Tag 30th ordinary session of the assembly of heads of states and government

Here are the key points and outcomes from the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU):

Date: 2-3 February 2023 Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Key Outcomes:

  1. Theme: "Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa's Development" - The theme emphasized the need to address conflicts and promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
  2. Adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): The Assembly adopted the AfCFTA agreement, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, promoting economic integration and development.
  3. Silencing the Guns Initiative: The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the Silencing the Guns initiative, which aims to eliminate conflicts and promote peace and stability in Africa by 2024.
  4. Conflict Prevention and Resolution: The Assembly emphasized the need for conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, and called for the strengthening of the AU's capacity to respond to conflicts.
  5. Economic Development: The Assembly emphasized the need for economic development and diversification, and called for increased investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry.
  6. Climate Change: The Assembly recognized the impact of climate change on Africa and called for increased efforts to address the issue, including the implementation of the African Climate Change Program.
  7. Migration: The Assembly emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to migration, including the protection of migrants' rights and the promotion of development and cooperation between countries of origin, transit, and destination.
  8. Electoral Assistance: The Assembly adopted a decision on electoral assistance, which aims to promote democratic governance and electoral integrity in Africa.
  9. AU Reform: The Assembly discussed the reform of the AU, including the strengthening of its institutions and the improvement of its governance and decision-making processes.

Decisions and Resolutions:

  1. Decision on the Silencing the Guns Initiative: The Assembly decided to intensify efforts to silence the guns and promote peace and stability in Africa.
  2. Decision on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): The Assembly adopted the AfCFTA agreement and decided to establish a committee to oversee its implementation.
  3. Decision on Conflict Prevention and Resolution: The Assembly decided to strengthen the AU's capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts, and to promote dialogue and mediation in conflict situations.
  4. Decision on Economic Development: The Assembly decided to promote economic development and diversification in Africa, and to increase investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry.
  5. Decision on Climate Change: The Assembly decided to increase efforts to address climate change, including the implementation of the African Climate Change Program.

Other Outcomes:

  1. AU Chairperson: The Assembly elected President Macky Sall of Senegal as the Chairperson of the AU for 2023.
  2. AU Commission Chairperson: The Assembly reappointed Commissioner Moussa Faki Mahamat as the Chairperson of the AU Commission for a second term.
  3. AU Peace and Security Council: The Assembly elected new members to the AU Peace and Security Council, including Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa.