President Jacob Zuma will travel to Kigali, in the Republic of Rwanda to attend the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Summit from 15-18 July 2016.
The 2016 mid-year Summit will be held under the theme: “2016: African Year of Human Rights with a particular focus on Women Rights.”
The 2016 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 domesticated by AU Member States and their respective regions.
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 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, amongst others.
South Africa is a member of the Peace and Security Council until 31 March 2018.
The countries of the Southern African region, (SADC), have endorsed the candidature of Dr Pelonomi Venson-Motoi, the Foreign Minister of Botswana to succeed Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU Commission chairperson.
Ministers and authorities designated by the governments of the AU Member States participating in the 29th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, are deliberating on the different reports of the Specialised Technical Committee ministerial meetings organised by the AU Commission during the last six months.
President Zuma will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; the Minister of State Security, Mr David Mahlobo; and the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
