migrants in Libya

The African Union has come under fire in recent years for its inability to solve the continent's most pressing challenges. It has, however, proved its relevance through conflict mediation in several countries, and adoption of policies that seek to integrate the continent into one single market.