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Tag: African Union (AU)

  • As AU plans AI deployment for peace, development

    As AU plans AI deployment for peace, development

    As the African Union (AU) commissioned its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy around July last year (2024), and with the setup of an AU Advisory Group on AI by the AU Peace and Security Council also in June last year, it appears Africa is yet again playing catch-up. But, as the saying goes, “it’s better late than never”. The Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Africa is properly crafted and implemented, and it will catalyze the transformation of Africa in the short to midterm and the achievement of the Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of the key focus areas for the delivery of this project include entrenchment of democratic values, principles, and practices in politics; achievement of a capable institutional framework for leadership to be in place; achievement of peace, security, and stability for Africa, and more.

     How ready is Africa?

    To understand where we are in the global paradigm of AI, recall that about 3 months ago (in January 2025), when President Donald Trump was sworn in, within 24 hours, President Trump had secured over 500 billion US Dollars for AI infrastructure development in the United States of America. two days ago, during the biggest annual legislative strategy session for China, chaired by President Xi Jinping, to craft the 2025 strategy, the meeting deliberated extensively on AI and big data as one of the key policy directions. This will be China’s 15th five-year strategic blueprint (you can imagine how far they have come on AI). India has already done its own AI strategy since around 2018. So, this is where forward-thinking Countries are in terms of the conceptualization of the AI strategy, implementation, and impacts relative to where we are in Africa.

     The Continental AI strategy for Africa has a 5 years implementation plan. But suffice it to say that some of the critical priority areas that must be addressed before the AI strategy can work include critical infrastructure, the political structures across the continent, and the political will of African leaders. The rhetorical question is, “Do we have the political structures and the governance framework that will enable achievement of those strategic visions and objectives at a time when fragmentation is the order of the day across the world?”.  Specifically, in the case of Africa, there are conflicts across the Sahel, in Eastern Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, and South Sudan. We are witnessing the fragmentation of ECOWAS with the latest development in Guinea-Bissau, where President Umaru Sissoco Embalo, is threatening to pull out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). There has to be a unified approach to the AI strategy. It should be aligned to individual and continental aspirations or initiatives. Consequently, we have a lot of work to do in Africa. More importantly, it is how the leaders of the countries of Africa will ultimately harness AI to deliver good governance to the over 1.2 billion citizens of the continent, whereas we have issues of getting leaders of most Countries to practice real democracy or apply a good governance framework to the betterment of their citizens. Over 60 years or less since independence, the majority of African Countries are still grappling with the provision of basic amenities like clean drinking water, steady electricity, education, security, free, fair, and credible elections, etc. Therefore, while the AI Strategy is a welcome development, it is important for us to note that the foundations and building blocks of our Countries and Continent are fundamental to the success of the Continental AI Strategy.

     There is a governance and regulatory framework in place for the execution of the AI strategy. How the respective countries key their strategy into the overarching continental strategy is the first step in the right direction. And how they are able to address the concerns of ethics and regulation of AI, especially when we already have the critical infrastructural deficit, and data integrity is very important. This is because the crucial data that will be used to populate the framework of AI are actually data that Africa mostly relies on the West or the Far East to give us, to leverage. Generating our own homegrown crucial and credible data that is very important; because in Africa, we put more “face value” on our data rather than looking at our realities and using the real critical data, and that is where and why we mostly lean on the data that are coming from countries or continents that may not like the data to be in line with our current realities for their own strategic objectives.

     Interestingly, Nigeria already has a national artificial intelligence strategy that was formulated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and domiciled in one of its Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, and some other Countries in Africa have crafted or are crafting their AI strategies and policies. 2025 to 2026 is the timeline for all the Countries in Africa to craft their AI strategy as part of “phase-1” of the implementation plan of the Africa continental AI strategy.

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     Critical infrastructure Deficit must be addressed

    AI has come to stay. However, while we are plugging into AI, is energy/ electricity supply available, steady, or sustainable in the majority of African Countries? Critical Infrastructure deficit is a reality. Therefore, do all Countries in Africa have a national development strategy that has links or interlinks with these critical pillars for success? Infrastructure, in terms of energy, intermodal transportation, and even the bedrock of data for telecommunications (which are linked to energy as well), is fundamental. Thus, the dependencies and interdependencies are crucial to achieving the strategic national and continental AI objectives.

     Furthermore, Countries must achieve “policy coherence” in their public sector for them to achieve these seemingly disparate but relational sectors like technology, energy, digital economy, logistics and supply chains, etc. That being said, we need to face that reality and prepare for it because if we don’t prepare for the impacts of AI (positives and negatives), the negative consequences will be more devastating if we allow AI to evolve without Africa catching up fast.

     Human Capital Development

    Serious investments in human capital development, especially the youth who are the ones actually driving the tech and private sectors in China and the US. The youth of Africa are the ones who will scale new heights and push the boundaries of new frontiers.

    Public Service Culture and Political Will

    A point to note is that AI will not change our political system or corporate culture as African countries or Africa as a continent. It is our intentions that will drive the change that will bring peace and development, which technology and AI will enable. This is because the AI, robots, and technology are programmed to do exactly what we want them to do.

    Accordingly, the leaders of Africa should recognise that they have a role to play. Because AI is virtual reality. We need the human beings who are leading these countries to do the right things before we can safely, efficiently, and effectively deploy AI. With regard to how AI can be harnessed to achieve regional or continental security and peace, it is very important for us to understand that the technology is moving fast in terms of reconnaissance and surveillance, remote sensing, etc. Therefore, countries must build the capacities, competencies, and willpower to be proactive against risks and threats like terrorists so that they can be able to successfully react to risks and threats. Otherwise, AI will be just a buzzword in Africa. 

     Meanwhile, we should not lose sight of where we are in terms of our realities. For example, we are faced with heightening insecurity and conflicts across the continent. How have we leveraged the existing technologies to proactively quell potential crises or risks rather than allowing them to happen? As it is today, most national databases of countries across Africa are not up to par or synchronized across the board and effectively utilized for national security and development. This is worrisome considering the fact that the criminals, terrorists, and enemies are fully and effectively deploying technology in terms of communication, drones, deep fake AI, etc. Indeed, they are moving in tandem with the evolution of technology, and this makes them more formidable, as African countries are lagging behind. The risks and threats in Africa are escalating beyond any other region in the world.

    There must be Peace for Development to happen

    There must be peace before growth and development can happen. There must be stability in terms of the socio-economic well-being of our citizens across the countries in the continent for us to achieve the AI vision and objectives. Look at what is happening in Sudan, South Sudan, and DRC, for example, or in other parts of Africa. Even where there are no wars or battles, the socioeconomic headwinds in those countries MUST be addressed as part of the respective national and continental AI strategies because they are consequential to the achievement of the AI vision.

     Ethics and Regulation.

    The ethical and regulation issues of AI is a global concern. Nonetheless, with the ongoing international efforts to address the issues ethical and regulatory issues, I hope that it will be addressed on the continental and global platforms.

  • Conflicts in DR Congo and across Africa

    Conflicts in DR Congo and across Africa

    The 38th African Union (AU) Summit kicked off two days ago 12th to 16th February 2025. Some of the key issues lined up for discussions include the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the internal conflicts in Sudan, and peace in the Sahel region. Other major points of discussion will also include intra-Africa trade and development. I also reckon that the African leaders will discuss Trump 2.0 and the actions taken so far by President Trump on Africa e.g. withdrawal of Aid, suspension of USAID, etc.

    This meeting is happening as the 72hours ultimatum given by Mouvement du Mars (M23) rebels to the displaced persons to move out of camps in Goma and return to their villages will expire today, with the threat by M23 to escalate their offensive by advancing to take over the city of Bukavu, having taken over Goma, the capital city of the Northern Kivu region in eastern DRC, two weeks ago.

     The President of the DRC, Mr. Felix Tshisekedi, has been grappling with the situation as he tries to find a solution to this complicated and protracted situation that has kept the DRC on its knees for decades.  So far, the regional blocs of Southern and Eastern Africa have not been able to broker a cease-fire, talk less of a workable peace process. I hope that a workable and sustainable outcome will be achieved soonest so as to immediately scale down and subsequently stop the brutal socioeconomic and humanitarian crises in the DRC which will certainly have a negative concomitant impact on eastern and Southern Africa.

     The DRC is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today, with millions of internally displaced persons in the northern and southern Kivu regions. I do hope that the ongoing AU Summit will bring about a precursor to lasting peace in DRC. Of course, it will be a long process, due to the protracted and complicated nature of the situation with so many unseen hands from the neighboring countries and even the intercontinental “Deep States”.

     The disposition and intent of critical stakeholders like President Paul Kagame of Rwanda is crucial, to making any meaningful headway to achieve an effective cease-fire and peace process. This is because of previous unsuccessful attempts. For example, in December last year, the peace meeting that took place in Luanda, Angola, was unsuccessful. President Joao Lourenco of Angola, was not able to anchor a conversation, most especially because the DRC government was not really keen on engaging directly with the M23 rebel forces, while the Rwandan authority would like the M23 rebels to have a direct conversation with the DRC government. Rwanda is considered the unseen hand behind the M23 group with Paul Kagame backing them for over 25 years, even though the Republic of Rwanda has consistently denied so. Therefore, due to the non-inclusion of the M23 group, President Paul Kagame did not attend the summit, and consequently, the Summit was a flop. What remains to be seen is if some of the provisions for the meeting that failed in Luanda will be addressed in subsequent engagements, because of the complexities around the DRC situation. Another snag is the spat between Rwanda and South Africa, which happened over a week ago. The diplomatic tension between Rwanda and South Africa is another key issue to be addressed if any good progress is to be made. This is because South Africa is part of the intervention alliance that is supporting the DRC in fighting the M23 rebel forces. We may recall that in 2012, the M23 rebels took over Goma. Subsequently, the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in alliance with the Kenyan forces and South African forces were able to push back the M23 out of Goma.

     It is worthy of note that pursuing lasting peace in those troubled regions of the DRC is a very tricky situation due to geopolitical, economic, and sociological reasons. For instance; while DRC and its allies are saying that they are committed to protecting and defending the civilian population in the DRC; one of the claims of the M23 rebels is that they are protecting the Tutsis ethnic minorities who live near around Eastern region of DRC bordering the Republic of Rwanda – from marginalization and victimization. How those sensitivities will be addressed in the overall interest of all the power blocs will be a critical success factor. I am not really that optimistic that a concrete peace process will be achieved at the AU Summit, but I look forward to an outcome that will placate all stakeholders as a good way forward.

     The DRC also accuses the M23 of looting the Country’s solid resources, which include Coltan.  The DRC supplies half of the world’s Coltan – the metal used in making mobile phones and laptops. So, the Western Countries and companies are also being blamed, for being amongst the unseen hands that are escalating the conflict in the DRC, and that is why the situation in DRC is so pathetic – just like the cases in other parts of Africa. That is why as I stated earlier, I am not really excited that a solution is in the offing just yet. There is so much focus on the M23 rebels, and rightly so because they have been more frontal and consistently impactful. But the alleged activities of the “Deep State” of the Western world and other “interest groups”, and power blocs, further complicate the DRC situation. For example, the Republic of Burundi is an interested party that is alleged to have some spots with some rebels across the border with DRC. Uganda is also fighting with some rebel forces across its border with the DRC. And there is the crisis in the Central African Republic, which is neighboring DRC and shares its eastern border with DRC – and the threat/ ripple effect that may pose to the DRC and vice versa. The huge “Deep State” players that are plundering the Country’s resources will never want the DRC to have peace. Of course, we know that the “Deep States” have direct and indirect connections with some of the conflicts so as to ensure that peace does not prevail in DR where there are abundant mineral resources that the West so much desires.

     In addition, across the northern border of the DRC, South Sudan is engrossed in communal crisis. There is also a huge humanitarian crisis in the Republic of Sudan which is at the northern border of South Sudan. The Republic of Chad which is neighboring Central Africa (Central Africa Republic is sandwiched between the Republic of Chad and the DRC) is fighting with ISIS terrorists and pockets of minor internal political tensions. Growing terrorist activities in the Sahel belt with the breakaway of the Military Juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS are other dimensions that threaten regional and continental peace and prosperity of Africa.

     Therefore, the leadership of Eastern and Southern Africa as well as the entire continent of Africa; must achieve regional and continental peace, if any meaningful intra-Africa trade and economic growth can be achieved for Africa. The major issues confronting Africa are multi-dimensional, and therefore require a holistic perspective, approach, and solution, in trying to find lasting peace and integration.

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     In the case of the DRC, what are more critical are those long-standing communal, ethnic, economic, and geopolitical issues right from the 1990s. From the genocide in Rwanda and the sociopolitical issues in Burundi to the breakup of the Uganda and Rwanda alliance, which was a long-standing pact between President Paul Kagame and President Yoromeri Mesoveni from way back in the 1980s. Opposing forces that are not ready to see eye to eye, either for social, geopolitical, or economic reasons, will continue to elude peace in the DRC. So, the stakes are varying, and the stakeholders are incongruent. More importantly, the “Deep States” – unseen forces that are empowering the opposing forces either financially or with weaponry. Those unseen hands will do what it takes to ensure that there is no peace in the highly mineral-endowed DRC or any part of Africa that is so enriched.

     Indeed, the sad and precarious situation of the DRC has been there right from independence. The DRC had never known overall especially because the past leaders of the DRC have not fared well; whether it is during the reign of former President, late Mobutu Sese Seko, during the Zaire era, or when the Country reverted to be DRC after, President Paul Kagame and President Yoweri Museveni were the key unseen hands that upstaged Mobutu Sese Seko. And then you have the former President, the late Laurent Kabila, and his son President Joseph Kabila.

     More Points to Note.

    It is important to note that in Africa, we must recognize that the lingering and growing crises across Africa will ultimately hamstring the growth of the continent because we are all connected. Invariably if one regional bloc sneezes the other part of the Continent ultimately catches the cold with the effects that follow. Therefore, United we stand, and divided we will continue to wallow in the abyss of backwardness.

  • 49 African countries sign AfCFTA’s agreement

    At least 49 out of the 55 African Union (AU) member states have signed the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

    AfCFTA is designed to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments and acceleration of the establishment of the Customs Union.

    According to a statement by the group, it is also expected to expand intra-African trade through better harmonisation and coordination of trade liberalisation, facilitate instruments across the regional economic communities and across the continent, enhance industrial competitiveness and utilise opportunities for scale production, continental market access and better resource reallocation.

    It was presented for signature, along with the Kigali Declaration and the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community relating to the free movement of persons in Kigali on March 17-21, last year. During this time, an action plan on Boosting Intra-Africa Trade (BIAT), with seven priority action clusters: trade policy, trade facilitation, productive capacity, trade-related infrastructure, trade finance, trade information and factor market integration, was also approved. Yet, only 12 countries have ratified it-Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Niger, Chad, Guinea, eSwatini, Uganda, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) and most recently, South Africa, Mauritania and Republic of Congo – and an additional six countries have received parliamentary approval for ratification – namely Sierra Leone, Mali, Namibia, Senegal, Togo and Djibouti.

    All ratifications (approved and deposited) now stand at 18. We have given this background to show the progress of ratification and according to AfCFTA agreement, 22 of the signatory states are needed for it to come into force. Once into force, it will be the largest in the world in terms of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It is also estimated to boost intra-African trade by 52.3 per cent by eliminating import duties and doubling trade if non-tariff barriers are also reduced.

    If all AU member states ratify AfCFTA, they will certainly broaden their national economic horizons and strengthen their regional groupings. We may say that, a new venture is studied first before it is implemented to avoid untoward eventualities and perhaps that is why only 12 AU member states have so far ratified it. Let’s give those countries that have not ratified AfCFTA more time to study and ratify it only when they are ready to do so. We shouldn’t rush to sign and ratify AfCFTA, but let’s first engage in soul-searching and only ratify it after we are sure of its benefits for both the African continent and national economies.

  • Obaseki lauds AU for prioritising travails of migrants

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the African Union (AU) for recognising the peculiar travails of immigrants, returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) across the continent, noting that there was need to bring the issues to the front burner.

    The governor said this in reaction to the declaration of 2019 as the Year of Immigrants, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by the AU, in recognition of the difficulty faced by many fleeing conflict, disease and harsh socio-economic realities prevalent in a number of African countries.

    In a statement, the governor hailed the AU for rising to the occasion to make a case for immigrants, returnees and IDPs, who are all victims of a myriad of development challenges bedeviling the African continent.

    According to him, “I am very delighted that the African Union declared 2019 the year of immigrants, refugees and IDPs. This aligns with our very dogged fight to ensure we stem illegal migration and human trafficking in the state.”

    He said that it was heartwarming that the continental body is throwing its weight behind such a pressing contemporary issue which a number of African countries are grappling with, calling for a more robust cross-border stakeholder engagement in tackling the issues that arise from the scourge of illegal migration and human trafficking.

    Noting that the state government has recorded modest success in tackling the menace, he said the government will be ready to share notes with other African countries facing similar challenge.

    “As a knowledge-driven government, we are very much ready to share our success stories with other countries facing similar challenge so that the issues can be tackled from all fronts and a sustainable, far-reaching solution reached.”

     

     

  • EU, AU, UN, other observation missions urge INEC to adhere to new dates

    Election Observation Missions of the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), United Nations (UN) and others have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to finalise all preparations and ensure that the new election dates are adhered to.

    They said this in a joint statement signed by eight organisations and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, in light of the postponement of the general elections.

    Other signatories to the statement are the election observation missions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commonwealth Observer Group and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.

    Some others are the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the National Democratic Institute/International Republican Institute.

    They also said that INEC should provide regular updates and information to the public on its preparations in the coming days and weeks to enhance confidence and trust in the process.

    The observers also called on Nigerians to remain calm and support the electoral process.

    Read also: Ajimobi urges Nigerians to accept INEC’s reasons for election postponement

    “We, the Heads of the international election observation missions and the UN present in Nigeria, have taken note of the decision of INEC to postpone the 2019 general elections due to logistical and operational challenges.

    “While we note that this decision has caused disappointment for many, we call on Nigerians to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC works to implement its new timeline.

    “As we continue to closely observe preparations across the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria in their desire for credible and peaceful elections.”

    NAN reports that INEC had shifted the Presidential and National Assembly elections from Feb.16 to Feb.23, and moved the Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections from March 2 to March 9. (NAN)

  • 36 die in road accident in Ondo state – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday said no fewer than 36 persons had died in motor accidents in Ondo state from January till date.

    Sector Commander of the corps in the state, Mr Rotimi Adeleye, made this known at the 2018 African Road Safety Day and World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims, in Akure.

    The United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) adopted third Sunday in November every year as World Day for the remembrance for road traffic victims. Theme for this year’s edition is “Roads Have Stories.”

    Adeleye said that FRSC was organizing a week-long activities to commemorate the event and to sensitize the living to the need to stem the tide of road traffic crashes.

    He said that there were some black spots on some roads, including Oka-Akoko axis in North Senatorial District, Akure-Owo axis, Ore-Lagos Expressway and Onyeragbulem Junction in Akure, where accidents often occurred in the state.

    “On May 29, 16 lives were lost to road crashes in Oka-Akoko, with 13 of the victims burnt to ashes without identification.

    “On Jan. 21, along Akure-Owo road, near Celestial Church by Agbogbo Junction, eight people died on-the-spot in an accident.

    “In the same vein, on July 15, at Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area, eight people also died.

    “Also, the most recent that claimed lives of a family at Onyeragbulem junction in Akure occurred on Oct. 3 when a mother with her two children and elderly woman died,” he said.

    Adeleye said that the crashes were caused by commercial drivers, but stated that the command had introduced enforcement to the section on any erring driver of speeding.

    Read Also: Man dies inside swimming pool in Akure

    “We have put enforcement in place, if you traverse the state and you are speeding and you are apprehended, we are ready to delay you for two hours.

    “With this enforcement, it will put some senses into theirs head so that when you get to Ondo state you will reduce your speed and put some senses in your driving culture,” he said.

    The commander said that the effects of the crashes were felt not only within the immediate families but in the extended and nation “because it depletes it virile workforce’’.

    He, therefore, called on major stakeholders and road users to join hand with the command to make the roads safer, especially during the yuletide.

    “Road safety is everybody’s business; therefore, everybody should be involved in one way or the other in making our highways safe.

    “We are all aware that government alone cannot effectively fund road safety programs, neither can a government agency like FRSC single-handedly deal effectively with road safety issues,” Adeleye said.

    While speaking at the event, the Ondo state governor,Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, commended the efforts of the FRSC in reduction of road crashes in the state.

  • Senate to anti-graft agencies: Be professional in your duties

    The Senate Wednesday asked anti-corruption agencies to ensure professionalism in their determination to expose and prosecute cases of corruption

    The upper chamber also asked the agencies to avoid undue publicity and media trial that would compromise the strength of evidence to secure conviction in judicial proceedings.

    The resolutions followed a Point of Order by Senator Chukwuka Utazi to commemorate Africa Day for Anti-Corruption.

    The lawmakers congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his honour as African Champion on anti-corruption by the African Union (AU).

    Utazi in his presentation said, “The essence of raising this order is to reinstate total support and partnership of the National Assembly to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

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    “As we mark this day may Africa win the fight against corruption so that we can continue on a path of wholesome transformation of the continent.

    “We may recall that African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption was adopted on July 11, 2003 in Maputo Mozambique.

    “Consequently, the Executive Council of the African Union designated July 11 of every year as the African Day against Corruption much like the United Nations dedicated Dec. 9 of every year as International Anti-Corruption Day.

    “It has been estimated that every year about 1trillion dollars is paid in bribes while an estimated 2.6 trillion is stolen annually through Corruption which is an equivalent of more than five per cent of the global GDP.”

    Utazi noted that funds traced to corruption in Africa were in the form of fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, bribery, extortion, forgery and embezzlement.

    Other forms of corruption, he said, were kickbacks, tax evasion, public funds diversion, criminal multiple taxation, contract inflation and abandonment, obtaining by false pretense, gratification and criminal patronage

    He said that favouritism, nepotism and other forms of corruption are so massive in the continent that it is better imagined what could have been achieved if the funds are not stolen.

    He said, “In recognition of the worrisome nature of corruption in Africa as a major hindrance to development and stability in the continent.

    “The Assembly of Africa Union in 2017 declared 2018 the African Anti-Corruption under the theme, ” Winning the fight against Corruption, a Sustainable path to African transformation.

    “The ultimate objective is to have an Africa that is corrupt free, Nigeria that is corrupt free, citizen driven and democratically governed.

    “Corruption is a major problem in Nigeria the poverty and misery it imposes on the citizenry are depressing.

    “Africa is at a critical point to take its rightful place in the comity of nations”

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu in his remarks said all hands should be on deck to fight corruption.

    Ekweremadu, who commended Utazi for coming up with the Point of Order, said that the fight against corruption must not be selective nor subject to media trial and unnecessary drama.

    Ekweremadu said, “Because he came under Order 43, it is not open to debate.

    “We thank Sen. Utazi for bringing this up and for the work himself and his committee is doing to ensure that the fight against corruption remains focused.

    “I believe that all of us and every responsible citizen of Africa will continue to support the government of the respective countries to ensure that they have legislations and processes to reduce corruption to the barest minimum,” he said.

    The deputy president of the senate assured of the National Assembly’s determination to continue to pass legislations that would support the fight against corruption.

    He further said, “I am happy to announce that the NFIU Bill has been signs into law. So this is a good development to us as a country.

    “It is this parliament that passed the law that set up the EFCC, ICPC, and we will continue to do that.

    “We must however make sure it is not a tool for fighting political enemies and we must ensure that the fight is efficient and effective.”

  • U.S. lauds AU on Africa’s integration

    U.S. lauds AU on Africa’s integration

    The U.S. has lauded the African Union ( AU ) Commission for its efforts at Africa’s integration, describing it as “a force for good”.

    U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, after his meeting with Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr Moussa Mahamat, at the Commission’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, said he was in Africa ‘to listen”

    Tillerson said “the purpose of my trip to this continent is to listen. I think it is important that we listen to what the priorities of the countries here on the continent are.

    “And see where there is good alignment between their priorities and our areas of greatest interest as well. And I think we’ve already found there are many”.

    He applauded the Africa Centres for Disease Control, saying it has been quite successful in tracking and responding to disease outbreaks on the continent adding, health security also advanced national security, economic development, and political stability.

    On trade, Tillerson said U.S. supported AU’s economic regional integration efforts to lower intra-trade barriers on the continent and boost more intra-regional trade.

    He said U.S. appreciated AU’s very strong statements on South Sudan at the recent AU summit, adding U.S. truly calls on all parties to abide by the cessation of hostilities and be open to compromise for the good of the South Sudanese people.

    Tillerson commended the AU’s Mission in Somalia, saying it is clearly an example of countries coming together to counter terrorism, promote stability, and enable delivery of much-needed aid to the Somali people.

    He also discussed ways to ensure the G5 Sahel forces have the necessary resources to continue their fight against terrorism, and how we can put in place more sustainable funding models so they have greater certainty around how to plan the future fight against terrorism in the Sahel region as well.

    Tillerson said fighting corruption was another area of common cause between Africa and U.S. adding, we’re very pleased to see that the African Union has named 2018 as the year for winning the fight against corruption.

    “From high-level secret deals to petty bribes on the street, corruption really does steal the precious resources from job creators and entrepreneurs and others who would promote benefits to the greater society and to the citizens of those countries.

    “Good governance and transparency are essential to creating the conditions for economic growth and prosperity, and we look forward to continuing our joint efforts with the African Union to improve the business environment on the continent.

    “But transparency really is an essential requirement for good business conditions and will attract greater investment and economic activity as well.

    “That includes supporting greater intra- and global-trade investments in Africa as the environment creates competitive conditions,” he stressed.

    Tillerson reiterated U.S. desire for more African nations to apply concrete diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea, noting the global maximum pressure campaign, which has been supported by multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

    Mahamat, in his remarks, said his discussions with the U.S. envoy was fruitful, noting the visit was taking place at a time when Africa was firmly embarking on the path to integration and reform.

    “We informed him of our efforts aimed at establishing a market of more than a billion people, and to stress that a strong AU is in the interest, not only of the continent, but that of our partners also, including the U.S.

    “We have agreed to work for the strengthening of the trade and commercial relations between Africa and the U.S., including the post-AGOA – the African Growth and Opportunity Act,” he said.

    Mahamat said they also talked about some conflict situations faced by the continent, and the best way the U.S. could support the African efforts in order to promote peace and security.

    He said they underscored the importance of nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, calling for the scrupulous observance and compliance with international instruments.

    He recalled the commitment of the AU to multilateralism as being the most effective tool to promote peace and prosperity.

    NAN

  • Jonathan seeks credible, peaceful elections, in Sierra Leone

    Jonathan seeks credible, peaceful elections, in Sierra Leone

    …Meets President Koroma, NEC, candidates, other stakeholders

    Ahead of Wednesday’s general elections in Sierra Leone, former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the people of the West African nation to conduct peaceful and credible polls.

    The former President who is leader of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) Observer Mission to the March 7 elections gave the advice while meeting with different stakeholders in Freetown.

    A statement by Jonathan’s media adviser Ikechukwu Eze said that Jonathan had met with Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Mohammed Conteh, chairman of the Political Party Registration Council (PPRC) Justice Patrick Hamilton, some Presidential candidates as well as leaders of the international community, youth associations, media unions, security outfits and civil society organisations.

    Jonathan advised the stakeholders to ensure non-violent processes during the elections.

    He said “The need to sustain the peace that the good people of Sierra Leone have been enjoying since the end of the civil war.

    “As Africans we have to avoid the temptation of playing politics of desperation. It should be played without bitterness or rancor, with our mind focused on development and the welfare of our people.” he said

    He added that the Mission was in the country to support “the integrity of the electoral processes through diligent observation of the polling activities in line with the rules and code of conduct for international election observers.”

    While welcoming Jonathan to his office the PPRC boss Justice Hamilton thanked the former President for his roles and contributions to the growth of democracy in Sierra Leone.

    He said: “I believe that the reason you are here is to see that we have something similar to the credible and transparent elections you organized as President of Nigeria.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Presidential Candidate of the main opposition party, Sierra Leonean Peoples Party (SLPP) Brig. Gen Julius Maada Bio (rtd), noted that the presence of Jonathan and other former African Presidents in Sierra Leone was an indication that democracy is on the rise on the continent.”

    Meanwhile the international election observation missions (IEOMs) present in Sierra Leone on Tuesday issued a joint statement urging the people of the country to ensure that these elections “are transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with prescribed laws and
    regulations.”

    The statement issued by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), The Commonwealth, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), European Union (EU), and The Carter Center (TCC) reads: “We recognise that the 2018 elections in Sierra Leone, the fourth since the end of the civil war, are critical to the maintenance of peace and stability in the country.

    Based on consultations with Sierra Leonean stakeholders over the past weeks, have noted the efforts of the National Electoral Commission, the Political Parties Registration Commission, the Judiciary, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Police, civil society, the media and other key institutions towards the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

    “We call on the political leaders, parties and their supporters to ensure peaceful elections and respect for the rule of law as they go to the polls tomorrow (Wednesday) and through the results tallying process. Further urge them to uphold their commitments under the ‘Freetown Declaration’, which was signed by presidential candidates on 28 February 2018.

    “We further call on the NEC and party polling agents to conduct their duties in a professional manner, which would ensure that these elections are transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with prescribed laws and regulations.

    “We encourage candidates to accept the outcome of the elections in line with Article 9 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001) and, in the event of complaints or disputes, encourage candidates to seek redress through legal channels
    whilst at all times refraining from acts of violence and intimidation.

    “We look to the government of Sierra Leone to uphold its constitutional obligations to provide a secure environment that guarantees the safety of candidates, voters, NEC officials and
    electoral materials. The missions urge the security agencies throughout the country to demonstrate professionalism and to enforce the law in a neutral and proportional manner. The different IEOMs have deployed over 250 international observers across the country to follow
    all aspects of Election Day and some will remain to observe the tallying process and post-election period.”

    Read Also: Search for unity begins in Jonathan’s home

  • Buhari departs for Addis Ababa to attend AU Summit

    Buhari departs for Addis Ababa to attend AU Summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

    The president left the Presidential Villa, Abuja, via the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for Addis Ababa two hours after observing the weekly Friday’s Juma’at prayer.

    The President alongside with hundreds of other Muslim faithful performed the two Raka’at Juma’at prayer at the Aso Rock Mosque.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, had on January 25, in a statement disclosed that the highlight of the President’s engagements during the visit would be his statements under the historic theme for the AU Summit, namely: “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.”

    “This is the first time in the 54-year history of the AU that anti-corruption will be made a theme of the gathering of the regional leaders,’’ the statement said.

    It would be recalled that, on July 4, 2017, during the 29th Session of the AU, African leaders unanimously endorsed President Buhari to champion the fight against corruption on the continent.

    The endorsement was in recognition of his personal commitment and widely acclaimed anti-graft drive at the domestic level.

    On July 25, 2017, the President, in a letter to President Alpha Conde of Guinea, who is also the out-going AU Chairperson, formally accepted his nomination to lead members of the AU on this crucial crusade against a veritable socio-economic vice that is anti-development.

    While thanking his colleagues for the honour, Buhari reiterated his “commitment to contribute towards our collective efforts to strengthen good governance and development on the continent.’’

    Adesina said that apart from anti-corruption, other issues lined for consideration by African leaders and their delegations would include peace and security (transnational terrorism). institutional reforms of the continental body and free movement of persons.

    Also Read: Buhari signs eight bills into law

    Others are climate change, trade; aviation, education, gender and development.

    He said President Buhari would also hold bilateral meetings with some of his colleagues on issues of common interests.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau and the Minister of State (Aviation), Hadi Sirika, are in the President’s delegation to the summit.

    Others are the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the  Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ), Mr Ibrahim Magu.

    NAN