Category: Reportage

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Working Visit of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Algeria

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Working Visit of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Algeria

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, today (March 10, 2018), began a three-day working visit to Algeria. On arrival, he was welcomed by the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdelkader Messahel. He then went to the Sanctuary of the Martyrs, for a wreath laying and remembrance ceremony. 

During his visit, the Chairperson of the Commission will meet senior Algerian officials to discuss a number of continental priorities. Discussions will include economic integration, following the recent decisions of the Addis Ababa Summit of January 2018 on the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is scheduled to be signed in Kigali on 21 March 2018, the Single African Air Transport Market and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and the African Passport. The African Union institutional reform and the promotion of peace and security, including the fight against terrorism, will also be discussed with the Algerian officials. 

The Chairperson of the Commission will take the opportunity to visit African Union institutions based in Algeria – the African Energy Commission, the African Center on the Study and Research on Terrorism and the Secretariat of the African Police Cooperation Mechanism, which are headquartered in Algiers, as well as the Tlemcen-based Pan-African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences.

The delegation of the Chairperson of the Commission includes the Commissioners for Peace and Security, Human Resources, Science and Technology, the High Representative of the African Union for Mali and the Sahel, and the Executive Secretary of the Planning and Coordinating Agency of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Commission (AUC).

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The Secretary’s Meeting with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: The Secretary’s Meeting with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:

Secretary Tillerson met with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Djibouti on March 9 to discuss the U.S.-Djiboutian partnership, and exchanged views on bilateral concerns, security threats, and economic reforms. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the Djiboutian government’s support for refugees fleeing regional conflicts, and its role in providing humanitarian relief. The Secretary thanked Foreign Minister Youssouf for Djibouti’s troop contributions to the AU Mission in Somalia, which advances regional peace and stability. The Secretary conveyed the United States’ appreciation to Djibouti for hosting U.S. military personnel.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Department of State.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes the joint statement issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. Raila Odinga

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes the joint statement issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. Raila Odinga

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, welcomes the joint statement issued today (March 9, 2018) by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. Raila Odinga, pledging to put their political differences aside and work together to address the challenges confronting their country.

“I applaud the leadership shown by President Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga. The joint statement is a very encouraging step towards national reconciliation. I urge all Kenyan leaders to build on this development to strengthen their country’s unity, consolidate its democratic institutions and respond to the aspirations of their people. A stable and prosperous Kenya is in the interest of the region and indeed the entire continent”, said Chairperson Faki.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Commission (AUC).

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European Parliament (EP) totally committed to supporting Sierra Leone along its democratic path, says EP Election Observation Delegation Head

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: European Parliament (EP) totally committed to supporting Sierra Leone along its democratic path, says EP Election Observation Delegation Head

Following the EU Election Observation Mission to the elections in Sierra Leone, on 7 March 2018, Ms Neena Gill CBE, Head of the European Parliament election observation delegation, stated:

“As Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation, I have the honour of speaking on behalf of myself and my five fellow MEPs. We are members of the only directly elected body of the EU, representing 500 million European citizens. Our Parliament has been involved in election observation for over 30 years and has deployed more than 170 short term election observation delegations. These delegations – like those of other observer teams – play a significant role in promoting the legitimacy of and public confidence in the electoral process across the world.

Since our arrival in Sierra Leone we have met candidates and other representatives of many of the political parties, with the National Election Commission, the media, and with civil society, including domestic and international observers. I also had the honour of meeting the President, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma. And, of course, we observed Election Day from start to finish.

The European Parliament delegation fully supports the preliminary findings and conclusions of the EU Election Observation Mission. I would also like to express my appreciation of the excellent work carried out by my colleague, Ms Jean Lambert, the EOM Chief Observer, and her team.

The Chief Observer has already given a thorough overview of the Mission’s preliminary findings and I therefore wish to focus on a few issues relating both to Election Day and what we discussed during our earlier meetings.

On Election Day we divided into three teams and observed in a large number of polling stations. We were impressed by the generally peaceful atmosphere in which Election Day took place, with the citizens – young and old, women and men – showing great patience as they waited in long queues, in some cases for many hours. They are an example to us in Europe. We also commend the work of the domestic observers, the National Election Commission and the polling station staff who generally displayed impressive professionalism and commitment.

 And having yesterday celebrated International Women’s Day, I particularly want to applaud the women of Sierra Leone – both the voters and the polling station staff – for their commitment to the electoral process. It is a matter of deep regret that only two of the presidential candidates are women and also that there are indications that it is probable that the proportion of women in the new parliament will decrease. This disappointing trend should be reversed.

So, we welcome the many positive elements of Election Day which are all the more impressive given the short time frame to prepare for the elections. However, there are a couple of issues that I urge the Sierra Leone authorities to address.

Firstly, we were concerned at the presence in and around some polling stations of a number of representatives of political parties. These individuals appeared on occasions to be directing the proceedings – in particular the management of access to the polling stations. We strongly believe that there should be no confusion between the roles of party representatives and polling centre staff – both inside and outside polling centres. Moreover, there must be more clearly enforced guidelines on what the role of these party representatives should actually be.

Secondly, we noted that the procedures or practices in a number of polling stations, such as double checking of identification documents and management of queues, were cumbersome and delayed the processing of voters, leading to a build-up of the queues outside the stations. A streamlining of these procedures and practices would allow officials to administer the vote more efficiently.

We were also concerned about the access to many polling stations for the elderly and people with disabilities. We acknowledge the long term challenges of developing the necessary infrastructure but we believe that this is an issue that must be addressed.

However, an election is not simply about what happens on one day. And once again I fully endorse the comments made by the Chief Observer on the pre-election period.

In the last quarter century Sierra Leone has experienced many tragedies but we hope that it is now on the path to a brighter and more stable future.

The coming weeks will be critical as we wait for the results and look towards a possible second round. It is vital that all parties resolve any disputes in a peaceful manner and that there is a smooth transition of power from President Koroma to his successor.

For our part the European Parliament is totally committed to supporting Sierra Leone along its democratic path and you can rely fully on us. We stand ready and look forward to developing our relations after the election process is over.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Parliament.

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Biodiversity sector commits to transformation

Source: South Africa News Agency

The third Biodiversity Economy Indaba (BEI) has ended with pledges by stakeholders in the wildlife, bio-trade and eco-tourism sectors to ensure greater inclusivity and transformation. 

Recently held under the theme ‘Entrepreneurs meet investors for a thriving and inclusive biodiversity economy’, the indaba was also an opportunity for stakeholders to propel discussions on growing the sector’s enormous economic potential, especially for rural communities. 

Environmental Affairs Minister, Dr Edna Molewa, said previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs), who are participants in the sector, must be supported to use their indigenous knowledge to open and introduce new products in the bio-prospecting sector of the biodiversity economy. 

Transformation of the biodiversity economy sectors and inclusion of PDIs in the sector were adopted as key outcomes of the three-day indaba, which was attended by more than 800 national and international delegates. 

“This is more so in the context of South Africa, where policies of the past were exclusionary, thus depriving the majority of our people from actively participating in sectors of the economy. 

“It can’t be justified that the custodians of the genetic resources and equally the holders of the traditional knowledge, are treated as non-equals in the beneficiation of their resources,” Minister Molewa said.    

In recent years, the biodiversity economy, which is an important contributor to job creation and rural development, has shown a constant annual growth of 6%. – SAnews.gov.za  

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BMCE Bank of Africa launches its 4th edition of the African Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) supporting innovative entrepreneurs in Africa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: BMCE Bank of Africa launches its 4th edition of the African Entrepreneurship Award (AEA) supporting innovative entrepreneurs in Africa

BMCE Bank of Africa is proud to announce the March 1st opening of the 4th edition of the African Entrepreneurship Award (www.African-Award.com).

The Award was announced by President Othman Benjelloun in 2014 at the Marrakech Global Entrepreneurship Summit and illustrates BMCE Bank of Africa’s ambition to encourage entrepreneurship across borders in Africa by rewarding talent and technology.

This initiative aims to support talented entrepreneurs from Africa or Africans in the diaspora whose ideas create jobs and improve lives on the continent. The competition remains open for entries until April 30th.

During the past 3 years the Award was dedicated to projects in Education, Environment, and Uncharted categories. Over 12,000 entrepreneurs applied from 132 countries. Mentors selected 112 Finalists and the Presidential Jury selected 33 winners to receive funding to launch or scale their business.

Volunteer mentors from all over the world support entrepreneurs with free, online business advice. These mentors are entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders from all continents who assist the applicants throughout each stage of the contest.

This year, the African Entrepreneurship Award will fund $1 million USD to African entrepreneurs with scalable and sustainable businesses in 2 new categories: Sports and Innovation.

The first round is open to all entrepreneurs to apply, from every country in Africa. Rounds two and three question entrepreneurs on the scalability and sustainability of their idea. Applicants are asked to support their project with an uploaded video or document.  At the end of the journey, Finalists are flown in to Morocco for a Boot Camp, before they pitch in front of the Presidential Jury for their chance at $ 1 million.

BMCE Bank of Africa operates in nearly 20 countries over the continent. With this fourth edition of the AEA, BMCE Bank of Africa reasserts its commitment to support and encourage young entrepreneurs in their efforts to create jobs and improve lives in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Entrepreneurship Award (AEA).

Contact Media 
Mohamed El Aoufi: Mohamed@African-Award.com                       
Laila Ahlafi: Laila@African-Award.com        
 
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AEAward
Twitter: https://Twitter.com/AEAward
Website: https://AfricanEntrepreneurshipAward.com

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Land expropriation must follow the law

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that land expropriation without compensation must be done within the confines of the law.

“When we talk about the return of the land to our people, we have got to do everything in an orderly way, in terms of our laws, in terms of our Constitution, so that everybody’s rights are protected and advanced,” he said on Sunday.

The President was speaking in his capacity as head of the African National Congress (ANC) during a voter registration drive at the New Creation Covenant Church in Olievenhoutbosch, Pretoria.

Olievenhoutbosch residents picketed outside the church calling for service delivery and adequate housing in the area ahead of President Ramaphosa’s address at the church.

The voter registration drive forms part of the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) efforts to get eligible voters to register and update their details on the voters roll as mandated by the Constitution to allow them to vote in the 2019 national elections.

The commission opened 22 600 voting stations at the weekend to allow citizens to easily update their details on the voters’ roll. 

President Ramaphosa assured residents that Premier David Makhura, who also participated in the event on Sunday, would meet with them on Thursday to hear their concerns and look for solutions.

Speaking to congregants, the President said the ruling party had taken a resolution at its 54th National Conference to expropriate land without compensation and this would be done in a measured manner.

“The land issue has to advance the interests of our people. So that our people can return to the land and work the land and grow our economy but as we do that we have to do it in terms of the rules and the laws we have; in terms of the agreements and laws we have in our country.

“A new dawn must mean we do things in a proper way, without any fraud, corruption or violating the law,” said President Ramphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Section 232 Investigation by the United States of America on Steel and Aluminium Products

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: South Africa: Section 232 Investigation by the United States of America on Steel and Aluminium Products

The South African Government has noted the announcement of the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump on 8 March 2018 that he has signed proclamations to impose a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on aluminnium articles and a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on steel articles.

It was further announced that the United States (US) will consider specific requests from affected domestic parties, to exclude from any adopted import restrictions those steel articles for which the Secretary of Commerce determines there is a lack of sufficient US production capacity of comparable products, or to exclude steel articles from such restrictions for specific national security-based considerations.

The proclamations make a provision for any country with which the US has a security relationship to discuss with the US alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country. Should the US and that country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security, the US President may remove or modify the restriction on steel articles imports from that country and, if necessary, make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff as it applies to other countries as the national security interests require.

In relation to aluminium, the products to be affected are defined in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) as: (a) unwrought aluminum (HTS 7601); (b) aluminum bars, rods, and profiles (HTS 7604); (c) aluminum wire (HTS 7605); (d) aluminum plate, sheet, strip, and foil (flat rolled products) (HTS 7606 and 7607); (e) aluminum tubes and pipes and tube and pipe fitting (HTS 7608 and 7609); and (f) aluminum castings and forgings (HTS 7616.99.51.60 and 7616.99.51.70), including any subsequent revisions to these HTS classifications.

The products affected in relation to steel are defined at the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 6-digit level as: 7206.10 through 7216.50, 7216.99 through 7301.10, 7302.10, 7302.40 through 7302.90, and 7304.10 through 7306.90, including any subsequent revisions to these HTS classifications.

In addition, the Secretary of Commerce is expected to publish the Federal Register on the appeal process for US buyers to apply for exclusion within 10 days. The tariffs will be implemented on 23 March 2018, if no alternative arrangement is agreed to with individual countries.

South Africa is studying the proclamations and its implications for the domestic industry in South Africa. South Africa’s exports to the US on steel amounted to US$950 million in 2017 and accounted for 1.4% of U.S.’s global imports. In the case of aluminium, the SA exports were US$375 million in 2017, accounting for 1.6% of US imports from all global suppliers. It is clear that South Africa’s exports do not impose a threat to US industry and jobs. The SA exports are in some cases used as inputs into further processes in the US manufacturing sector thus in fact contributing to US jobs and production.

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) is fully engaged with the matter and continues to have discussions with the US on this issue. A formal submission will also be made to the US as is provided for in the proclamations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa.

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Liberia: UN expert urges new Weah Administration to advance freedom of expression

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Liberia: UN expert urges new Weah Administration to advance freedom of expression

Liberia needs to lock in and expand the gains made in the years since the civil war, in particular in the areas of freedom of expression, media independence and government transparency, a UN expert said after visiting the country.

At the end of a week-long visit, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, said the new administration’s commitment to freedom of expression deserves the strong support and encouragement of all sectors of Liberian society and the international community.

“Liberia has come a long way since the civil war, and the space for open and indeed vibrant debate in the country is remarkable,” Kaye said.

“After two democratic elections marked by increasingly active media and free expression on the campaign trail,” the Special Rapporteur said, “Liberia enjoys a particular moment to savour its early post-conflict successes.”

“It is a fraught moment, however, given the deep economic problems the country faces and the legitimate demands of the Liberian people for an improvement in the economy and basic institutions of governance. In such a moment, strengthening guarantees in law would signal globally that Liberia is indeed, in President Weah’s phrase, ‘open for business’.

“At the top of the priority list,” Kaye added, “should be the decriminalization of defamation, in keeping with basic international and regional standards, and the transformation of the state broadcasting system into an independent public broadcasting service. Legislation for both is already pending in the legislature, and their quick enactment at this early stage of a new administration would signal to Liberians and the international community a basic commitment to rule of law and media pluralism.”

Pointing out that Liberia adopted in 2010 one of the strongest freedom of information laws, the Special Rapporteur urged the authorities to prioritize implementation. “The Access to Information Act depends on political will for its implementation,” he said. “I particularly urge the authorities to actively disclose and disseminate information, through online mechanisms, regular press briefings, and other tools.

“The strength and diversity of the media depend on more than just legal change, though that is foundational,” Kaye added. “In the face of poor working conditions and extremely limited funding and equipment, the media, governmental actors, and international donors should collaborate to improve the sustainability and professionalism of journalism in Liberia.

“I also note that women journalists face significant challenges and opportunities, but they are evidently quite underrepresented in the profession. I urge all stakeholders to take steps toward better gender balance in the profession, an outcome that would strongly benefit all consumers of the media in Liberia.”

Kaye concluded by underlining his intention to work further with the Liberian Government. “Liberia maintains a very good and open dialogue with various human rights mechanisms. I thank the authorities for their openness to engage in frank discussions at the highest levels and I look forward to exchanging information on my recommendations,” he said.

The expert, who visited the country at the invitation of the Government of Liberia, met with Government authorities, including the President. He also held discussions with civil society organizations, journalists, academics, students, and lawyers. The Special Rapporteur will prepare a report to the Human Rights Council on the main findings of his visit and make recommendations on the promotion of the right to freedom of expression in Liberia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

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SA scrutinises US aluminium, steel tariffs

Source: South Africa News Agency

The South African government is studying United States President Donald Trump’s proclamation to impose a 10% tariff on aluminium and 25% tariff on steel articles, and its implications for South African exports.

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) says it has taken note of the 8 March proclamations signed by President Trump to impose a 10% ad valorem tariff on aluminium articles and a 25% ad valorem tariff on steel articles, which will come into effect later this month.

“South Africa is studying the proclamation and its implications for the domestic industry in South Africa,” said the dti on Friday.

South Africa’s steel exports to the US amounted to US$950 million in 2017 and accounted for 1.4% of the US’s global imports. In the case of aluminium, South African exports were at US$375 million in 2017, accounting for 1.6% of US imports from all global suppliers.

The dti said it is clear that South Africa’s exports do not impose a threat to US industry and jobs.

South African exports of aluminium and steel are in some cases used as inputs into further processes in the US manufacturing sector, contributing to US jobs and production.

“The Department of Trade and Industry is fully engaged with the matter and continues to have discussions with the US on this issue. A formal submission will also be made to the US, as is provided for in the proclamations,” said the department.

Modification of restrictions

 The US will consider specific requests from affected domestic parties to exclude from any adopted import restrictions. This is for steel articles for which the Secretary of Commerce determines that there is lack of sufficient US production capacity of comparable products, or to exclude steel articles from such restrictions for specific national security-based considerations.

The proclamations make a provision for any country with which the US has a security relationship to discuss alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country.

Should the US and that country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to national security, the US President may remove or modify the restriction on steel article imports from that country and, if necessary, make any corresponding adjustments to the tariff as it applies to other countries as national security interests require.

Aluminium 

In relation to aluminium, the products to be affected are defined in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) as: (a) unwrought aluminum (HTS 7601); (b) aluminum bars, rods, and profiles (HTS 7604); (c) aluminum wire (HTS 7605); (d) aluminum plate, sheet, strip, and foil (flat rolled products) (HTS 7606 and 7607); (e) aluminum tubes and pipes and tube and pipe fitting (HTS 7608 and 7609); and (f) aluminum castings and forgings (HTS 7616.99.51.60 and 7616.99.51.70), including any subsequent revisions to these HTS classifications.

Steel  

The products affected in relation to steel are defined at the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) 6-digit level as: 7206.10 through 7216.50, 7216.99 through 7301.10, 7302.10, 7302.40 through 7302.90, and 7304.10 through 7306.90, including any subsequent revisions to these HTS classifications.

Tariff implementation date 

In addition, the Secretary of Commerce is expected to publish the Federal Register on the appeal process for US buyers to apply for exclusion within 10 days. The tariffs will be implemented on 23 March 2018, if no alternative arrangement is agreed to with individual countries.

On 1 March, President Trump held a listening session with representatives from large steel and aluminium companies. At the session, President Trump heard concerns relating to imports of steel and aluminium raised by US companies.

In its earlier response, the dti said it was fully engaged with the matter and had undertaken discussions with the US in a number of forums.

The department was at the time also meeting with South African companies that have export interests in the US to ascertain the possible impact of the proposed measures. – SAnews.gov.za