African leaders such as President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo of Nigeria (representing President Muhammadu Buhari) amongst others, have begun to arrive in Kigali, Rwanda as the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union formally kicks off today, July 16. The theme of the 27th edition of the AU summit is 2016: Africa Year of Human Rights with Particular Focus on the Rights of Women. Several meetings have already been held to this effect since the summit commenced on the 10th of July. Also, the 17th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) will hold on July 18.
Women’s rights in Africa, and human rights in general, are deservedly at the core of the AU summit, thereby promoting a worthy and necessary cause being fought for throughout the continent. Sadly, the African continent is facing a few problems that immediately threaten the economic stability of a number of countries, including South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Burundi. These issues, in turn, stifle the efforts that the continent is making towards achieving equal rights for women and a basic recognition of human rights, while others tear away at the AU’s ultimate goal of African unity and development.
Come Sunday, African leaders attending the summit will be confronted with the following issues – amongst many others – for urgent discussion.
South Sudan’s crisis
The ongoing crisis in South Sudan has been the subject of continental and intercontinental news headlines for over a week now. A clash between the supporters of rival leaders President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar has left hundreds of South Sudanese people dead or injured, with over 20,000 more displaced. Currently, the ethnic violence which has ravaged the country for about five years, seems to be on the brink of a full-scale war.
Morocco’s plans to rejoin AU
After 32 years of existing outside of the Union following an embittered departure, and unsuccessful readmission attempts, Morocco is looking to become a member again. The Northern African country is presently seeking the support of Kenya to broker a a readmission agreement with members of the AU without any preconditions. Morocco has also been in contact with other countries including Cameroon, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan ahead of the event sgnalling hopes for a positive outcome.
Burundi’s violence
Burundi is another current crisis hotbed on the continent. The escalating physical and sexual violence in the country recently saw France propose a 228-man United Nations police to be deployed there in order to help quell the situation. Burundian ex-Minister Hafsa Mossi, was assassinated on Wednesday following post election violence which erupted in the country last year.
However, in what is arguably set to be a significant highlight and outcome of the summit, the African Union Passport will also be launched on Sunday. The much anticipated passport is a part of the plans to advance integration and economic development in Africa. African Heads-of-State will be the first individuals to use the passport after its issuance at the summit.
