Ethiopia's government has accepted an invitation by the African Union to participate in peace talks aimed at ending a two-year conflict with rival Tigray forces, the prime minister's national security adviser said on Wednesday.

Tigray forces have has yet to respond to the invitation for talks this weekend in South Africa, which would be the first formal negotiations between the two sides since the outbreak of war in November 2020, two diplomatic sources said.

The conflict has killed thousands of civilians and uprooted millions. Both sides had previously said they were prepared to participate in AU-mediated talks but intense fighting has continued to rage across Tigray.

The Ethiopian government "has accepted this invitation which is in line with our principled position regarding the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the need to have talks without preconditions," Redwan Hussein, the national security adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said on Twitter.

AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki also invited Debretsion Gebremichael, who leads Tigray's ruling political party, to the talks in a letter seen by Reuters.

The letter was dated Oct. 1, but Getachew Reda, a spokesman for Debretsion's Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), said on Tuesday that he was not aware of any imminent talks. 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-has-fighting-restarted-in-north-ethiopia-512467">Why has fighting restarted in north Ethiopia?</a>

Getachew did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday about the Ethiopian government accepting the AU invitation.

The TPLF said last month it was ready for a ceasefire and would accept an AU-led peace process after previously raising objections to AU proposals.

Olusegun Obasanjo, the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, will lead the negotiations with support from former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, according to the AU letter.

No formal talks between the two sides were held during a five-month ceasefire between March and August. Fighting resumed on Aug. 24.

Prime Minister Abiy's government accuses the TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's ruling coalition until Abiy came to power in 2018, of trying to reassert Tigrayan dominance over Ethiopia.

The TPLF accuses Abiy of over-centralising power and oppressing Tigrayans. Both dismiss each other's accusations. 
 
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Ethiopia's government has accepted an invitation by the African Union to participate in peace talks aimed at ending a two-year conflict with rival Tigray forces, the prime minister's national security adviser said on Wednesday.

Ethiopia's government has accepted an invitation by the African Union to participate in peace talks aimed at ending a two-year conflict with rival Tigray forces, the prime minister's national security adviser said on Wednesday. Tigray forces have has yet to respond to the invitation for talks this weekend in South Africa, which would be the first formal negotiations between the two sides since the outbreak of war in November 2020, two diplomatic sources said. The conflict has killed thousands of civilians and uprooted millions. Both sides had previously said they were prepared to participate in AU-mediated talks but intense fighting has continued to rage across Tigray. The Ethiopian government "has accepted this invitation which is in line with our principled position regarding the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the need to have talks without preconditions," Redwan Hussein, the national security adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said on Twitter. AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki also invited Debretsion Gebremichael, who leads Tigray's ruling political party, to the talks in a letter seen by Reuters. The letter was dated Oct. 1, but Getachew Reda, a spokesman for Debretsion's Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), said on Tuesday that he was not aware of any imminent talks. ALSO READ: Why has fighting restarted in north Ethiopia? Getachew did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday about the Ethiopian government accepting the AU invitation. The TPLF said last month it was ready for a ceasefire and would accept an AU-led peace process after previously raising objections to AU proposals. Olusegun Obasanjo, the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, will lead the negotiations with support from former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, according to the AU letter. No formal talks between the two sides were held during a five-month ceasefire between March and August. Fighting resumed on Aug. 24. Prime Minister Abiy's government accuses the TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's ruling coalition until Abiy came to power in 2018, of trying to reassert Tigrayan dominance over Ethiopia. The TPLF accuses Abiy of over-centralising power and oppressing Tigrayans. Both dismiss each other's accusations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ethiopia accepts African Union invitation to peace talks

A troop camp belonging to African Union mission came under attack in the Shabelle region in Somalia and according to a resident, three individuals lost their lives in the crossfire.

The attack targeting a camp with Burundian troops near Ceel Baraf village about 160 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu was carried out by heavily armed Al-Shabaab jihadist fighters.

"We were awoken by huge blasts early in the morning. The blasts were at the African Union mission base. Heavy exchange of gunfire followed," local elder Mohamed Nur told Reuters.

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The local military authorities said that the Al-Shabaab group has taken responsibility of the attack.

“The terrorists attacked the Burundian army base outside Ceel Baraf early this morning, there was heavy fighting and casualties inflicted on both sides, but we don’t have more details about this incident so far,” local military commander Mohamed Ali told AFP by phone.

“They launched the attack with a car bomb blast before a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-draft-shows-us-court-set-to-strike-down-abortion-rights-politico-475914" hreflang="en">Leaked draft shows US Supreme Court will strike down abortion law: Politico&nbsp;</a>

Following the attacks, Al-Shabaab also released a statement. "The Mujahideen launched a pre-dawn raid on an ATMIS (African Union Mission) military base in El Baraf, middle Shabelle region," it read.

"After a fierce firefight, the Mujahideen managed to overrun the base and are now in complete control of the entire military base, " the statement further added.

The attack on Tuesday was one in a long line of bombings initiated by the extremist group against the peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu who are looking to topple the central government.

WATCH |&nbsp;US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-us-says-russia-plans-to-annex-ukraines-donetsk-luhansk-476006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">(With inputs from agencies)</div>

A troop camp belonging to African Union mission came under attack in the Shabelle region in Somalia and according to a resident, three individuals lost their lives in the crossfire.

A troop camp belonging to African Union mission came under attack in the Shabelle region in Somalia and according to a resident, three individuals lost their lives in the crossfire. The attack targeting a camp with Burundian troops near Ceel Baraf village about 160 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu was carried out by heavily armed Al-Shabaab jihadist fighters. "We were awoken by huge blasts early in the morning. The blasts were at the African Union mission base. Heavy exchange of gunfire followed," local elder Mohamed Nur told Reuters. Also read | 'Sense of urgency': US says Russia is planning to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk regions The local military authorities said that the Al-Shabaab group has taken responsibility of the attack. “The terrorists attacked the Burundian army base outside Ceel Baraf early this morning, there was heavy fighting and casualties inflicted on both sides, but we don’t have more details about this incident so far,” local military commander Mohamed Ali told AFP by phone. “They launched the attack with a car bomb blast before a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out.” Also read | Leaked draft shows US Supreme Court will strike down abortion law: Politico Following the attacks, Al-Shabaab also released a statement. "The Mujahideen launched a pre-dawn raid on an ATMIS (African Union Mission) military base in El Baraf, middle Shabelle region," it read. "After a fierce firefight, the Mujahideen managed to overrun the base and are now in complete control of the entire military base, " the statement further added. The attack on Tuesday was one in a long line of bombings initiated by the extremist group against the peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu who are looking to topple the central government. WATCH | US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk (With inputs from agencies)

Three killed as Al-Shabaab militants attack African Union camp in Somalia

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-will-easily-drag-on-deep-into-2022-warns-who-422531">Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO</a>

"This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US&nbsp;government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines."

Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa.

The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements.

The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response.

"We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said.

The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines.

The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-approves-mix-and-match-strategy-for-all-covid-19-vaccines-approved-in-us-422505">FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US</a>

Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent.

"This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU.

Last month, the AU accused&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters. The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter. Also Read | Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO "This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines." Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa. The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements. The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response. "We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said. The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines. The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said. Also Read | FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent. "This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU. Last month, the AU accused COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

African Union to buy up to 110 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccines - officials

UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members on Thursday backed African&nbsp;Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

Egypt and Sudan both called on the UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council involvement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-resumes-filling-nile-mega-dam-reservoir-angering-downstream-nations-396546">Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations</a>

"A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," US&nbsp;Ambassador to the&nbsp;United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council.

"This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held&nbsp;under the leadership of the African&nbsp;Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African&nbsp;Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute."

Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council help with water disputes.

Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependant. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations.

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Tunisia has proposed a draft&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council to adopt the resolution.

"We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations."

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any&nbsp;unilateral measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-asks-un-security-council-to-meet-over-ethiopias-controversial-blue-nile-dam-393247">Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam</a>

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council meeting.

"We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to&nbsp;understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

UN Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks.

UN Security Council members on Thursday backed African Union mediation efforts between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in a dispute over the operation of a giant hydropower dam on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, urging the parties to resume talks. Egypt and Sudan both called on the UN Security Council to help resolve the dispute after Ethiopia earlier this week began filling the reservoir behind its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) for a second year. Ethiopia is opposed to any Security Council involvement. Also read | Ethiopia resumes filling Nile mega-dam reservoir, angering downstream nations "A balanced and equitable solution to the filling and operation of the GERD can be reached with political commitment from all parties," US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council. "This begins with the resumption of productive substantive negotiations. Those negotiations should be held under the leadership of the African Union, and should recommence with urgency," she said, adding that the African Union "is the most appropriate venue to address this dispute." Many council diplomats were wary of involving the body in the dispute - beyond holding the meeting on Thursday - as they are concerned it could set a precedent that could allow other countries to seek Security Council help with water disputes. Ethiopia says the dam is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But Egypt views it as a grave threat to its Nile water supplies, on which it is almost entirely dependant. Sudan, also downstream, has expressed concern about the dam's safety and impact on its own dams and water stations. Tunisia has proposed a draft Security Council resolution that would call for a binding agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the operation of the giant dam within six months. It was not clear if or when it could be put to a vote. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called on the Security Council to adopt the resolution. "We do not expect the council to formulate solutions to the outstanding legal and technical issues, nor do we request that the council impose the terms of a settlement," he said. "This resolution is political in nature and its purpose ... is to re-launch negotiations." Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi also urged the council to act by calling for a resumption of negotiations and on Ethiopia to abstain from any unilateral measures. Also read | Sudan asks UN Security Council to meet over Ethiopia's controversial Blue Nile dam Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Seleshi Bekele Awulachew, said an agreement on the operation of the $5 billion dam is "within reach" and he described it as regrettable that Egypt and Sudan pushed for the Security Council meeting. "We urge our Egyptian and Sudanese brothers and sisters to understand that the resolution to the Nile issue will not come from the Security Council. It can only come from good faith negotiations," he told the council. Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia suggested the countries meet while in New York to try to resolve some issues.

UN Security Council backs African Union bid to broker Ethiopia dam deal

The African Union has warned that the European Union's non-recognition of AstraZeneca Covid vaccines manufactured in India will impose major disadvantages for people who received the jabs in Africa.

The African Union has warned that the European Union's non-recognition of AstraZeneca Covid vaccines manufactured in India will impose major disadvantages for people who received the jabs in Africa. As per the new rules, the EU will do away with the need for quarantines and further testing for travellers immunised with Covid vaccines recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These travellers will receive a digital Covid certificate showing their vaccination status. The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19. Read | Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines In a joint statement released Monday, the African Union (AU) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the rules "put at risk the equitable treatment" of people vaccinated in Africa. "These developments are concerning given that the Covishield vaccine has been the backbone of the EU-supported Covax contributions to the AU Member States’ vaccination programmes," the statement added. The European Commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz said that individual EU governments may decide to allow entry to travellers who have received jabs recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes Covishield. He further added that Covishield "is an issue that we are looking at in more detail". Covishield, while on WHO's authorized list, is not listed by the European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the block. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the block uses the EMA list. In a statement to WION, on Monday, European Medicines Agency said Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation in the bloc, pointing out that "should we receive a marketing authorization application for Covishield ...we would communicate about it." Each member country is also allowed to use any vaccine that it is okay with. Switzerland has made it clear that anyone who has been vaccinated or who have recovered do not have to produce a negative test even when travelling from countries where the Delta variant is widespread such as India or the United Kingdom. Ireland has listed Covishield as one of the vaccines for travellers coming to the country. Meanwhile, France is "actively working" on allowing Covishield after India raised the matter. Watch | Covishield excluded from EU's COVID 'Green Pass'

African Union warns EU over vaccine certificate 'inequality'

Former vice president Assimi Goita, a colonel who led the August coup and last week's revolt, was declared president on Friday.

African Union suspends Mali after military coup and threatens sanctions

After the country's second coup in nine months, the African Union suspended Mali and threatened to impose sanctions if restoration to democracy was delayed further.&nbsp; 
 
The Peace and Security Council laid out a statement, saying Mali is immediately barred from participating in African Union activities, adding that the union was "deeply concerned about the evolving situation in Mali and its negative impact on the gains made thus far in the transition process in the country".

The statement asked for a return to the transition, the release of all political stakeholders, including arrested interim President Bah Ndaw and house-arrested interim Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, and for authorities to adhere to the original agreement's 18-month transition term.&nbsp;

If the military delays handing back power to civilian transitional leaders, “the council will not hesitate to impose targeted sanctions and other punitive measures,” it said.

The AU "strongly urged the Malian military to urgently and unconditionally return to the barracks, and to refrain from further interference in the political processes in Mali", reported DW.

It said if Mali fails to comply, the Peace and Security Council will not hesitate to impose targeted sanctions and other punitive measures against any spoilers of the current transition.

Colonel Goita sparked global outrage last month after he detained the transitional president and prime minister and was subsequently named president by Mali's constitutional court, DW reported. Mali was subjected to sanctions from neighbouring western African countries in the wake of the coup.

Meanwhile, Goita had earlier said he had dismissed the president and prime minister for violating the transitional charter. He told ECOWAS that a military council would assume power in Mali, informed a military source.

In August last year, a group of Malian soldiers started a mutiny at the Kati military base, where insurgents kidnapped several ministers and high-ranking military officials, including former President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita, who later dissolved the government and parliament.

Later, on September 12, the military approved the basic law and strategy for transition after consultations with political and civil figures. The parties agreed that the transition period would last eighteen months. Bah N'Daw, a former defence minister, was initially appointed as president for that period, Sputnik reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the country's second coup in nine months, the African Union suspended Mali and threatened to impose sanctions if restoration to democracy was delayed further.

After the country's second coup in nine months, the African Union suspended Mali and threatened to impose sanctions if restoration to democracy was delayed further. The Peace and Security Council laid out a statement, saying Mali is immediately barred from participating in African Union activities, adding that the union was "deeply concerned about the evolving situation in Mali and its negative impact on the gains made thus far in the transition process in the country". The statement asked for a return to the transition, the release of all political stakeholders, including arrested interim President Bah Ndaw and house-arrested interim Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, and for authorities to adhere to the original agreement's 18-month transition term. If the military delays handing back power to civilian transitional leaders, “the council will not hesitate to impose targeted sanctions and other punitive measures,” it said. The AU "strongly urged the Malian military to urgently and unconditionally return to the barracks, and to refrain from further interference in the political processes in Mali", reported DW. It said if Mali fails to comply, the Peace and Security Council will not hesitate to impose targeted sanctions and other punitive measures against any spoilers of the current transition. Colonel Goita sparked global outrage last month after he detained the transitional president and prime minister and was subsequently named president by Mali's constitutional court, DW reported. Mali was subjected to sanctions from neighbouring western African countries in the wake of the coup. Meanwhile, Goita had earlier said he had dismissed the president and prime minister for violating the transitional charter. He told ECOWAS that a military council would assume power in Mali, informed a military source. In August last year, a group of Malian soldiers started a mutiny at the Kati military base, where insurgents kidnapped several ministers and high-ranking military officials, including former President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita, who later dissolved the government and parliament. Later, on September 12, the military approved the basic law and strategy for transition after consultations with political and civil figures. The parties agreed that the transition period would last eighteen months. Bah N'Daw, a former defence minister, was initially appointed as president for that period, Sputnik reported. (With inputs from agencies)

African Union announces 'immediate suspension' of Mali after second coup in nine months

Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will supply up to 220 million doses of its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine to the African Union's 55 member states from the third quarter of 2021, the drugmaker said on Monday.

J&amp;J, through its unit Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, entered into a deal with the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), which could order an additional 180 million doses, for a combined total of up to 400 million doses through 2022.&nbsp;

"We need to immunize at least 60% of our population in order to get rid of the virus from our continent. The J&amp;J agreement enables us to move towards achieving this target," said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Earlier this month, Europe approved J&amp;J single dose COVID-19 vaccine. The United States, Canada and Bahrain have also approved the shot.

Late last year, J&amp;J said it and the GAVI vaccine alliance expected to enter into a deal that would provide up to 500 million doses of the company's vaccine to COVAX, the programme backed by the World Health Organization, through 2022.

Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has established a global manufacturing and supply network for its COVID-19 vaccine, collaborating with nine partners across four continents, including Aspen Pharmacare in South Africa.

Johnson & Johnson will supply up to 220 million doses of its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine to the African Union's 55 member states from the third quarter of 2021, the drugmaker said on Monday.

Johnson & Johnson will supply up to 220 million doses of its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine to the African Union's 55 member states from the third quarter of 2021, the drugmaker said on Monday. J&J, through its unit Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, entered into a deal with the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT), which could order an additional 180 million doses, for a combined total of up to 400 million doses through 2022. "We need to immunize at least 60% of our population in order to get rid of the virus from our continent. The J&J agreement enables us to move towards achieving this target," said John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Earlier this month, Europe approved J&J single dose COVID-19 vaccine. The United States, Canada and Bahrain have also approved the shot. Late last year, J&J said it and the GAVI vaccine alliance expected to enter into a deal that would provide up to 500 million doses of the company's vaccine to COVAX, the programme backed by the World Health Organization, through 2022. Johnson & Johnson has established a global manufacturing and supply network for its COVID-19 vaccine, collaborating with nine partners across four continents, including Aspen Pharmacare in South Africa.

Johnson & Johnson in deal to supply COVID-19 vaccine to African Union member states

The outgoing chairperson of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Saturday conducted a symbolic handover of the AU flag and gave to President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and incoming chairperson of the AU.

The handover was done at the virtual 34th Ordinary Session of the assembly of heads of state and government on Saturday.&nbsp;

The African Union theme for 2021 will be “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want,” a statement from the presidency said.&nbsp;

During South Africa’s tenure as the chair, the African Union achieved key priorities as outlined in its programme for 2020. This included the historic advent -- on January 1, 2021 -- of free trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area, the statement said.

Under the leadership of President Ramaphosa and resolute support of the Bureau of the Heads of State and Government of the AU and the AU Secretariat, the following initiatives were undertaken to address the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the statement read.

- The establishment of the AU COVID-19 response fund;

- The establishment of the Africa Task Force for Coronavirus (AFTCOR);

- The Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing in Africa (PACT);

- The Consortium for COVID-19 Clinical Vaccine Trials (CONCVACT);

- The appointment of special envoys to mobilise the international support for the continental fight against COVID-19;

- The establishment of the African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP): a platform developed to assist the AU member states to tackle issues on the supply side of continent’s response to COVID-19 and access to medical supplies and equipment;

- The initiative of the chair of the AU to engage international partners and financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, the European Union (EU), G20 member states and others to support the issue of debt relief for African countries whose economies have been devastated by the pandemic;&nbsp;

- The development of the vaccine strategy for the continent which was endorsed by the AU Bureau of Assembly on August 20, 2020;&nbsp;

- President Ramaphosa’s establishment of the COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), in support of Africa Vaccine Strategy. The Task Team was mandated to secure the necessary resources for achieving Africa’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy which targets vaccinating a minimum of 60 per cent of Africa’s population and to accelerate the arrangements of financing for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for the African continent;&nbsp;

The 34th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly is expected to consider some of the continent’s pertinent issues related to the selection of the senior leadership of the African Union Commission.

The outgoing chairperson of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Saturday conducted a symbolic handover of the AU flag and gave to President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and incoming chairperson of the AU.

The outgoing chairperson of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Saturday conducted a symbolic handover of the AU flag and gave to President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and incoming chairperson of the AU. The handover was done at the virtual 34th Ordinary Session of the assembly of heads of state and government on Saturday. The African Union theme for 2021 will be “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want,” a statement from the presidency said. During South Africa’s tenure as the chair, the African Union achieved key priorities as outlined in its programme for 2020. This included the historic advent -- on January 1, 2021 -- of free trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area, the statement said. Under the leadership of President Ramaphosa and resolute support of the Bureau of the Heads of State and Government of the AU and the AU Secretariat, the following initiatives were undertaken to address the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the statement read. - The establishment of the AU COVID-19 response fund; - The establishment of the Africa Task Force for Coronavirus (AFTCOR); - The Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing in Africa (PACT); - The Consortium for COVID-19 Clinical Vaccine Trials (CONCVACT); - The appointment of special envoys to mobilise the international support for the continental fight against COVID-19; - The establishment of the African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP): a platform developed to assist the AU member states to tackle issues on the supply side of continent’s response to COVID-19 and access to medical supplies and equipment; - The initiative of the chair of the AU to engage international partners and financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, the European Union (EU), G20 member states and others to support the issue of debt relief for African countries whose economies have been devastated by the pandemic; - The development of the vaccine strategy for the continent which was endorsed by the AU Bureau of Assembly on August 20, 2020; - President Ramaphosa’s establishment of the COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT), in support of Africa Vaccine Strategy. The Task Team was mandated to secure the necessary resources for achieving Africa’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy which targets vaccinating a minimum of 60 per cent of Africa’s population and to accelerate the arrangements of financing for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for the African continent; The 34th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly is expected to consider some of the continent’s pertinent issues related to the selection of the senior leadership of the African Union Commission.

South Africa conducts symbolic handover of chairmanship of the African Union

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender.

"War is an epitome of hell. I know because I have been there and back," said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he received Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Today, he is a wartime leader who is marching his troops into his own country. On Thursday, (November 12), Abiy claimed a major victory as his forces captured western Tigray. But this came at a high cost. The ethnic faultlines have re-emerged. There are reports of a massacre.

Hundreds of civilians, hacked to death by forces loyal to the regional leadership. If these reports are confirmed, this would amount to war crimes.

Abiy has promised a swift end to the fighting. A return to normalcy in no time. He has named a new local leader to oversee the transition.

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"We are confident that in a relatively short period of time, we will accomplish our objectives and create a conducive environment for life to return to normalcy for our citizens in Tigray," said Ahmed.

But this is easier said than done. Tigray is a battle-hardy province. Its leader has vowed to fight till the end. Although he is putting up a brave front the Prime minister too is buckling down for the long haul.

In Addis Ababa, the government launched a civilian blood drive. Hundreds turned up to donate. The war is popular among non-Tigrayans.

But casualties are mounting. A long conflict could destabilise not just Ethiopia. But the larger, horn of Africa region.

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In the early stages, Abiy claimed his feud was with Tigray's ruling party and not its people. But that's becoming increasingly hard to believe.

On Friday Ethiopian police visited a UN office in Amhara. They wanted a list of Tigrayan people working there.

Moreover, A Tigrayan official at the African Union was also fired. The order came directly from Ethiopia's defence minister. The reason? Alleged disloyalty.

The fighting in Tigray has displaced more than 14,000 people. Among them are thousands of minors. They are fleeing en masse to neighbouring Sudan.

But the country does not have the resources to host these many people. The only way Ethiopia can avoid more bloodshed is if PM Abiy relents and agrees to talks with Tigray's leadership.

The 2019 Abiy would have wanted talks. All he needs to do is listen to his own advice.

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender.

The war in Ethiopia has spiralled into a massive humanitarian crisis. Hundreds have been killed and many more have been displaced. Ethiopian Prime Minister is riding high on military gains while Tigray's leadership is unwilling to surrender. "War is an epitome of hell. I know because I have been there and back," said Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after he received Nobel Peace Prize last year. Today, he is a wartime leader who is marching his troops into his own country. On Thursday, (November 12), Abiy claimed a major victory as his forces captured western Tigray. But this came at a high cost. The ethnic faultlines have re-emerged. There are reports of a massacre. Hundreds of civilians, hacked to death by forces loyal to the regional leadership. If these reports are confirmed, this would amount to war crimes. Abiy has promised a swift end to the fighting. A return to normalcy in no time. He has named a new local leader to oversee the transition. × "We are confident that in a relatively short period of time, we will accomplish our objectives and create a conducive environment for life to return to normalcy for our citizens in Tigray," said Ahmed. But this is easier said than done. Tigray is a battle-hardy province. Its leader has vowed to fight till the end. Although he is putting up a brave front the Prime minister too is buckling down for the long haul. In Addis Ababa, the government launched a civilian blood drive. Hundreds turned up to donate. The war is popular among non-Tigrayans. But casualties are mounting. A long conflict could destabilise not just Ethiopia. But the larger, horn of Africa region. × In the early stages, Abiy claimed his feud was with Tigray's ruling party and not its people. But that's becoming increasingly hard to believe. On Friday Ethiopian police visited a UN office in Amhara. They wanted a list of Tigrayan people working there. Moreover, A Tigrayan official at the African Union was also fired. The order came directly from Ethiopia's defence minister. The reason? Alleged disloyalty. The fighting in Tigray has displaced more than 14,000 people. Among them are thousands of minors. They are fleeing en masse to neighbouring Sudan. But the country does not have the resources to host these many people. The only way Ethiopia can avoid more bloodshed is if PM Abiy relents and agrees to talks with Tigray's leadership. The 2019 Abiy would have wanted talks. All he needs to do is listen to his own advice.

Ethiopia: Casualties mount as Tigray conflict turns into humanitarian crisis

Two days after the military coup in Mali, now there is more clarity on who was behind his hostile takeover and what they hope to achieve from it. Watch report.

Military coup in Mali: African Union suspends Mali's membership

Heads of state and government officials from across Africa have gathered in Ethiopia's capital for talks primarily focused on ways to end to regional violence, including the conflicts in South Sudan and Libya. The 33rd African Union (AU) summit, which opened on Sunday in Addis Ababa, is being held under the theme "Silencing the Guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa's development".

WION Dispatch: AU leaders seek end to regional conflicts at 33rd African Union

A&nbsp;group&nbsp;of 66&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">African&nbsp;refugees</a>&nbsp;and asylum-seekers arrived in Kigali late Thursday, the UN said, the&nbsp;first&nbsp;of what could be thousands relocated&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-should-set-up-giant-refugee-city-in-libya-hungary-pm-6756">Libya</a>&nbsp;under a new programme.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;signed a deal with the&nbsp;African&nbsp;Union (AU) and the United Nations&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;agency UNHCR agreeing to take in&nbsp;African&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;and asylum-seekers stranded in&nbsp;Libya.&nbsp;

The Rwandan government has said it is prepared to accommodate as many as 30,000 evacuees, although the plan is for the programme to unfold in batches of 500 to prevent the country of 12 million&nbsp;from&nbsp;feeling overwhelmed.

"Just landed!" the United Nations&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;agency wrote on its Twitter account as the&nbsp;first&nbsp;group&nbsp;of unaccompanied minors, single mothers and families landed in the Rwandan capital.

The youngest passenger was a two-month-old girl born to Somali parents in&nbsp;Libya.

A UN official told AFP Wednesday that a subsequent flight carrying 125 people was planned for "between 10-12 October".&nbsp;

They will be housed in a transit centre in&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;before being resettled elsewhere unless they agree to return to their home countries.&nbsp;

In the chaos that followed the fall and killing of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 uprising,&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;became a key transit point for sub-Saharan&nbsp;African&nbsp;migrants seeking to embark on dangerous journeys to Europe.

The UN says some 42,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;are currently in&nbsp;Libya.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame&nbsp;first&nbsp;offered to take in Africans stuck in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;back in November 2017, the same month a CNN report showed what appeared to be a slave market there.

The issue took on new urgency in July when more than 40 people were killed in an airstrike on a migrant detention centre in the Libyan town of Tajoura.

The UN has been criticised for its handling of a transit mechanism for evacuees&nbsp;from&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;established in 2017 on the other side of the continent, in Niger.

The facilities there have struggled with overcrowding and the slow pace of resettlement.

But UN and Rwandan officials say they have learned&nbsp;from&nbsp;Niger's experience.&nbsp;

A group of 66 African refugees and asylum-seekers arrived in Kigali late Thursday, the UN said, the first of what could be thousands relocated from Libya under a new programme.

A group of 66 African refugees and asylum-seekers arrived in Kigali late Thursday, the UN said, the first of what could be thousands relocated from Libya under a new programme. Earlier this month, Rwanda signed a deal with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR agreeing to take in African refugees and asylum-seekers stranded in Libya. The Rwandan government has said it is prepared to accommodate as many as 30,000 evacuees, although the plan is for the programme to unfold in batches of 500 to prevent the country of 12 million from feeling overwhelmed. "Just landed!" the United Nations refugee agency wrote on its Twitter account as the first group of unaccompanied minors, single mothers and families landed in the Rwandan capital. The youngest passenger was a two-month-old girl born to Somali parents in Libya. A UN official told AFP Wednesday that a subsequent flight carrying 125 people was planned for "between 10-12 October". They will be housed in a transit centre in Rwanda before being resettled elsewhere unless they agree to return to their home countries. In the chaos that followed the fall and killing of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 uprising, Libya became a key transit point for sub-Saharan African migrants seeking to embark on dangerous journeys to Europe. The UN says some 42,000 refugees are currently in Libya. Rwandan President Paul Kagame first offered to take in Africans stuck in Libya back in November 2017, the same month a CNN report showed what appeared to be a slave market there. The issue took on new urgency in July when more than 40 people were killed in an airstrike on a migrant detention centre in the Libyan town of Tajoura. The UN has been criticised for its handling of a transit mechanism for evacuees from Libya established in 2017 on the other side of the continent, in Niger. The facilities there have struggled with overcrowding and the slow pace of resettlement. But UN and Rwandan officials say they have learned from Niger's experience.

Rwanda welcomes first group of African refugees from Libya

Sudan's army rulers and protest leaders on Sunday inked a hard won constitutional declaration, paving the way for a promised transition to civilian rule.

The agreement, signed at a ceremony witnessed by AFP, builds on a landmark July 17 power sharing deal and provides for a joint civilian military ruling body to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian government and parliament to govern for a three year transition period.&nbsp;

Protest leader Ahmed Rabie and the deputy head of the ruling military council, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-police-tear-gas-rally-urging-impartial-probe-into-deadly-raid-239078">General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo</a>, signed the declaration at a ceremony attended by African Union and Ethiopian mediators.

The signing was met by a wave of applause in the Khartoum hall as representatives from both sides shook hands.

A formal signing in front of foreign dignitaries is due to take place on August 17, the date on which ousted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-bashir-to-appear-in-court-on-graft-charge-prosecutor-227462"> president Omar al-Bashir</a> is due to go on trial on corruption charges, protest leader Monzer Abu al-Maali told AFP.

The following day the generals and protest leaders are expected to announce the composition of the new transitional civilian majority ruling council, he said.&nbsp;

"Members of the ruling sovereign council will be announced on August 18, the prime minister will be named on August 20 and cabinet members on August 28," Abu al-Maali told AFP.

The deal on a constitutional declaration is the fruit of difficult negotiations between the leaders of mass protests which erupted last December against Bashir's three decade rule and the generals who eventually ousted him in April.&nbsp;

The talks between the protest movement and ruling generals had been repeatedly interrupted by deadly violence against demonstrators who have kept up rallies to press for civilian rule. 
&nbsp;

Sudan's army rulers and protest leaders on Sunday inked a hard won constitutional declaration, paving the way for a promised transition to civilian rule. The agreement, signed at a ceremony witnessed by AFP, builds on a landmark July 17 power sharing deal and provides for a joint civilian military ruling body to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian government and parliament to govern for a three year transition period.

Sudan's army rulers and protest leaders on Sunday inked a hard won constitutional declaration, paving the way for a promised transition to civilian rule. The agreement, signed at a ceremony witnessed by AFP, builds on a landmark July 17 power sharing deal and provides for a joint civilian military ruling body to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian government and parliament to govern for a three year transition period. Protest leader Ahmed Rabie and the deputy head of the ruling military council, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, signed the declaration at a ceremony attended by African Union and Ethiopian mediators. The signing was met by a wave of applause in the Khartoum hall as representatives from both sides shook hands. A formal signing in front of foreign dignitaries is due to take place on August 17, the date on which ousted president Omar al-Bashir is due to go on trial on corruption charges, protest leader Monzer Abu al-Maali told AFP. The following day the generals and protest leaders are expected to announce the composition of the new transitional civilian majority ruling council, he said. "Members of the ruling sovereign council will be announced on August 18, the prime minister will be named on August 20 and cabinet members on August 28," Abu al-Maali told AFP. The deal on a constitutional declaration is the fruit of difficult negotiations between the leaders of mass protests which erupted last December against Bashir's three decade rule and the generals who eventually ousted him in April. The talks between the protest movement and ruling generals had been repeatedly interrupted by deadly violence against demonstrators who have kept up rallies to press for civilian rule.

Sudan generals, protest leaders ink constitutional declaration

Talks between Sudan's ruling military council and the opposition over the path to a new sovereign council to run the country after the overthrow of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-charges-ousted-leader-omar-al-bashir-with-corruption-state-media-226978">President Omar al-Bashir </a>were postponed on Tuesday after four young protesters were shot dead.

Below is a timeline of key developments:

Dec 19, 2018 - Hundreds protest in the northern city of Atbara against soaring bread prices. Demonstrations spurred by a broader economic crisis spread to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-2-killed-as-sudan-military-attempts-to-break-up-sit-in-outside-khartoum-army-hq-223791">Khartoum and other cities</a> in the days that follow. Crowds start chanting: "The people want the fall of the regime" a slogan used in the "Arab Spring" uprisings that unseated rulers across the Muslim world in 2011. Security services respond with tear gas and gunfire.

April 11, 2019 - The army overthrows President Omar al-Bashir, ending his three decades in power. The generals announce two years of military rule followed by-elections. Street celebrations turn into more demonstrations as hundreds of thousands demand a handover to civilians.

June 3 - Security forces raid a sit-in protest outside the defence ministry in Khartoum. Crowds flee in panic. In the days that follow, opposition-linked medics say more than 100 people were killed in the assault.

June 16 - Bashir appears in public for the first time since his overthrow as he is taken from prison to be charged with corruption-related offences. He has already been charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters.

July 5 - The military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups agree provisionally to share power for three years, after mediation by Ethiopia and pressure from the African Union and world powers. They signed a political accord on July 17 that defines the transition's institutions. Differences remain over the wording of a constitutional declaration.

July 29 - At least four children and one adult are shot dead when security forces break up a student protest against fuel and bread shortages in the <a href="El-Obeid">city of El-Obeid</a>, opposition-linked doctors say.

Talks between Sudan's ruling military council and the opposition over the path to a new sovereign council to run the country after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir were postponed on Tuesday after four young protesters were shot dead.

Talks between Sudan's ruling military council and the opposition over the path to a new sovereign council to run the country after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir were postponed on Tuesday after four young protesters were shot dead. Below is a timeline of key developments: Dec 19, 2018 - Hundreds protest in the northern city of Atbara against soaring bread prices. Demonstrations spurred by a broader economic crisis spread to Khartoum and other cities in the days that follow. Crowds start chanting: "The people want the fall of the regime" a slogan used in the "Arab Spring" uprisings that unseated rulers across the Muslim world in 2011. Security services respond with tear gas and gunfire. April 11, 2019 - The army overthrows President Omar al-Bashir, ending his three decades in power. The generals announce two years of military rule followed by-elections. Street celebrations turn into more demonstrations as hundreds of thousands demand a handover to civilians. June 3 - Security forces raid a sit-in protest outside the defence ministry in Khartoum. Crowds flee in panic. In the days that follow, opposition-linked medics say more than 100 people were killed in the assault. June 16 - Bashir appears in public for the first time since his overthrow as he is taken from prison to be charged with corruption-related offences. He has already been charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. July 5 - The military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups agree provisionally to share power for three years, after mediation by Ethiopia and pressure from the African Union and world powers. They signed a political accord on July 17 that defines the transition's institutions. Differences remain over the wording of a constitutional declaration. July 29 - At least four children and one adult are shot dead when security forces break up a student protest against fuel and bread shortages in the city of El-Obeid, opposition-linked doctors say.

Timeline: Key dates in Sudan's political upheaval

African nations launched the "operational phase" of a landmark free trade accord at the African Union (AU) Summit in Nigerien capital, Niamey on Sunday, creating what leaders hope will be the world's largest free trade area.

African leaders launch 'historic' AfCFTA free trade deal

The African Union launches the "operational phase" this weekend of a long-awaited trade accord, but analysts say the continent faces an uphill task to transform the pact into reality.

The 55-nation AU, gathering for a summit in Niger, will give the formal push to a deal to phase out tariffs on trade from the Cape of Good Hope to Cairo.

By doing so, say supporters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), business between African nations will boom.

The economy of Africa, with a GDP of $2.5 trillion today, will reach takeoff just as its 1.2 billion population doubles over the next three decades, they predict.

"It's a remarkable achievement, and one that can even be described as historic," AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat said Thursday in the Niger capital Niamey.

Backers were given something to celebrate ahead of the summit: on Tuesday, Nigeria, the continent's largest and most populous economy, said it would sign after long holding back.&nbsp;

Talks on free trade began back in 2002, culminating in a deal that in late May crossed the threshold of ratification by at least 22 countries.

That tally is now 25 out of 55 AU members. Benin and Eritrea are the last countries yet to sign.

Major hurdles

The sunny mood may well sour when the AU is confronted with the realities of the task at hand, observers say.

"Negotiations on some very important points have not yet been completed," said Trudi Hartzenberg, director at Tralac, a specialist trade law organisation based in South Africa.

A timetable for lowering customs duties, rules for certifying "Made in Africa" products, and arbitration mechanisms to settle trade disputes are among the hurdles not even close to being resolved.

In its first phase, the zone will eliminate customs duties on 90 per cent of goods.

Tariffs will be scrapped over a longer period on seven per cent of "sensitive" goods -- a potential means for a country to protect national sectors from foreign imports, say analysts. Tariffs on the remaining three per cent of goods will remain in place.

At the Niamey meet, the AU is expected to choose the location of a secretariat, with Ghana and eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) among the names doing the rounds.

Critics say many economies are hugely dependent on agriculture or on primary resources such as minerals and forestry, and lack the diversity necessary for vibrant two-way trade.&nbsp;

The share of trade done by African nations with each other is very low -- just 16 per cent, compared to 65 per cent among European countries.

"Africa trades with the rest of the world, but it does not trade with itself," said Jakkie Cilliers from the Institute for Security Studies, a South African-based think tank.

'No magic bullet'

AfCFTA fans claim this slender intra-African trade could be boosted by 60 per cent within a few years.

But others caution that benefits on this scale will take far longer to achieve.

"The (free trade) agreement between Canada and the EU took seven years to negotiate and that was just between one country and a fairly economically integrated group of 28 states, not 55 countries, each at very different stages of economic development," said Elissa Jobson at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank.

Cilliers said the AfCFTA would take "about a decade to produce its positive effects".

"This is not a magic bullet," he said.

The average tariffs on intra-African trade, of 6.1 per cent, are higher than on exports to non-African countries.

This discrepancy is cited as a reason why intra-African trade is so low.

But, say observers, import duties are not the only obstacles to freer business.

Corruption, decrepit infrastructure and lengthy waiting times at borders are also hefty barriers.

In a report published in April, the International Monetary Fund said "improving trade logistics, such as customs services, and addressing poor infrastructure could be up to four times more effective in boosting trade than tariff reductions".

The African Union launches the "operational phase" this weekend of a long-awaited trade accord, but analysts say the continent faces an uphill task to transform the pact into reality.

The African Union launches the "operational phase" this weekend of a long-awaited trade accord, but analysts say the continent faces an uphill task to transform the pact into reality. The 55-nation AU, gathering for a summit in Niger, will give the formal push to a deal to phase out tariffs on trade from the Cape of Good Hope to Cairo. By doing so, say supporters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), business between African nations will boom. The economy of Africa, with a GDP of $2.5 trillion today, will reach takeoff just as its 1.2 billion population doubles over the next three decades, they predict. "It's a remarkable achievement, and one that can even be described as historic," AU Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat said Thursday in the Niger capital Niamey. Backers were given something to celebrate ahead of the summit: on Tuesday, Nigeria, the continent's largest and most populous economy, said it would sign after long holding back. Talks on free trade began back in 2002, culminating in a deal that in late May crossed the threshold of ratification by at least 22 countries. That tally is now 25 out of 55 AU members. Benin and Eritrea are the last countries yet to sign. Major hurdles The sunny mood may well sour when the AU is confronted with the realities of the task at hand, observers say. "Negotiations on some very important points have not yet been completed," said Trudi Hartzenberg, director at Tralac, a specialist trade law organisation based in South Africa. A timetable for lowering customs duties, rules for certifying "Made in Africa" products, and arbitration mechanisms to settle trade disputes are among the hurdles not even close to being resolved. In its first phase, the zone will eliminate customs duties on 90 per cent of goods. Tariffs will be scrapped over a longer period on seven per cent of "sensitive" goods -- a potential means for a country to protect national sectors from foreign imports, say analysts. Tariffs on the remaining three per cent of goods will remain in place. At the Niamey meet, the AU is expected to choose the location of a secretariat, with Ghana and eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) among the names doing the rounds. Critics say many economies are hugely dependent on agriculture or on primary resources such as minerals and forestry, and lack the diversity necessary for vibrant two-way trade. The share of trade done by African nations with each other is very low -- just 16 per cent, compared to 65 per cent among European countries. "Africa trades with the rest of the world, but it does not trade with itself," said Jakkie Cilliers from the Institute for Security Studies, a South African-based think tank. 'No magic bullet' AfCFTA fans claim this slender intra-African trade could be boosted by 60 per cent within a few years. But others caution that benefits on this scale will take far longer to achieve. "The (free trade) agreement between Canada and the EU took seven years to negotiate and that was just between one country and a fairly economically integrated group of 28 states, not 55 countries, each at very different stages of economic development," said Elissa Jobson at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank. Cilliers said the AfCFTA would take "about a decade to produce its positive effects". "This is not a magic bullet," he said. The average tariffs on intra-African trade, of 6.1 per cent, are higher than on exports to non-African countries. This discrepancy is cited as a reason why intra-African trade is so low. But, say observers, import duties are not the only obstacles to freer business. Corruption, decrepit infrastructure and lengthy waiting times at borders are also hefty barriers. In a report published in April, the International Monetary Fund said "improving trade logistics, such as customs services, and addressing poor infrastructure could be up to four times more effective in boosting trade than tariff reductions".

Step by step, Africa inches toward 'historic' free trade zone

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit.&nbsp;

The summit will take place from July 7-8&nbsp;in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal.&nbsp;

This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Indian assistance comes even as the government&nbsp;increases its engagement with the continent.&nbsp;

New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen&nbsp;maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. &nbsp;

New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal. This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Indian assistance comes even as the government increases its engagement with the continent. New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance. India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India extends $15 million to Niger for African Union summit

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who led an active, reformist tenure as African Union chair, on Sunday passed the baton to Egypt, seen as more likely to focus on security issues than expanding the body's powers.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi officially took over the rotating post of ceremonial head of the AU at the start of a two-day summit in Addis Ababa.

The meeting highlighted the "links between the Mediterranean and Lake Victoria," as a metaphor for sub-Saharan Africa.

"Egypt has an interest in Africa, they want to strengthen their position on the African continent and they don't want to be seen as a country only focused on the Arab world," said Liesl Louw-Vaudran, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies.

Kagame's leadership of the AU focused on institutional and administrative reforms. Sisi, however, is expected to focus more on security, peacekeeping and post-war reconstruction, issues closely tied to the AU's 2019 theme of "Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons".

"The road is still long" in terms of reaching the AU's goal of "silencing the guns" by 2020, Sisi told delegates on Sunday. He announced he would hold a "forum for peace and development" in the town of Aswan, southern Egypt, in 2019.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that peaceful elections in DR Congo, Mali and Madagascar, peace deals in South Sudan and the Central African Republic and the truce between Ethiopia and Eritrea, were however signs of a "wind of hope" on the continent.

Guterres also hailed the solidarity shown in Africa, where countries house nearly a third of refugees and displaced people in the world.

"Despite the continent's own social, economic and security challenges, Africa’s governments and people have kept borders, doors and hearts open to millions in need," he said.

"Unfortunately, this example has not been followed everywhere."

The chairmanship of the AU rotates between the five regions of the continent, and South Africa will take over from Egypt next year.

Reforms and resistance

While multiple crises on the continent will be on the agenda of heads of state from the 55 member nations, the summit will also focus on institutional reforms and the establishment of a continent-wide free trade zone.

While the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) was agreed by 44 nations in March 2018, only 19 countries have so far ratified the agreement. It requires 22 to ratify it for it to come into effect.

The single market is a flagship of the AU's "Agenda 2063" programme, conceived as key to transforming the continent's economies.

Cairo is backing the initiative, but analysts say it will be less likely to focus on the financial and administrative reforms pushed by Kagame.

Kagame, who has been leading institutional reforms since 2016, pushed for a continent-wide import tax to fund the AU and reduce its dependence on external donors, who still pay for more than half the institution's annual budget.

But member states have resisted both this and moves to strengthen the powers of the AU Commission, its executive organ. In November 2018, most states rejected a proposal to give the head of the AU Commission the power to name deputies and commissioners.

Egypt, like fellow regional heavyweights Nigeria and South Africa, is not keen on a powerful AU, one African diplomat told AFP.

Cairo has "never forgotten" its suspension in 2013 after Egypt's army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who had in 2012 became the country's first democratically elected president, the diplomat said.

"Traditionally, leaders of big powers have not really helped the position of AU chairperson, as they don't want an AU which is too strong or too intrusive," said Elissa Jobson of the International Crisis Group.

Kagame suffered a setback after expressing "serious doubts" on behalf of the AU about the results of the Democratic Republic of Congo's recent presidential election, which was officially won by Felix Tshisekedi.&nbsp;

The country's Catholic church had also questioned the result.

But the DRC's constitutional court validated the results anyway and continental heavyweights South Africa, Kenya and Egypt acknowledged Tshisekedi's victory.

"This whole thing was an embarrassment for the AU, it showed the limitations of what the AU chairperson can do," said Jobson.

Amnesty International expressed fears that Egypt's chairmanship could undermine human rights in the AU.

"During his time in power President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has demonstrated a shocking contempt for human rights," said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty's North Africa Campaigns Director.

"Under his leadership, the country has undergone a catastrophic decline in rights and freedoms," she added.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who led an active, reformist tenure as African Union chair, on Sunday passed the baton to Egypt, seen as more likely to focus on security issues than expanding the body's powers.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who led an active, reformist tenure as African Union chair, on Sunday passed the baton to Egypt, seen as more likely to focus on security issues than expanding the body's powers. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi officially took over the rotating post of ceremonial head of the AU at the start of a two-day summit in Addis Ababa. The meeting highlighted the "links between the Mediterranean and Lake Victoria," as a metaphor for sub-Saharan Africa. "Egypt has an interest in Africa, they want to strengthen their position on the African continent and they don't want to be seen as a country only focused on the Arab world," said Liesl Louw-Vaudran, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies. Kagame's leadership of the AU focused on institutional and administrative reforms. Sisi, however, is expected to focus more on security, peacekeeping and post-war reconstruction, issues closely tied to the AU's 2019 theme of "Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons". "The road is still long" in terms of reaching the AU's goal of "silencing the guns" by 2020, Sisi told delegates on Sunday. He announced he would hold a "forum for peace and development" in the town of Aswan, southern Egypt, in 2019. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that peaceful elections in DR Congo, Mali and Madagascar, peace deals in South Sudan and the Central African Republic and the truce between Ethiopia and Eritrea, were however signs of a "wind of hope" on the continent. Guterres also hailed the solidarity shown in Africa, where countries house nearly a third of refugees and displaced people in the world. "Despite the continent's own social, economic and security challenges, Africa’s governments and people have kept borders, doors and hearts open to millions in need," he said. "Unfortunately, this example has not been followed everywhere." The chairmanship of the AU rotates between the five regions of the continent, and South Africa will take over from Egypt next year. Reforms and resistance While multiple crises on the continent will be on the agenda of heads of state from the 55 member nations, the summit will also focus on institutional reforms and the establishment of a continent-wide free trade zone. While the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) was agreed by 44 nations in March 2018, only 19 countries have so far ratified the agreement. It requires 22 to ratify it for it to come into effect. The single market is a flagship of the AU's "Agenda 2063" programme, conceived as key to transforming the continent's economies. Cairo is backing the initiative, but analysts say it will be less likely to focus on the financial and administrative reforms pushed by Kagame. Kagame, who has been leading institutional reforms since 2016, pushed for a continent-wide import tax to fund the AU and reduce its dependence on external donors, who still pay for more than half the institution's annual budget. But member states have resisted both this and moves to strengthen the powers of the AU Commission, its executive organ. In November 2018, most states rejected a proposal to give the head of the AU Commission the power to name deputies and commissioners. Egypt, like fellow regional heavyweights Nigeria and South Africa, is not keen on a powerful AU, one African diplomat told AFP. Cairo has "never forgotten" its suspension in 2013 after Egypt's army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who had in 2012 became the country's first democratically elected president, the diplomat said. "Traditionally, leaders of big powers have not really helped the position of AU chairperson, as they don't want an AU which is too strong or too intrusive," said Elissa Jobson of the International Crisis Group. Kagame suffered a setback after expressing "serious doubts" on behalf of the AU about the results of the Democratic Republic of Congo's recent presidential election, which was officially won by Felix Tshisekedi. The country's Catholic church had also questioned the result. But the DRC's constitutional court validated the results anyway and continental heavyweights South Africa, Kenya and Egypt acknowledged Tshisekedi's victory. "This whole thing was an embarrassment for the AU, it showed the limitations of what the AU chairperson can do," said Jobson. Amnesty International expressed fears that Egypt's chairmanship could undermine human rights in the AU. "During his time in power President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has demonstrated a shocking contempt for human rights," said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty's North Africa Campaigns Director. "Under his leadership, the country has undergone a catastrophic decline in rights and freedoms," she added.

Kagame steps down, Egypt's Sisi takes helm at African Union

The African Union called Thursday for the final announcement of last month's disputed presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be suspended due to "serious doubts".

Meeting in Ethiopia, the AU agreed to urgently send "a high-level delegation" to Kinshasa in a bid to find a way out of the political crisis.

"The Heads of State and Government attending the meeting concluded that there were serious doubts on the conformity of the provisional results, as proclaimed by the National Independent Electoral Commission, with the votes cast," the AU said in a statement.

As a result, it has "called for the suspension of the proclamation of the final results of the elections".

The provisional results of the long-awaited election announced last week are being challenged in court, in a country that has never known a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960.

The electoral commission last Thursday declared opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the December 30 vote with 38.57 per cent of the tally against chief rival Martin Fayulu's 34.8 per cent.

Fayulu who launched the court action said it was an "electoral coup" forged in backroom dealings between Tshisekedi and outgoing President Joseph Kabila, who has been in power since 2001.

"Even if the situation on the ground has been fortunately calm so far, it obviously remains a cause for concern," AU chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat told African leaders including from South Africa, Zambia and the Republic of Congo gathered to discuss the vote dispute at AU headquarters in Ethiopia.

Earlier this week, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a bloc that includes Angola and South Africa, called for a recount of the vote and a unity government in DR Congo.

But in a communique issued on Thursday, SADC made no mention of those demands, instead calling on Congolese politicians to "address any electoral grievances in line with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitution and relevant electoral laws".

It also asked the international community to respect the DR Congo's "sovereignty" and "territorial integrity".

The vote dispute has raised fears that the country's political crisis, which erupted two years ago when Kabila refused to step down at the end of his constitutional term in office, could worsen.

The vast and chronically unstable country became a battlefield for two regional wars in 1996-97 and 1998-2003, and the last two presidential elections, in 2006 and 2011, were marked by bloody clashes.

The country's top court is due to rule on the court action later this month.&nbsp;

The African Union called Thursday for the final announcement of last month's disputed presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be suspended due to "serious doubts".

The African Union called Thursday for the final announcement of last month's disputed presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be suspended due to "serious doubts". Meeting in Ethiopia, the AU agreed to urgently send "a high-level delegation" to Kinshasa in a bid to find a way out of the political crisis. "The Heads of State and Government attending the meeting concluded that there were serious doubts on the conformity of the provisional results, as proclaimed by the National Independent Electoral Commission, with the votes cast," the AU said in a statement. As a result, it has "called for the suspension of the proclamation of the final results of the elections". The provisional results of the long-awaited election announced last week are being challenged in court, in a country that has never known a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. The electoral commission last Thursday declared opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the December 30 vote with 38.57 per cent of the tally against chief rival Martin Fayulu's 34.8 per cent. Fayulu who launched the court action said it was an "electoral coup" forged in backroom dealings between Tshisekedi and outgoing President Joseph Kabila, who has been in power since 2001. "Even if the situation on the ground has been fortunately calm so far, it obviously remains a cause for concern," AU chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat told African leaders including from South Africa, Zambia and the Republic of Congo gathered to discuss the vote dispute at AU headquarters in Ethiopia. Earlier this week, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a bloc that includes Angola and South Africa, called for a recount of the vote and a unity government in DR Congo. But in a communique issued on Thursday, SADC made no mention of those demands, instead calling on Congolese politicians to "address any electoral grievances in line with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitution and relevant electoral laws". It also asked the international community to respect the DR Congo's "sovereignty" and "territorial integrity". The vote dispute has raised fears that the country's political crisis, which erupted two years ago when Kabila refused to step down at the end of his constitutional term in office, could worsen. The vast and chronically unstable country became a battlefield for two regional wars in 1996-97 and 1998-2003, and the last two presidential elections, in 2006 and 2011, were marked by bloody clashes. The country's top court is due to rule on the court action later this month.

African Union seeks delay in final announcement of DR Congo vote results

China&#39;s ambassador to the African Union today denounced as &quot;absurd&quot; a report by French newspaper Le Monde alleging that Beijing has been spying on the continental body.

The report published last week claims technicians at AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital discovered last year that the contents of their computers had been regularly copied to servers in Shanghai since 2012, citing several unnamed AU sources.

&quot;I think the report is a sensational story but is also preposterous and absurd,&quot; Chinese envoy Kuang Weilin said on the sidelines of the AU summit in Addis Ababa.

The twice-yearly meeting is taking place in a soaring conference hall built by the Chinese as a symbol of their friendship with Africa and inaugurated the same year the alleged spying began.

Weilin said the report published last week on the eve of the summit &quot;will undermine the image of the newspaper&quot; but not the relationship between China and Africa.

AU commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat played down the allegations during a press conference after the summit&#39;s close, saying he had seen &quot;no evidence of espionage in the building,&quot; a sentiment shared by at least one African leader.

&quot;There is nothing to be spied (on). I don&#39;t believe it,&quot; Ethiopian prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn told journalists.

Le Monde says the AU&#39;s servers were changed and its IT systems were redone after the copying was found.

The newspaper also reports that Ethiopian cybersecurity experts removed microphones hidden in the desks and walls of the headquarters.

China is deeply invested in Africa, regularly offering low-interest loans and gifts to individual nations and doing USD 149.2 billion (120.3 billion euros) in a trade with the continent in 2016.&nbsp;

The report published last week claims technicians at AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital discovered that the contents of their computers had been regularly copied

China's ambassador to the African Union today denounced as "absurd" a report by French newspaper Le Monde alleging that Beijing has been spying on the continental body. The report published last week claims technicians at AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital discovered last year that the contents of their computers had been regularly copied to servers in Shanghai since 2012, citing several unnamed AU sources. "I think the report is a sensational story but is also preposterous and absurd," Chinese envoy Kuang Weilin said on the sidelines of the AU summit in Addis Ababa. The twice-yearly meeting is taking place in a soaring conference hall built by the Chinese as a symbol of their friendship with Africa and inaugurated the same year the alleged spying began. Weilin said the report published last week on the eve of the summit "will undermine the image of the newspaper" but not the relationship between China and Africa. AU commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat played down the allegations during a press conference after the summit's close, saying he had seen "no evidence of espionage in the building," a sentiment shared by at least one African leader. "There is nothing to be spied (on). I don't believe it," Ethiopian prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn told journalists. Le Monde says the AU's servers were changed and its IT systems were redone after the copying was found. The newspaper also reports that Ethiopian cybersecurity experts removed microphones hidden in the desks and walls of the headquarters. China is deeply invested in Africa, regularly offering low-interest loans and gifts to individual nations and doing USD 149.2 billion (120.3 billion euros) in a trade with the continent in 2016.

China calls African Union spying report 'preposterous'

&quot;I am finally home,&quot; King Mohammed VI said Tuesday as the African Union readmitted Morocco after a 33-year absence, deferring the issue of Western Sahara for another day.

Morocco&#39;s return came a day after 39 of the AU&#39;s 54 member states agreed to allow it back in the fold, despite stiff resistance from countries such as South Africa and Algeria over the status of the disputed former Spanish colony.

Faced with the AU&#39;s decision, Western Sahara officials appeared to accept the new reality, saying AU membership might help speed up efforts to end a protracted conflict.

&quot;It is a beautiful day when one returns home after too long an absence,&quot; Mohammed VI told the closing ceremony of the AU summit in Ethiopia.

His speech came after a long day of feverish speculation in the halls of the AU headquarters over whether he would indeed show up. Morocco quit the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1984 after the bloc admitted the former Western Sahara as a separate member.&nbsp;

Morocco maintains that the territory under its control -- which is home to large reserves of phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilisers, as well as rich fish stocks off its coast -- is an integral part of the kingdom.

But the Polisario Front, which campaigns for independence, demands a referendum on self-determination for the territory of half a million residents.

Some had feared Morocco would seek the expulsion of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a precondition for its return to the AU, but the country agreed to return without conditions.

&quot;From the moment that Morocco did not impose conditions ... we take their word for it and accept that Morocco be admitted to the African Union,&quot; said Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, foreign minister of the SADR, which claims sovereignty over the entire territory of Western Sahara.

Salek said Monday that having Morocco in the same room would allow the SADR to pressure them into fulfilling their obligations and hold a long-sought referendum.

The European Union has welcomed the move, saying: &quot;Cooperation and regional integration are essential for prosperity, stability and peace.&quot;

King Mohammed did not raise the issue of Western Sahara in his speech, choosing instead to highlight how Morocco, &quot;one of the most developed African nations&quot;, could be a boon to the continent.

&quot;We do not ignore the fact that we do not have unanimity in this noble assembly. We do not want to create divisions as some have insinuated,&quot; he said.

Morocco will be &quot;a motor for common economic growth&quot;, he vowed.

&quot;It is time that Africa&#39;s riches benefit Africa. For too long we have looked elsewhere to make decisions, commitments.&quot;

The busy summit also saw Chadian foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat take over from South Africa`s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU commission chief after a fierce election battle that eliminated four other candidates.

Guinea&#39;s Alpha Conde took over the rotating presidency of the bloc, and called for the continent to express solidarity with Somalia, Libya and Sudan, which have been targeted US President Donald Trump&#39;s travel ban.

The decision to re-admit Morocco, and election of a new chairman, took place despite regional divisions that observers feared could lead to delay or deadlock on both issues.

Morocco&#39;s press on Tuesday hailed the kingdom&#39;s return to the bloc, with headlines including &quot;Victorious return&quot; and &quot;Thank you your Majesty&quot;.

&quot;The country will now revert to its role as a political and economic leader and correct its previous errors,&quot; Mohamed Alaoui, a pensioner in Rabat, told AFP. A combative Conde also called for more urgency in reforming the United Nations so that Africa could get a permanent seat on the Security Council -- a long-running demand from the continent.

He appointed South African President Jacob Zuma to lead negotiations with the UN, and also look into the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations on the continent.

&quot;What is the role of the blue helmets? What purpose does this army serve?&quot; Conde asked, pointing to violence in places like South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to negotiate on behalf of the continent with the European Union on the issue of migrants.

&quot;On the migration problem we need to speak with one voice,&quot; Conde said.

(AFP)

Morocco's return came a day after 39 of the AU's 54 member states agreed to allow it back in the fold

"I am finally home," King Mohammed VI said Tuesday as the African Union readmitted Morocco after a 33-year absence, deferring the issue of Western Sahara for another day. Morocco's return came a day after 39 of the AU's 54 member states agreed to allow it back in the fold, despite stiff resistance from countries such as South Africa and Algeria over the status of the disputed former Spanish colony. Faced with the AU's decision, Western Sahara officials appeared to accept the new reality, saying AU membership might help speed up efforts to end a protracted conflict. "It is a beautiful day when one returns home after too long an absence," Mohammed VI told the closing ceremony of the AU summit in Ethiopia. His speech came after a long day of feverish speculation in the halls of the AU headquarters over whether he would indeed show up. Morocco quit the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1984 after the bloc admitted the former Western Sahara as a separate member. Morocco maintains that the territory under its control -- which is home to large reserves of phosphate, a key ingredient in fertilisers, as well as rich fish stocks off its coast -- is an integral part of the kingdom. But the Polisario Front, which campaigns for independence, demands a referendum on self-determination for the territory of half a million residents. Some had feared Morocco would seek the expulsion of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as a precondition for its return to the AU, but the country agreed to return without conditions. "From the moment that Morocco did not impose conditions ... we take their word for it and accept that Morocco be admitted to the African Union," said Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, foreign minister of the SADR, which claims sovereignty over the entire territory of Western Sahara. Salek said Monday that having Morocco in the same room would allow the SADR to pressure them into fulfilling their obligations and hold a long-sought referendum. The European Union has welcomed the move, saying: "Cooperation and regional integration are essential for prosperity, stability and peace." King Mohammed did not raise the issue of Western Sahara in his speech, choosing instead to highlight how Morocco, "one of the most developed African nations", could be a boon to the continent. "We do not ignore the fact that we do not have unanimity in this noble assembly. We do not want to create divisions as some have insinuated," he said. Morocco will be "a motor for common economic growth", he vowed. "It is time that Africa's riches benefit Africa. For too long we have looked elsewhere to make decisions, commitments." The busy summit also saw Chadian foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat take over from South Africa`s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU commission chief after a fierce election battle that eliminated four other candidates. Guinea's Alpha Conde took over the rotating presidency of the bloc, and called for the continent to express solidarity with Somalia, Libya and Sudan, which have been targeted US President Donald Trump's travel ban. The decision to re-admit Morocco, and election of a new chairman, took place despite regional divisions that observers feared could lead to delay or deadlock on both issues. Morocco's press on Tuesday hailed the kingdom's return to the bloc, with headlines including "Victorious return" and "Thank you your Majesty". "The country will now revert to its role as a political and economic leader and correct its previous errors," Mohamed Alaoui, a pensioner in Rabat, told AFP. A combative Conde also called for more urgency in reforming the United Nations so that Africa could get a permanent seat on the Security Council -- a long-running demand from the continent. He appointed South African President Jacob Zuma to lead negotiations with the UN, and also look into the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations on the continent. "What is the role of the blue helmets? What purpose does this army serve?" Conde asked, pointing to violence in places like South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. He also appointed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to negotiate on behalf of the continent with the European Union on the issue of migrants. "On the migration problem we need to speak with one voice," Conde said. (AFP)

Morocco returns to African Union after more than 3 decades

&nbsp;

African leaders on Saturday signed a deal to boost security off the continent&#39;s economically crucial coasts, hoping to shore up development by tackling maritime crimes like piracy and smuggling.

Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso hailed the African Union agreement as &quot;historic&quot;, while Kenya&#39;s President Uhuru Kenyatta said it showed Africa&#39;s ability to put together a continent-wide strategy.

Sassou Nguesso said 43 nations had adopted the binding agreement -- which will see countries pay into a special fund for maritime security -- at a summit in Togo&#39;s capital Lome.

The deal is designed to improve information-sharing between African nations, a weakness that pirates and smugglers have benefited from in the past, slipping between territorial waters with little trouble.

The talks drew 18 heads of state -- an unusually high figure for an AU meeting of this kind, signalling the importance that governments have placed on the need to cut piracy and other crime in Africa&#39;s waters.

As he opened the summit, Chad&#39;s President Idriss Deby, the current AU chief, noted that some 90 per cent of Africa&#39;s imports and exports are transported by sea, making maritime security key to the continent&#39;s economic future.

Of the AU&#39;s 54 member states, 38 have coastlines.

Deby said the charter would &quot;allow the promotion of commerce and the exploitation of the huge potential of the maritime sector, as well as the creation of wealth and jobs in several industries&quot;.

It would also &quot;mark a decisive new step in the push to preserve the maritime environment&quot;, he added.

The deal will create new national and regional institutions to improve security in African waters, while the signatories pledged a string of measures to protect the maritime environment and fight trafficking in drugs, arms and people.&nbsp;

But Timothy Walker, a maritime security researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), said the deal would allow countries to withhold information from each other if they judge this to be in the interests of national security.

&quot;It&#39;s a big step but it can not be the final step. There is still a lot of work to do,&quot; Walker told AFP.

&nbsp;Piracy in focus&nbsp;

&quot;African leaders have started to realise that the maritime domain is a source of economic opportunity for the future,&quot; Walker added.

Togo&#39;s foreign minister Robert Dussey told AFP ahead of the summit that there was a clear need for African countries to work together to combat an upsurge in piracy in order to make full use of the continent&#39;s maritime resources.&nbsp;

Piracy, smuggling and other crimes at sea have cost the African maritime sector hundreds of billions of dollars in recent decades, according to the AU.

Large-scale illegal fishing also helps drive piracy as it depletes stocks, reducing the legitimate economic activities of coastal communities.

In West Africa alone, the AU estimates that illicit fishing causes losses of 170 billion CFA Francs ($285 million, 260 million euros) every year.

World piracy has been on the decline since 2012 after international naval patrols were launched off East Africa in response to violent attacks by mostly Somali-based pirates.

But the focus of concern has shifted to the Gulf of Guinea, where a new class of pirates -- mostly offshoots of militant groups from the Niger Delta -- have become active.

At least 27 attempted or successful hijackings and kidnappings at sea have been recorded off west Africa since April, according to the International Maritime Organization, compared to just two off east Africa.

The 17 countries lining the Gulf of Guinea have poor maritime surveillance capacities and have been trying for several years to boost cooperation to clamp down on piracy.

The deal will need to be ratified by at least 15 countries before it comes into force, and Barthelemy Blede, an ISS maritime researcher in Ivory Coast, said it remained to be seen whether there was &quot;real will&quot; to make the deal a reality.

&quot;It&#39;s a historic act, but it&#39;s one thing to adopt a text and sign it, and another thing to ratify it,&quot; he told AFP.

(AFP)

 
&nbsp;

The maritime deal aims to improve information sharing between the African Union countries, from which pirates have benefited

African leaders on Saturday signed a deal to boost security off the continent's economically crucial coasts, hoping to shore up development by tackling maritime crimes like piracy and smuggling. Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso hailed the African Union agreement as "historic", while Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said it showed Africa's ability to put together a continent-wide strategy. Sassou Nguesso said 43 nations had adopted the binding agreement -- which will see countries pay into a special fund for maritime security -- at a summit in Togo's capital Lome. The deal is designed to improve information-sharing between African nations, a weakness that pirates and smugglers have benefited from in the past, slipping between territorial waters with little trouble. The talks drew 18 heads of state -- an unusually high figure for an AU meeting of this kind, signalling the importance that governments have placed on the need to cut piracy and other crime in Africa's waters. As he opened the summit, Chad's President Idriss Deby, the current AU chief, noted that some 90 per cent of Africa's imports and exports are transported by sea, making maritime security key to the continent's economic future. Of the AU's 54 member states, 38 have coastlines. Deby said the charter would "allow the promotion of commerce and the exploitation of the huge potential of the maritime sector, as well as the creation of wealth and jobs in several industries". It would also "mark a decisive new step in the push to preserve the maritime environment", he added. The deal will create new national and regional institutions to improve security in African waters, while the signatories pledged a string of measures to protect the maritime environment and fight trafficking in drugs, arms and people. But Timothy Walker, a maritime security researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), said the deal would allow countries to withhold information from each other if they judge this to be in the interests of national security. "It's a big step but it can not be the final step. There is still a lot of work to do," Walker told AFP. Piracy in focus "African leaders have started to realise that the maritime domain is a source of economic opportunity for the future," Walker added. Togo's foreign minister Robert Dussey told AFP ahead of the summit that there was a clear need for African countries to work together to combat an upsurge in piracy in order to make full use of the continent's maritime resources. Piracy, smuggling and other crimes at sea have cost the African maritime sector hundreds of billions of dollars in recent decades, according to the AU. Large-scale illegal fishing also helps drive piracy as it depletes stocks, reducing the legitimate economic activities of coastal communities. In West Africa alone, the AU estimates that illicit fishing causes losses of 170 billion CFA Francs ($285 million, 260 million euros) every year. World piracy has been on the decline since 2012 after international naval patrols were launched off East Africa in response to violent attacks by mostly Somali-based pirates. But the focus of concern has shifted to the Gulf of Guinea, where a new class of pirates -- mostly offshoots of militant groups from the Niger Delta -- have become active. At least 27 attempted or successful hijackings and kidnappings at sea have been recorded off west Africa since April, according to the International Maritime Organization, compared to just two off east Africa. The 17 countries lining the Gulf of Guinea have poor maritime surveillance capacities and have been trying for several years to boost cooperation to clamp down on piracy. The deal will need to be ratified by at least 15 countries before it comes into force, and Barthelemy Blede, an ISS maritime researcher in Ivory Coast, said it remained to be seen whether there was "real will" to make the deal a reality. "It's a historic act, but it's one thing to adopt a text and sign it, and another thing to ratify it," he told AFP. (AFP)

African nations hail maritime deal

African heads of state meeting in Kigali failed today to elect a new head of the African Union and will try again in January, an official said. 
 
Current AU Commission President Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was due to stand down but leaders were unable to agree on a successor to lead the executive branch of the continental body during its 27th summit meeting, being held in the Rwandan capital. 
 
&quot;Black smoke billows from the 27th AU Summit as no winner emerges... Commission elections postponed till next summit,&quot; Dlamini-Zuma&#39;s spokesman, Jacob Enoh Eben, said on Twitter, referencing the smoke signal that precedes the naming of a new pope. 
 
None of the three candidates was able to muster the two-thirds majority required to win in the secret ballot. 
 
Ahead of the vote many states had expressed dismay at the &quot;lack of stature&quot; among the little known candidates from Botswana, Equatorial-Guinea and Uganda and, in the end, 28 of the 54 member states abstained from the final round of voting thus forcing a postponement of the election and an extension of Dlamini-Zuma&#39;s term. 
 
(AFP)

28 of the 54 member states abstained from the final round of voting thus forcing postponement of the election

African heads of state meeting in Kigali failed today to elect a new head of the African Union and will try again in January, an official said. Current AU Commission President Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was due to stand down but leaders were unable to agree on a successor to lead the executive branch of the continental body during its 27th summit meeting, being held in the Rwandan capital. "Black smoke billows from the 27th AU Summit as no winner emerges... Commission elections postponed till next summit," Dlamini-Zuma's spokesman, Jacob Enoh Eben, said on Twitter, referencing the smoke signal that precedes the naming of a new pope. None of the three candidates was able to muster the two-thirds majority required to win in the secret ballot. Ahead of the vote many states had expressed dismay at the "lack of stature" among the little known candidates from Botswana, Equatorial-Guinea and Uganda and, in the end, 28 of the 54 member states abstained from the final round of voting thus forcing a postponement of the election and an extension of Dlamini-Zuma's term. (AFP)

African Union fails to elect new leader

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