Africa – 13 May 2016
AU to launch investigations into human rights abuses in Burundi
The African Union Peace and Security Council has reiterated its concerns about persistent human rights violations and other abuses against civilian populations in Burundi.
According to a report by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on its findings in the East African country, AU will take required steps to carry out an “in-depth” investigation into the abuses cited in the report.
The council also noted the continued assassinations of military officers and civilians and condemned all acts of violence, irrespective of the perpetrators.
“Council notes that most of the contents of the report have been overtaken by many national, regional, continental and international efforts aimed at the promotion of peace, security and stability in Burundi,” it said.
Africa News
UN calls for closer cooperation with African organizations for sustaining peace
Stronger partnerships between the United Nations and African regional and sub-regional organizations are necessary to sustain the momentum for peacebuilding in Africa and prevent a lapse into violent conflict, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said today, calling for greater efforts to reinforce initiatives and define the parameters of cooperation.
“Today’s global realities – the changing nature of violent conflicts, the deepening refugee crisis and rising violent extremism – underline the necessity to focus on preventing crises and addressing root causes,” Mr. Eliasson said at the opening of a high-level meeting on sustaining peace in Africa at UN Headquarters in New York.
UN News
Cabinet Endorses Motswana for AU Post
The southern African region’s candidate for the position of chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, says uniting Africa and maximising its resources-rich potential to better the lives of its citizens will form the cornerstone of her agenda if she is elected.
Namibia yesterday announced it has, through Cabinet, endorsed Venson-Moitoi’s candidature after South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma indicated she would not seek re-election.
Venson-Moitoi will within less than three months face other candidates at the AU summit in Kigali, Rwanda to compete for that post.
AllAfrica.com
President Jacob Zuma concluded “his successful working visit” to the Republic of Uganda where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kampala, the Presidency said.
Zuma joined other African leaders who attended the ceremony on Thursday. “As South Africa we congratulate President Museveni and the people of Uganda for a successful Presidential inauguration ceremony. Uganda continues to play a critical role in Africa, particularly in the East Africa Community block where the country is recognised for its good work in conflict resolution processes,” said Zuma.
IOL