much remains to be done despite the several initiatives underway to speed up the economic integration efforts and to end the violence that continued in different regions of Africa, AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said.
In his opening remark of the 20th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council today, the Chairperson said the meeting marks a new phase in the process of the institutional reform of the AU.
“The ongoing institutional reform is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious initiatives for change ever taken by our Union, it touches upon all the aspects of its functioning and concerns all its organs,” he noted.
Attempts were made and member states have to recognize that the efforts were not at the level of the expectations; the Chairperson said adding “leaving a bitter test of unfinished business.”
Moussa Faki added that there are setbacks of multilateral human and principles of solidarity at the international level.
Speaking of the method of selecting its members and accountability, he emphasized “whatever formula is chosen it is imperative to preserve the fundamental principles that have underpinned the composition of our commission since its inception, gender parity and equitable regional representation.”
“Reform is a holistic enterprise and cannot succeed if it is carried out in a partial manner,” Mahamat said, and noted “the implementation must be gradual and take in to account the difficulties inherent to such work and avoid falling into unhelpful and ultimately counterproductive process.”
According to him, the delay in the ratification of the instruments concern, lack of human and financial resources, low level of implementation undermining the organs credibility of concern are among the challenges the continent is facing.
He called for a sanction against member states that would fail to make their annual financial contributions to the cash-strapped continental organization.
Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Dr. Richard Sezibera said the extraordinary session is “a rendezvous for our continent’s future and our institutions.”
The ongoing institutional reform is already registering progress in a number of areas, he said, and stressed “we must then continue the constructive debates, while keeping in mind that time is of the essence.”
Stating that there has been significant reduction in Africa’s reliance on partners funding, he pointed out “we must create the necessary growth starting with the ratification of AfCTA and by honoring our financial obligation, including by adopting the 0.2 percent levy through our national legislative body.”
The Executive Council is expected to deliberate on issues including institutional reform, mandate of the AU Development Agency, division of labor between AU and Regional Committees, and strengthening African Peer Review Mechanism.