AU Monitor Weekly Roundup
This week's AU Monitor brings news and critical analysis of the African Union. An editorial from the Africa Agenda criticizes the "Grand Debate on the African Union" as failing to look at the challenges facing the formation of a united continental government or follow through with commitments. The analysis therefore concluded that " It is up to civil society groups, activists and other proponents of the Union Government of Africa to work towards the realisation of Africa's redeeming dream by putting pressure on the African Union and the Heads of state". In other AU-related news, a resolution put forth by leaders from Ghana and South Africa at the International Conference on Traditional Leaders urges the AU to establish a Forum of African Traditional Leadership as an organ of the AU.
In regional news, ECOWAS held its first business forum in Accra, Ghana, in an effort to develop strategies for improving regional business operations and greater regional integration. The intent of the forum was to devise strategic plans to develop a common market, improve investment, and address common currency issues. Further, ECOSOCC elections of civil society organizations are being held this week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In peace and security news, the AU/UN Deputy Joint Special Representative Designate updated the Peace and Security Council on preparations to deploy the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) . Further, addressing the pending Darfur peace talks in Lybia, AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare urged all Sudanese parties to "demonstrate the necessary spirit of compromise and extend full cooperation to the AU and the United Nations." However, the UN announced the postponement of the scheduled Darfur talks for three more weeks. It is hoped that during this time, more rebel chiefs will come to the table. In other security news, private military contractors (PMC's) pledge an attempt to improve security measures in Africa, something they claim the UN missions and state militaries have failed to accomplish. In food security news, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is encouraging policy-makers to recognize the benefits of using biofuel to increase food security and agricultural production in Africa.
In Pan-African news, at the conclusion of the 4 th meeting of the Ministerial Bureau of the 5th Pan-African conference in Namibia, African ministers pledged to improve governance and public administration on the continent. The ministers will present the African Public Service Charter to the AU, in hopes that it will be used as a standard for all countries to evaluate efficacy and ensure alignment in public service matters. Further, Ochieng' Ogodo reports on the need for 'good laboratory practice' in African labs in order to produce quality data, develop new medical drugs and technology, and improve product development initiatives.
In economic news, a group of German NGO's has taken a public stance against economic partnership agreements (EPA's), stating that the trade negotiations mostly benefit European corporations and harm the economy of local producers. Lastly, despite his country's long-lasting colonial ties in Africa, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's announced his attempts of "normalizing" France's relationship with Africa; however, it was acknowledged that there must first be a recognized shared interest in order for France to gain support in this initiative.