AU: Madagascar on right track to end Political Impasse

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania gives his opening remarks earlier today during the 368th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council in Serena Hotel, in Dar es Salaam.  Second right is H.E. Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security and Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (1st right), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.  

Listening to President Kikwete's opening remarks were Dr. Joram Biswaro, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Ethiopia (1st left) and Ambassador Maharage Juma, Chief of Protocol.  

Distinguished guests during the 368th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.

President Kikwete in a brief discussion with Hon. Membe.

H.E. Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security gives his remarks during the 368th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-opertaion gives his remarks during the 368th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (center), Ambassador Vincent Kibwana (left) and Premi Kibanga observing to Tanzania National Anthem playing in the background by the Brass Band (not in the photo) during the opening ceremony of the 368th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (front- 2nd left) walking together with Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (right), his Senior Advisor (Diplomatic Affairs) and Ambassador Joram Biswaro.

H.E. President Kikwete (center) shares a light moment with Hon. Membe and H.E. Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security. 

President Kikwete in a group photo with distinguished members of the AU Peace and Security Council. 

President Kikwete addresses members of media. 

AU:  Madagascar on right track to end

 Political Impasse

  

By Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

“We must have a mindset of peace and security within our regions. We must not waver,” said President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania, urging his fellow Africans to uphold principles of democracy and build a strong foundation that can keep and maintain stability within the Continent.

President Kikwete gave his opening remarks earlier today during the 368th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, where he thanked the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, for her admirable leadership and for enabling this meeting to take place for the first time in Tanzania since the establishment of the AU Peace and Security Council in 2004. 

During his remarks, President Kikwete, who is also the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) – Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, stated that AU has been a driving force in promoting peace within the continent, and that the time has come to strengthen its framework in order to act swiftly whenever crises arise. 

This year marks 50 years Anniversary of the Organisation of African Union (now African Union) where Africa has seen significant step towards peace and stability since its independence.  President Kikwete said that such positive shift results from the active engagement of the AU and regional economic communities where peace and security challenges have been addressed progressively.

“We must stay the cause and guard against divisive politics based on ethnicity, regionalism or religion,” asserted President Kikwete, adding that those who enter into office by force or undemocratic mean shall not be tolerated.

Speaking on the situation in Madagascar, President Kikwete said that SADC-Organ welcomed the decision by both former President Marc Ravalomanana and the current President of the Transition Andry Rajoelina of not contesting in the upcoming presidential election slated for July 2013, pointing that it is a positive step towards a peaceful and democratic elections.

“This is a patriotic commitment that the two leaders have shown, setting aside their own personal interests for the benefit of the people of Madagascar,” said President Kikwete, commending the two leaders and urged them to honor such commitments.

President Kikwete further thanked President Chissano for his tireless efforts and dedication in molding the crumbled political situation in Madagascar.  To the latter, the President also acknowledged the perseverance shown by the collective efforts and unity of the AU, the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the International Organization of La Francophonie as well as the SADC Members in their continuing support and efforts in finding solutions to the crisis in Madagascar.

Speaking earlier, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security H.E. Ramtane Lamamra stated that Tanzania has been at the forefront in the search for Continental peace and security since its leading role as a Chair of the OAU Liberation Committee, spearheaded by the Late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.  He also lauded President Kikwete for his leadership in peace building within the Continent during his time as a Foreign Minister and currently as the President of Tanzania.

For his part, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also briefed the AU delegates about the previous SADC decisions on political situation in Madagascar made in December 2012 and January 2013 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  The decisions underscored the importance of the full implementation of the Roadmap set in by the AU and SADC-Troika.  

“We are meeting today to review any implementations of the Roadmap in the hope to secure a peaceful, free and fair election in Madagascar,” said Hon. Membe, speaking on behalf of Tanzania Government which currently sits as a chair of the AU 368th Ministerial Level Meeting of the Peace and Security Council for one month.

He said the Meeting is set to consider a report of the former President Joachim Chissano of Mozambique on the political situation in Madagascar and discuss the interim AU and SADC-Organ sanctions implemented by President Rajoelina.  

The AU member states will also discuss a framework to ensure that constitutional order is restored back in Madagascar.

The 368th Meeting was attended by Ministers and other Representatives from member states of the AU Peace and Security Council that included Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Congo (Brazzaville), Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Lesotho, Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria Uganda and Tanzania.  Also the following attended during the opening ceremony:  United States of America, the United Kingdom, International Organizations of Francophone, the European Union and the African Diplomatic Corps.

The meeting is expected to be concluded today later in the evening.

  

 End.

Deputy Minister meets Tanzania Community in Comoro

Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (seated-center), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation yesterday evening met with Tanzania Community (Diaspora) reside in Comoro to exchange views with them on various issues of social and economic development in Tanzania. 

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI KUHUSU MKUTANO WA MAWAZIRI WA BARAZA LA AMANI NA USALAMA LA UMOJA WA AFRIKA

1.             Mkutano wa Mawaziri wa  Baraza la Amani na Usalama la Umoja wa Afrika (AU) utafanyika hapa Dar Es Salaam tarehe 22 Aprili, 2013. Mkutano huo unatarajiwa kufunguliwa na Mhe. Dkt. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.

2.             Baraza la Amani na Usalama la Umoja wa Afrika lina wajumbe 15 kutoka kwenye Kanda zote tano za Umoja wa Afrika. Wajumbe hao ni Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Congo (Barazzaville), Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea, Lesotho, Misri, Msumbiji, Nigeria Uganda na Tanzania.

3.             Baraza hilo litakalokutana  chini ya Uenyekiti wa Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje Na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Mhe. Bernard Kamillius Membe, litajadili pamoja na mambo mengine, hali ya kisiasa nchini Madagascar ambayo iliathiriwa vibaya na mapinduzi yaliyofanyika nchini humo mwezi Machi, 2009.

4.             Mkutano huo muhimu unatarajiwa kupendekeza mikakati ya kusaidia Madagascar kufanya uchaguzi huru na wa haki mwezi Julai, 2013.

IMETOLEWA NA WIZARA YA MAMBO YA NJE NA USHIRIKIANO WA 

KIMATAIFA, DAR ES SALAAM.

20 APRILI 2013

Mkurugenzi wa Kitengo cha Sheria akutana kwa mazungumzo na Katibu Mtendaji wa Bodi ya AU kuhusu masuala ya Rushwa

Mkurugenzi wa Kitengo cha Sheria katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Balozi Irene Kasyanju akimkaribisha Katibu Mtendaji wa Bodi ya Ushauri kuhusu Masuala ya Rushwa ya Umoja wa Afrika (African Union Advisory Board on Corruption-AUABC), Prof. Adolphe Lawson mara baada ya kuwasili Wizarani kwa ajili ya mazungumzo kuhusu  mpango wa kuanzishwa kwa Makao Makuu ya AUABC Mkoani Arusha, Tanzania. Mazungumzo hayo yalifanyika Wizarani tarehe 19 Aprili, 2013.

Balozi Irene Kasyanju akiwa katika mazungumzo na Prof. Lawson.

Prof. Lawson akimweleza jambo Balozi Kasyanju wakati wa mazungumzo yao.

Prof. Lawson (kushoto) akiendelea na mazungumzo na Balozi Kasyanju huku Bw. Benedict Msuya (kulia), Afisa Mambo ya Nje katika Kitengo cha Sheria akinukuu mazungumzo hayo.

Ambassador of Republic of Korea pays a courtesy visit to Hon. Membe

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, welcomes H.E. Ambassador Chung Il (left), Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Tanzania, who had paid a courtesy visit to his office earlier today in Dar es Salaam. 

Hon. Membe welcomes Mr. Seongtak Oh, Deputy Chief of the Republic of Korea Mission in Tanzania.  

Hon. Membe express something during his talk with Ambassador Chung Il of the Republic of Korea Mission in Tanzania.  For years, the two countries have been enjoying friendly diplomatic ties that have extended well beyond political and economic connections, that include education sector which has benefited Tanzanian students through The Korean Government Scholarship Sponsorship.   

Hon. Membe (right) in his discussion earlier today with Ambassador Chung Il (center).  Left is Mr. Seongtak Oh, Deputy Chief of the Republic of Korea Mission in Tanzania.  

Ambassador Chung Il expresses to Hon. Membe his Government's continued commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with Tanzania that have continued to exist for years during their meeting earlier today. 

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

President Kikwete sends a Condolence Message to President Obama

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has sent a condolence message to H.E. Barack Obama, President of the United States of America following the shocking news of the twin explosions, which occurred in Boston City, causing death to innocent people and severe injuries to many others.

The message reads as follows:

  “H.E. Barack Obama,

  President of the United States of America,

  Washington D.C.,

  U.S.A.

Your Excellency,

I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of the two explosions, which occurred in Boston City, causing death to innocent people and severe injuries to many others.

On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to You, and through you to the Government and the People of the United States of America, for this cowardly act.

At this moment of distress, we share your pain for the loss of life and destruction of property. We wish quick recovery to the injured. Our prayers to the families of the deceased.

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA’’

Issued by: 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-

operation,

Dar es Salaam.

18^th April, 2013

Mkurugenzi wa Asia na Australasia akutana kwa mazungumzo na Balozi wa China hapa nchini

Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Asia na Australasia katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Balozi Mbelwa Kairuki akiongea na Mhe. Lv Youqing, Balozi wa China hapa nchini masuala mbalimbali ya ushirikiano kati ya Tanzania na China ikiwa ni pamoja na matarajio ya nchi hizi mbili baada ya ziara ya Rais wa China, Xi Jinping aliyoifanya hapa nchini mwezi Machi, 2013.

Balozi wa China hapa nchini Lv Youqing akifafanua jambo kwa Balozi Kairuki wakati wa mazungumzo yao.

Balozi Kairuki na Balozi Lv Youqing wakiendelea na mazungumzo huku wajumbe waliofuatana nao wakisikiliza. Kulia ni Bw. Medard Ngaiza, Afisa Mambo ya Nje kutoka Idara ya Asia na Australasia. Wengine ni Bi. Fang Wang, Afisa katika Ubalozi wa China na Bw. Lin Zhiyong (kushoto kwa Bi. Fang), Afisa Mkuu wa Ofisi ya Biashara na Uchumi ya Serikali ya China hapa nchini.

Rais Kikwete aambatana na Waziri Membe, Waziri Muhongo na Waziri Kigoda ziarani nchini Uholanzi

Mhe. Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (kushoto), Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Malkia Beatrix wa Uholanzi na Mkewe Mama Salma Kikwete (kulia), wakati walipomtembelea Malkia huyo katika makazi yake mjini Hague jana.  Rais Kikwete yupo nchini Uholanzi kwa ziara ya siku mbili. 

Mhe. Rais Kikwete akikaribishwa na Mhe. Frans Timmermans, Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Uholanzi kwa ajili ya mazungumzo rasmi katika makazi rasmi ya Waziri Mkuu wa Nchi hiyo jana mjini Hague. 

Rais Kikwete (wa pili kulia), akiongoza ujumbe wa Serikali kutoka Tanzania katika mazungumzo na Mhe. Frans Timmermans, Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Uholanzi jana mjini Hague.  Ujumbe wa Tanzania ulijumuisha Mhe. Bernard K. Membe (Mb) (kulia), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Mama Salma Kikwete (wa tatu kulia), Mhe. Prof. Sospeter Muhongo (wa nne kulia), Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, Mhe. Dkt. Abdallah Kigoda (wa tano kulia), Waziri wa Viwanda na Biashara, Bw. Lumbila Fyataga (wa sita kulia), Naibu Msaidizi wa Rais Kikwete, na Balozi Dora Msechu (wa saba kulia), Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ulaya na America katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa. 

Picha kwa hisani ya Michuzi Blog (www.issamichuzi.blogspot.com)

Katibu Mkuu asaini Mkataba na Mwakilishi wa Heshima wa Tanzania mjini Hamburg

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. John Haule kwa pamoja na Bibi Petra Hammelmann, Mwakilishi wa Heshima Mteule wa Tanzania mjini Hamburg nchiniUjerumani wakisaini Mkataba wa kumwezesha Bibi Hammelmann kuwa Mwakilishi wa Heshima rasmi wa Tanzania katika mji huo. Mkataba huo ulisainiwa Wizarani tarehe 16 Aprili, 2013.

Kaimu Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Itifaki katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. Andy Mwandembwa (kushoto) pamoja  na Bw. Ali Ubwa, Afisa Mambo ya Nje kutoka Kitengo cha Sheria wakishuhudia uwekaji saini huo.

Bw. Haule na Bibi Hammelmann wakibadilishana mkataba huo mara baada ya kusaini.

Bw. Haule kwa pamoja na Bibi Hammelmann wakionesha mkataba huo.

Bw. Haule akizungumza na Bibi Hammelmann mara baada ya kusaini mkataba utakaomwezesha Bibi Hammelmann kuwa Mwakilishi wa Heshima wa Tanzania mjini Hamburg. Pamoja na mambo mengine Bw. Haule alimhimiza Mwakilishi huyo kutangaza vivutio vya utalii vya Tanzania mjini Hamburg ili kukuza sekta ya utalii hapa nchini.

Bw. Haule akiendelea na mazungumzo na Bibi Hammelmann huku Bw. Mwandembwa na Bw. Ali wakisikiliza.

Deputy Minister Maalim meets with Mexico's candidate for the WTO

Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation earlier today met with Dr. Herminio Mendoza, who paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Minister's office in Dodoma.  Dr. Mendoza, is one of the candidates from Mexico who is running for the position of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and was previously served as a Minister for Business and Trade Cooperation in the Government of Mexico.  

Hon. Maalim (3rd right) together with Mr. John M. Haule, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in a discussion with Dr. Mendoza, who is running for the candidacy of Director General of the World Trade Organisation.   Right is Ambassador Celestine Mushy, Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Ambassador Celestine Mushy (center), in a brief conversation with Dr. Herminio Mendoza, a candidate from Mexico who is running for the position of Director General of the WTO earlier today in Dodoma.  Mexico is one of the five countries that have passed through the first round of voting in the candidacy battle of the Director General of the WTO.  Other four candidates are from Indonesia, Brazil, South Korea and New Zealand. 

Ambassador Mushy (2nd left) in a roundtable discussion with Dr. Herminio Mendoza, Mexico candidate running for the Director General position in the World Trade Organisation.  Also in the photo  is Mr. Mohammad Reza Saboor (right), Honorary Consul of Mexico to the United Republic of Tanzania. 

Ambassador Celestine Mushy (2nd right), Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in a group photo with Dr. Herminio Mendoza (left), a candidate from Mexico currently running for the Director General position in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).   A decision on the next Director General is expected to be announced around 31 May, 2013 while the new Director General is expected to assume his new duties on 1st September, 2013.

Minister Membe meets with Indonesia's Candidate for the post of Director General of the WTO

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (left) welcomes Hon. Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia who had paid a courtesy visit to Minister Membe, today in Dar es Salaam.  Hon. Pangestu is one of the candidates running for the position of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  

Hon. Minister Membe (2nd right), Ambassador Celestine Mushy (right), Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry welcome Hon. Mari Elka Pangestu (center), Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia and Government Officer from the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Cecep Rukendi (3rd left), Assistant to Minister Pangestu and H.E. Zachary Anshar (1st left), Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Republic of Tanzania, during their meeting held earlier today in Dar es Salaam.

Hon. Membe in a conversation with Hon. Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia.   Also in the photo is Ambassador Celestine Mushy (1st Right), Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry.  Indonesia is one of the five countries that have passed through the first round of voting in the candidacy battle of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  Other four candidates are from Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and New Zealand. 

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in a joint photo with Hon. Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia after their meeting today.  Hon. Pangestu is one of the candidates battling the post for the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  A decision on the next Director General is due by 31 May, 2013 and the new Director General is expected to assume his new duties on 1st September, 2013.

Waziri Membe asaini Kitabu cha Maombolezo cha aliyekuwa Waziri Mkuu wa zamani wa Uingereza, Hayati Margaret Thatcher‏

 

Mhe. Waziri Membe akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Mhe. Balozi Dianna Melrose, Balozi  wa Uingereza nchini Tanzania, mara     baada ya kuwasili katika Ubalozi huo.

Mhe. Waziri Bernard K. Membe (Mb), akisaini Kitabu cha Maombolezo cha Waziri Mkuu wa kwanza mwanamke wa Uingereza katika Ubalozi wa Uingereza nchini Tanzania, uliopo jijini Dar es Salaam. Hayati Bibi Margaret Thather amefariki akiwa na umri wa miaka 87 na anakumbukwa kwa kuwa mwanamke mwenye ushawishi wa mkubwa katika siasa za Uingereza na kwa kuleta mageuzi ya kisiasa nchini humo. 

Waziri Membe akiwa katika mazungumzo machache na Balozi wa Uingereza nchini Tanzania, Mhe. Dianna Melrose, mara baada ya kusaini Kitabu cha Maombolezo cha aliyekuwa Waziri Mkuu wa kwanza mwanamke wa Uingereza, Hayati Bibi Margaret Thatcher.

Hayati Margaret Thatcher 1925-2013

Waziri Mkuu wa zamani wa Uingereza, Hayati Margaret Thatcher (87) (pichani juu), alifariki dunia mapema wiki hii baada ya kuugua ghafla.  Hadi leo, Hayati Thatcher anakumbukwa kuwa mwanamke pekee kushika wadhifa huo nchini Uingereza.  Alishika wadhifa huo katika kipindi cha miaka 11 kuanzia mwaka 1979 hadi 1990, akiwa kiongozi wa chama chake cha Conservative nchini Uingereza.

Press Release: Tanzania becomes Chair of the AU's Peace and Security Council for the month of April 2013

PRESS RELEASE

THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA BECOMES CHAIR OF THE AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL (AUPSC) FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2013

Since 1^st April 2013, the United Republic of Tanzania has become Chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for the entire period of one month. The United Republic of Tanzania was elected as a Member of the AUPSC in April 2012, for a two-year period. The African Union Peace and Security Council is a standing decision – making organ for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the sole organ with the African Union (AU) that is responsible for decision making on all issues relating to the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa. 

The PSC is composed of 15 member states of the AU elected according to the principle of equitable regional representation and rotation as stipulated in the Protocol Relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. The current Members of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) are Algeria, Angola, Cameroun, Congo (Brazzaville), Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guinea (Conakry), Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. It is worth noting that Algeria, Mozambique and Uganda are new members that joined the PSC in April 2013 to replace Libya, Zimbabwe and Kenya whose membership ended in March 2013.

On 5^th April 2013, In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) held its 365^th Meeting. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Amb. Joram Biswaro, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The PSC meeting considered and subsequently adopted its monthly programme of work for the month of April 2013, which was prepared by the United Republic of Tanzania in consultation with the African Union Commission Peace and Security Department and other Union relevant organs of the African Union Commission (AUC).

In his statement as the new Chairperson of PSC for the month of April 2013, Prof. Ambassador Joram Biswaro reiterated the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania’s commitment and devotion in shouldering its responsibilities as a member and Chair of the Peace and Security Council, an important organ which has an obligation of the maintenance and promotion of peace and stability in the African continent.

The Chairperson noted that as Africa marked 50^th Anniversary of the establishment of its Organization OUA/AU this year, peace and security situation in Africa showed both positive and negative developments. On a positive note and despite the existing challenges, there have been developments in the situation between Sudan and South Sudan, in Eastern DRC, Somalia, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Madagascar in which the Peace and Security Council (PSC) in collaboration with Regional Economic Communities has been actively engaged and played a significantly role while assuming its responsibilities of maintenance of peace, security and stability in our continent. He also recognized that Peace and stability continued to consolidate in Egypt and Tunisia despite some challenges.

Similarly, the Chairperson pointed out that the recent peaceful concluded elections in Kenya and Djibouti have demonstrated that Africa has made tremendous strides in the promotion of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

However, despite these positive developments, the Chairperson deplored the recent unconstitutional change of government in Central African Republic (CAR). He therefore underscored the need for the PSC to continue to play its role to ensure that the gains so far registered are nurtured and that Africa’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent is realized as enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

In implementing its programme of work for the month of April 2013, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) will discuss and deliberate on various issues pertaining to the political and security in the Central African Republic (CAR), Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mali, Guinea Bissau and developments on the situation between Sudan and South Sudan. The Council will also organize an open debate on the operationalisation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and Rapid Deployment Capacity. Accordingly, and as lessons learned, there will be briefings on the recent elections in Kenya and Djibouti, as well as upcoming ones in the continent.  

Issued on 6^th April 2013, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA TO THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATION TO THE AFRICAN UNION (AU) AND TO THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA (UNECA)