H.E. MR YUKIYA AMANO, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) VISITS THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION ON 12 NOVEMBER 2012

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), H.E. Mr Yukiya Amano is scheduled to visit the African Union Commission on 12 November 2012. His visit to the AUC is in support of the agency’s efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear techniques in the relevant sectors to reduce poverty and alleviate hunger. Over the years, the AUC has worked in close collaboration with the IAEA in the Agriculture sector and others, a notable example being the establishment of the AU-Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign Office in 2001 which was fully funded by IAEA for four years since inception. To further strengthen this collaboration, the AUC and IAEA have signed an MOU on the implementation of PATTEC. While at AUC, the DG will meet the Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture among other high level dignitaries. It is envisaged that at the meeting with Commissioner REA, discussions will focus on the use of nuclear techniques to contribute to food security and poverty reduction. The DG is expected to pledge continued support to the AU-PATTEC as well as the agency’s tsetse and Trypanosomiasis affected countries ad solicit similar support from other international partners. In addition, the DG will hold a press conference where he is expected to elaborate on IAEA’s agenda on the peaceful use of nuclear techniques and how specifically, the PATTEC initiative is benefiting from the Peaceful Use of Nuclear techniques

AUC and CTA sign MoU to strengthen agricultural policies in Africa

Addis Ababa, November 9, 2012 - The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen agricultural policies in Africa. The MoU was signed by the AUC’s Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) Commissioner, Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, on behalf of the AUC and Dr. Michael Hailu, CTA Director. During the signing ceremony, Mrs. Tumusiime welcomed the partnership with CTA as a timely move; as global attention was now focused on Africa’s resolve to shoulder its responsibilities of eradicating hunger and poverty. “This is a partnership that is being formally recognised on the heels of the commemoration of the African Day for Food and Nutrition Security Day, in which the issue of access to safe and nutritious food to all is a significant consideration. It is, therefore, essential that this partnership aims at supporting in concrete terms, the drive towards a hunger-free Africa,’’ she said. Mrs. Tumusiime commended CTA’s role in championing the causes of agricultural development, food and nutrition security and environmental sustainability in Africa. She stressed that DREA and CTA had already forged strong partnerships through collaborative efforts in popularising the AU’s Policy Framework on Pastoralism as well as engagements DREA has had with CTA organised Development Policy Briefings. Mrs. Tumusiime was further pleased to note that CTA’s current strategic plan had identified the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and related Africa-led Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) policy processes as its focus of engagement with Africa. Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Hailu said CTA was committed to supporting agriculture and rural development particularly in Africa because of the various challenges the continent faces. Consequently, to effectively address Africa’s agricultural challenges, he said CTA had realigned its activities with prioritised activities identified by governments through CAADP programmes. Among other collaborative efforts, the MOU focuses on strengthening the cooperation between the two institutions to enhance agricultural policies in Africa for increased productivity, intra-regional trade in agricultural products, promote sustainable natural resource management and to accelerate the implementation of CAADP at national, regional and continental levels.

AUC and GALVmed sign MOU on control and eradication of Trypanosomiasis

Addis Ababa, November 9, 2012- The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance efforts to control and eradicate African animal Trypanosomiasis. The AUC’s Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) through its Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) Office, has been working in close collaboration with GALVmed in the fight against the scourge of tsetse and trypanosomiasis. Consequently, in an effort to enhance collaboration between AU-PATTEC and GALVmed, the MOU was signed today by DREA Commissioner, Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime and Professor Andrew Peters, Interim Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the Chairman Board of Directors of GALVmed. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mrs. Tumusiime commended GALVmed’s commitment in tackling animal diseases in Africa. She said the MOU was of cardinal importance as it enhanced efforts by the two organisations to control trypanosomiasis. Mrs. Tumusiime stressed that AU-PATTEC was a critical unit in DREA as it was fighting trypanosomiasis, that not only affected animals but human beings as well. “With the support of AU-PATTEC, the GALVmed Trypanosomiasis project has become more visible and is serving its purpose.” She said. “Trypanosomosis is one of Africa’s greatest constraints to rural development and I am very pleased that you have been working to contain this problem in the last 2 years.’’ Also speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Peters said the MOU was of critical importance to GALVmed as it would enable intensive collaboration with AU-PATTEC, in the two institution’s efforts to detect trypanosomiasis in animals and develop new products for its treatment and control. The MoU signed today will facilitate collaboration between the Parties in matters of common interest, namely the promotion and improvement of animal health, protection of livestock and saving human life and in particular exploring means for achieving control and eradication of African animal Trypanosomiasis throughout Africa. AU-PATTEC and GALVmed will work together to conceptualise, plan and implement research, develop, validate and deploy animal health products and services related to African animal Trypanosomosis within the Framework of the PATTEC Initiative which, will be of benefit to resource-poor livestock keepers in Africa.

AUC and AMCOW chart way forward on water and sanitation in Africa

Addis Ababa- November 8, 2012- The African Union’s Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, H.E Mrs. Rhoda Tumusiime yesterday met with the president of the African Ministerial Council on Water (AMCOW), Dr. Mohammed Bahaa ei-Din Saad to chart the way forward as regards AMCOW’s objectives within the thematic approach of “Water for Growth in Africa.” The meeting also focused on issues affecting the Africa Water Vision (AWV) 2025 and the African Union’s July 2008 Sharm el Sheikh Declaration on Water and Sanitation. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Tumusiime commended the progress achieved in implementing the AWV but noted the challenges Africa was still facing in accessing adequate water and sanitation. Mrs. Tumusiime alluded to the critical importance of enhanced efforts to implement the water agenda in Africa based on the principles of the AWV 2025 and the Sharm el Sheikh Declaration on Water and Sanitation. “Let us better organise ourselves and see how we can enhance water for growth on the continent,” she said. Dr. Saad, who is also the Arab Republic of Eygpt’s Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, noted that a large percentage of the African population does not have adequate sanitation; a situation he said exacerbated challenges in the livelihood of people in Africa. He expressed his commitment to integrate AMCOW’s initiatives with those of the African Union to effectively address the challenges in the water and sanitation sector. Some of the resolutions of the meeting included: Consolidating the working methodology between the AUC and AMCOW; developing a Pan African water agenda and compacts to implement the Sharm el Sheikh Commitments; and devising strategic ways to raise the profile of water and sanitation. The one-day meeting was also attended by AMCOW’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Bai-Mass Taal and AMCOW TAC Chairperson, Dr. Nehal Adel.

Remembering Ken E. Kandodo as Finance Minister

Mr. Speaker, Sir, Honourable Members may wish to note that, for many years, a training allowance has been granted to companies as an allowable expense, in addition to the actual expenditure on training. This led to a double subsidy to companies on training expenses, resulting in the depletion of the revenue-base through direct deductions and declaration of tax losses in some cases. Accordingly, training allowance as an allowable expense has been abolished; however, the actual expenditure on training will remain an allowable deduction- 2011/12 Budget Statement, Delivered in the National Assembly of the Republic of Malawi by the Minister of Finance, Honourable Ken E. Kandodo, M.P. at New Parliament Building, Lilongwe.

'President Bingu wa Mutharika was Killed!!!'

So declares the main story in the latest edition of 'Pride' Magazine. The magazine, as usual, digs deeper into could, probably, have been the goings-on behind the scenes, as people- intoxicated by the notion that they were out to 'save' Malawians- planned to take an innocent soul away. Of course, innocent a soul it was. But it was not any other soul. It was not an ordinary soul. The soul they clandestinely planned to terminated was the soul of a leader. A leader of 14 million people. A God-chosen leader. Well, for more information, just pick K1,000.00 from your wallet, go to the next Claim Bookshop, BP Filling Station, Peoples Trading Centre outlet (be it Metro, PTC Kwik Save, among others) and you will find- there, standing prominently on the cover page- President Bingu wa Mutharika at the height of his rule! The Death of a Hard-Working Man All those who knew him, and those who worked with him, will tell you that the slain Bingu wa Mutharika was a hard-working man. They will tell you that, not once, did the president ever go to bed before 10 o'clock in the evening. He, kinda, got used to this idea of woorking so hard for himself, and so hard for his country, he became a workaholic. Late in the evening, Bingu could be busy working in his office, busy thinking about how to take Malawi to the next level. No wonder, some people suggested- many a time- that it would have been better had Bingu succeeded the Original Ngwazi, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda. This came as no surprise. Both leaders were great.They loved their country. They wanted the best for their country. At Ndata, a Visionary Leader is Buried Somehow,it seems- because Bingu now lies peacefully, but dead anyway- under the concret floors of his magnificent Ndata Mansion. But, it is not in the house he lies, and rests, and stays. It is in the cemetery. In the self-built mausoleum he lies, from from the pains of the world. Free from the machinations of murderous me and women. Free from this great conspiracy that sent him to his untimely grave. But Bingu will not rest. He waits to confront his murderers. The way he confronted 'way-ward' development partners here on earth. The man was brunt honest. Donors, disguised as development partners, he called 'stupid'! Exploitative tobacco bosses he either expelled, or called 'stupid'! One British High Commissioner, Fergus Cochraine-Dyet, he expelled. Yes, opposition parties he lambasted. And, sometimes, his opponents 'chickens' he branded! It is only because he was a visioary leader. He knew where he wanted Malawi to be. Tarred roads, across the country he planted. Through the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme, hunger and food insecurity he defeated. The Kwacha was stable. For calls to devalue it without ready cushioning measures he refused. For that reason, against the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank's proposalshe stood. At the pinnacle of his reign, African Union Chairperson he became. Oh, not once, but twice the Southern African Development Community bloc he chaired. That man, as tall as Bingu was, had a vision that knew no heigh. And this man, according to Pride, they murdered. Victim of Grand Conspiracy Bingu lies at Ndata as a victim of a great conspiracy. A conspiracy whose means was Bingu. A conspiracy whose end was Bingu. Its end is his absence. In his absence, some people have benefitted from that conspiracy of death. Some people are now presidents. Parties that were not voted into power have become ruling parties. It must be real change. Because ful prices go up everyday. The IMF and World Bank have become Malawi's gods! They dictate, Joyce Banda follows. That, people, is a catastrophe. Malawians have a 'follower' and not leader! Who will lead the country? Definitely not the IMF and World Bank! These Breton Woods institutions have no home village in Malawi. No traditional leader knows them! They know themselves!

Nation on the 'Move': Fuel Prices Up. Again!

Malawians better get used to escalating fuel prices every month. Barely a month after the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority rescinded its own decision to up fuel prices last month- ostensibly due to government pressure, considering that Malawians in Mzimba were going to the polls (voting for Members of Parliament in two By-elections, including in Mzimba South West- the price demons have been released and are biting hard. To cut a long story short, effective 09 November 2012, fuel prices will no longer be the same, and Malawians better get used to paying: Petrol: K606. 30 Diesel: K597.40 Parafin: K590. 00 (for industrial use) Parafin: K171. 00 (for domestic use) Remember, these pump prices are effective 09 Nov 2012. Hokoyo!!!

THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION AND THE GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR LIVESTOCK VETERINARY MEDICINE TO SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CPLLABORATION ON CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF AFRICAN ANIMAL TRYPANOSOMIASIS

Addis Ababa, 6 November 2012 – Within the framework of its role and mandate in initiating action and providing technical support in the implementation of the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC), the AU-PATTEC Coordination Office is working in close collaboration with the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) in the fight against the scourge of tsetse and Trypanosomiasis. GALVmed is a not-for-profit registered charity which promotes the effective use of resources for charitable purposes through the identification, management, funding and coordination of research into livestock vaccines, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic products and services. In an effort to enhance collaboration between AU-PATTEC and GALVmed, a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union Commission and the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines will be signed at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 9 November, 2012. The purpose of this memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to facilitate collaboration between the Parties in matters of common interest, namely the promotion and improvement of animal health, protection of livestock and saving human life and in particular exploring means for achieving control and eradication of African animal Trypanosomiasis throughout Africa.

The 5th African Private Sector Forum gets underway under the theme “The Role of Private Sector in Promoting Investment and Agro-Industry in Africa”

Description: IMG_8894 copy 2Abidjan 5 November 2012 - The 3 day 5th African Private Sector Forum was launched today in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire with strategic aims to promote investment and trade through partnerships and joint ventures between the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Member States, the Middle East and the world at large in key sectors such as infrastructure development, transportation, telecommunication amongst others. Held under the theme “The Role of Private Sector in Promoting Investment and Agro-Industry in Africa”, the annual Forum will bring the African and Arab business communities on one platform to explore business opportunities, focusing primarily on how the private sector actors from both regions can forge sustainable partnerships with a view to enhancing mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. Welcoming the participants and underscoring the fact that the “the Forum has attracted private sector actors from the Middle East and India, H.E. Dr. Maxwell M. Mkwezalamba, AUC Commissioner for Economic Affairs highlighted that “Given the nature of the African economy, the future of Africa is inextricably linked to its performance and success in the agricultural sector; Small wonder, the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) was endorsed by African Heads of State and Government in 2003.” Description: IMG_8663 copyThe Forum will also focus on engaging the private sector in the new African Solidarity Initiative (ASI) which provides an opportunity to mobilize, from within the continent, support for African countries emerging from conflicts, consolidate and expand intra-African co-operation and mutual self-help, in line with the AU Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development. Other key items on the agenda include Africa’s Private Sector and Agro-Industry Situation and Perspectives; Capital Markets Development and Productive Investment in Africa; Post 2015 MDGs Development Agenda; On-going Initiatives in Africa with Partners and Emerging Economies to Strengthen the African Private Sector; Initiatives for Youth Entrepreneurship; The Role of Women in Agri-Business Development. To pursue the ultimate goal of creating and enabling an environment for business activity, he mentioned the “need to work together in ensuring macro-economic stability in our economies; investing in infrastructure and reforming regulations to lower the cost of doing business; increasing the access to education for would-be entrepreneurs to help foster the emergence of a broad-based business class across Africa; promoting the emergence of effective judiciary systems; and promoting good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights” Concluding his remarks, the AUC Commissioner informed the Forum on the 50th Anniversary of the AU to be held in May 2013 and invited the African Private Sector to participate and popularize the event. In his statement, Mr. Lom Aboubacry, regional Director of the United Nations Commission for Economic Affairs (UNECA), acknowledged the important role the private sector played the past ten years in promoting economic growth within Africa and highlighted the need for integrated and supportive policy reforms that take into consideration the fundamental element of Global Value Chains and their assessment through comparative advantages. He also reemphasized the need for social and economic accountability within the sector. H.E.M. Daniel Kabian Duncan, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cote d’Ivoire on his part wished participants fruitful deliberations and officially declared the Forum open. The Forum will be a suitable opportunity to meet key actors from global industries and draw attention to the challenges and opportunities in various sectors as well as provide a platform for engagement with policy makers, including the AUC, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States. It will also feature some national and regional project portfolios with regional investment and export trade opportunities that require international cooperation and partnerships. Present among others: the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED); the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI); and the International Trade Centre (ITC). Description: IMG_8988 copy For further information, please visit www.au.int. Interview requests can be addressed to Mr. Michael Fikre, michaelf@africa-union.org or 00225 06 45 65 31 MFM Sehenemariam Hailu Secretary Information & Communication Directorate African Union Commission Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 Mobile: Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 Email: SehenemariamH@africa-union.org Web: www.au.int Roosvelt Street(Old Airport Area)W21K19 3243 Addis Ababa Ethiopia

African Union Commission Ready to Send African Election Observer Mission to Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Ghana

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has, on the 1st of November 2012, approved the deployment of the African Union Election Observers Mission (AUEOM) to observe elections taking place in Sierra Leone, on 17 November 2012; Burkina Faso, on 2 December 2012 and Ghana, on 7 December 2012. The Commission, through its Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit of the Department of Political Affairs, has concluded plans as mandated by the Commission for the deployment of the AU-EOM to the afore-mentioned countries as follows: Sierra Leone: 11th November – 24th November 2012 Burkina Faso: 24th November – 7th December Ghana: 30th November – 12th December The AU-EOM draws its mandate from various African Union instruments and most importantly the: - AU Guidelines on African Union Election Observation and Monitoring Missions, 2002 - The OUA/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, 2002 - African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1981 and - African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), 2007 The AU-EOM mission to the various countries comprises selected and fully trained observers from the African Union Observers database including, former Heads of States, Ambassadors, members of election management bodies and other selected and trained observers from civil society organisations in Africa. The composition of each mission draws from the different region of Africa and comprises forty (40) observers to each of the respective countries. The mission will remain in constant interaction with the Commission and present a final report on the elections to the Chairperson. For more information please contact: Guy Cyrille TAPOKO Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit Department of Political Affairs African Union Commission Tel: +251 11 552 6373 Ext. 2618, Direct line:+251 11 518 2618 Email: TAPOKOG@africa-union.org

AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION SAYS ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE AND SECURITY MUST GO HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPMENT

African Union, Addis Ababa - 2 November 2012 - A meeting between Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the African Union Partners Group (AUPG) today Friday 2 November 2012, in the AU headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, heard that although peace and security activities currently loom largest among the activities of the AU Commission (AUC), they have to go hand in hand with efforts at development. “In the long term, to guarantee stability, we have to have development”, said the AU Chairperson. She warned that, without development, even stable countries can become unstable as citizens become restless. Peace and security, health, education, youth development, women’s empowerment, trade, infrastructural development, institutional capacity building and communication were outlined as some of the priority areas of the African Union Commission, as it seeks to drive the African integration and development process, as defined by the African Union. Health and education were highlighted as “foundations of development”. Associated to that, in the Commission’s view, is the empowerment of women, with the Chairperson stressing the negative effects of the very high maternal mortality in Africa. In this regard, “Survival of the mother is important not just for her own sake, but also for her family, especially young children whose future would be compromised without a mother”, said the Chairperson. But the AUC Chairperson envisages women’s development going further than just survival - to their active and equal participation in all sectors of the economy as well as their fair representation in decision making positions. In terms of trade, the Commission is promoting intra African trade. Currently, intra African trade constitutes only 10% of the continent’s trade, with more focus being given to trade with countries on other continents. However, many obstacles to trade need to be removed before meaningful intra African trade can take place. Such obstacles include inadequate infrastructure, exporting raw materials with little or no value addition, lack of diversity in products and regulations that impede trade. With a view to the rapid industrialization of Africa, the Commission views adoption of science as a priority. In this respect, the Pan African University with its 5 campuses, each concentrating on a specific scientific pursuit, is expected to move the continent forward, by giving the requisite knowledge and skills to African people. Dr Dlamini Zuma’s address to the partners emphasized, as well, the importance of building the capacity of the AUC so that it will be better able to deliver on its commitments. The AUC Chairperson strongly accentuated the need for Africa to communicate more effectively to citizens and outsiders about her developments and progress. It is only through communication, the Chairperson said, that citizens will understand the work of the AU and therefore give it their full support. However, she noted the inadequate budgets allocated to communication and urged more funding for communication activities. Speaking about the input of the partners to the budget of the AU programmes, Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed her appreciation for the support rendered to the organization ever since it was the Organisation of African Unity. She also underscored that the Commission would like to see Africa make a more significant contribution to the African Union’s budget, in spite of its limited resources. According to the Co-Chairperson of the African Union Partners Group, the groups aims to facilitate dialogue between partners and the African Union, to realize fruitful cooperation, and to promote dialogue and communication. WZM/HMC

AFRICA MUST DELIVER AS ONE TO EMPOWER YOUTH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - Dr. NKOSAZANA C. DLAMINI ZUMA

NOVEMBER 1ST, 2012 AFRICAN YOUTH DAY THEME: " AFRICA MUST DELIVER AS ONE TO EMPOWER YOUTH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT," STATEMENT BY H.E Dr. NKOSAZANA C. DLAMINI ZUMA CHAIPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION Today, 1st November 2012, we are celebrating the 7th African Youth Day, since the adoption of the Decision by the AU Heads of State in Banjul in 2006. The theme for this year is; “Africa Must Deliver as ONE to Empower African Youth For Sustainable Development." This theme has been chosen to encourage youth to be involved in the decision-making processes at national, regional and continental levels for their own development, as well as the achievement of Africa’s agenda for sustainable development. It is also dedicated to highlight the current progress and efforts made to ensure that Africa can speak with one voice on issues of youth development. It is worth noting that major decisions that have a bearing on Youth Development were recently made by the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government. These include: the operationalization of African Union Youth Volunteers Corps (AU-YVC) and its scaling up; the establishment of the Pan African University (PAU) the promotion of youth employment within the reduction by 2% of the youth unemployment rate the revitalization of the Pan African Youth Union (PYU) Other major achievements include the following; The acceleration of the Decade Plan of Action on Youth development with the involvement of the Regional Economic Communities and he visible role of the Member States, The quick entry into force of the African Youth Charter and other relevant instruments on the Continent A Rio+20 Conference Development Conference that assisted in positioning the Commission as the framework in consolidating the world-level interactions on-behalf of African Youth around the Green Economy negotiations with a Youth perspective on the common African Union Position. Many more actions following the memorable July 2011 Summit on accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development in Africa in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The African Union believes young people should be an integral part of social and economic development. Today, Africa is the youngest continent in the world and is projected to begin experiencing a demographic window for the next decades should we make the right investments in our youth. This population dynamic must appear as the strength for the continent that must work as a collective to deliver on youth development and empowerment. To deliver as one on youth development and empowerment, Member States, that yet need to do so, must expedite their efforts to sign, ratify, domesticate and implement the African Youth Charter and national youth development plans must be aligned with the youth decade (DPoA) together with ensuring data and information on young people is available to inform sustainable actions and progress reports. The commission commits to continue providing the requisite technical assistance to this end to member states and the concerned stakeholders. The African Union Commission wishes to associate itself to the celebration of the African Youth Day 2012 to congratulate the African youth for their respective efforts in the capacity building process, and to all its partners and stakeholders working closely with us to build robust institutions to empower our greatest resources that are the youth, I express my deep gratitude. Finally, on the auspice of the celebration of the African Youth Day 2012, I call upon all stakeholders including Member States, the Pan-African Youth Union, Regional Economic Communities, Private Sector, NGO's, UN agencies, bilateral and multi-lateral and development partners to synergize efforts in delivering as ONE on Youth development and empowerment in Africa. The African Union Commission commits itself to work together with its key partners to deliver as ONE on Youth development and empowerment and ensure that Africa's young people are playing their role in the decision-making process by working side by side with their leaders in the Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and at continental level. Long live Africa! God bless the African youth!

“Culture, an undeniable growth pole”

Kinshasa, 31 October 2012 – The Experts’ Session of the fourth African Union Conference of Ministers of Culture (CMAC4) ended today 31 October 2012 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with concrete recommendations to promote culture in Africa for economic and social development. The status of ratification of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance featured prominently among the agenda of the Experts. To date only three of the 54 Member States of the AU have ratified this instrument, namely Congo, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal. At the end of a lengthy discussion on the strategy for the promotion of, and advocacy for, the ratification of the Charter, the Experts agreed to maintain the original requirement, namely that to become effective the Charter must be ratified by two-thirds of the total membership of the African Union. Normally, fifteen ratifications are required for an AU legal instrument to be applicable to all Member States. As part of the campaign for the ratification and implementation of the Charter, participants proposed that this item should be included in the agenda of the 20th Assembly of the Union so as to secure a firm commitment from the Heads of State and Government for its effective implementation. The celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU) in 2013 also featured prominently in the deliberations of the Experts’ Meeting. In his advocacy for the success of this jubilee, Dr Olawale Maiyegun, Director of AU Department of Social Affairs, recalled that this Anniversary is a unique opportunity to “take stock of our vision of Pan-africanism and the future of Culture in Africa”. He called on the Representatives of the AU Member States to enrich the program of the festivities throughout the year, adding “let’s ensure that the year 2013 is also the year of African Culture”. Concerned by the destruction of historical sites in Northern Mali, the Experts launched an appeal for the preservation of African Cultural Goods, especially during periods of crisis. In the Kinshasa Declaration prepared for the attention of the Ministers of Culture, the Experts expressed deep concern about “the serious violations of human rights and the senseless and unacceptable destruction of world heritage sites perpetrated in the northern part of Mali notably in Timbuktu by armed groups”. The Kinshasa Declaration and the Recommendations of the Experts will be tabled before the Ministers of CAMC4 for adoption. Cȏte d’Ivoire offered to host CAMC5 in 2014. The Ministerial Session of CAMC4 will be held from 1-2 November 2012. During these two days, Kinshasa will be the Capital of African Culture. Contact:

African Union Commission Chairperson calls for enhanced efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition

Addis Ababa 31 October 2012 - African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, H.E Dr. Nkhosazana Dlamini-Zuma has called for enhanced efforts in Africa to fight hunger and malnutrition. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma, represented by AUC Deputy Chairperson, H.E Erastus Mwencha, said the realisation that Africa was unlikely to meet the first of the Millennium Development Goals (to halve hunger and poverty) by 2015, was alarming. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma was speaking during the 3rd commemoration of the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security, attended by high-level leaders from global, regional and national agriculture associations, African and other governments, civil society and farmers’ organizations, the private sector, scientific and research institutions, farmer organizations and development partners. “This should be a crude awakening to all policy makers and implementers,’’ she said. Food and Nutrition Security underlie all our developmental efforts in Africa. It defines the depth and breadth of our strategies as continental organisations, as regional bodies, as countries and as civil society. It determines the seriousness of any government and system of governance. It simply draws the line between responsible and irresponsible leadership. It is a challenge we have to face head on.” Dr. Dlamini-Zuma however noted that under the guidance of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme (CAADP), some Member States had started to score marked progress in terms of economic development indicators due to investment in and resourcing of the broader agricultural sector. Officially opening the commemoration ceremony, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Mitiku Kassa said, agriculture should play a greater role in improving food nutrition and security by promoting the growing of nutritious crops and food. “Now is the time to look for solutions that will not only make agriculture profitable but also for the maximum benefit of human beings. Let us concentrate our energies to reduce and eradicate hunger and malnutrition,” he said. H.E Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, AUC’s Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture said that the main expected outcome of the event was to get political commitment and adoption of food and nutrition security priorities based on continent, regional and national frameworks. NEPAD Agency CEO, Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki said, “We all appreciate that nutrition remains a key that unlocks the door for achieving and optimizing human potential, and national economic development.’’ Meanwhile, in a live address beamed to the audience, David Nabarro, Coordinator of UNHTFL on Global Food Crisis highlighted the importance of Agriculture in Food and Nutrition Security and creating stability in the continent. “There is a clear need to expand agriculture to involve smallholders in the food system and create earning opportunities particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa. Within this region, 330 million young people will enter the job market over the next 15 years. 200 million will live in rural areas; they will depend on Agriculture for their employment” he said. He however commended the progress of CAADP implementation in Africa and the efforts of governments to further its agenda. The objectives of the commemoration include the creation of a platform in which food and nutrition security stakeholders discuss solutions and make recommendations on Food and Nutrition Security issues in Africa. The commemoration also aims to strengthen momentum towards achieving the MDGs, and what could follow the MDGs after 2015. This year’s event is commemorated under the theme “Ensuring access to safe and nutritious foods.” With the current statistics showing that 216 million Africans are chronically malnourished (30% of population); 5 million die of hunger annually; 126 million children are underweight and that about 50% children are stunted – more needs to be done and platforms such as the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security provide an opportunity to come up with solutions.

AFRICA MUST DELIVER AS ONE TO EMPOWER YOUTH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- H.E Dr. NKOSAZANA C. DLAMINI ZUMA

NOVEMBER 1ST, 2012 AFRICAN YOUTH DAY THEME: " AFRICA MUST DELIVER AS ONE TO EMPOWER YOUTH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT," STATEMENT BY H.E Dr. NKOSAZANA C. DLAMINI ZUMA CHAIPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION Today, 1st November 2012, we are celebrating the 7th African Youth Day, since the adoption of the Decision by the AU Heads of State in Banjul in 2006. The theme for this year is; “Africa Must Deliver as ONE to Empower African Youth For Sustainable Development." This theme has been chosen to encourage youth to be involved in the decision-making processes at national, regional and continental levels for their own development, as well as the achievement of Africa’s agenda for sustainable development. It is also dedicated to highlight the current progress and efforts made to ensure that Africa can speak with one voice on issues of youth development. It is worth noting that major decisions that have a bearing on Youth Development were recently made by the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government. These include: the operationalization of African Union Youth Volunteers Corps (AU-YVC) and its scaling up; the establishment of the Pan African University (PAU) the promotion of youth employment within the reduction by 2% of the youth unemployment rate the revitalization of the Pan African Youth Union (PYU) Other major achievements include the following; The acceleration of the Decade Plan of Action on Youth development with the involvement of the Regional Economic Communities and he visible role of the Member States, The quick entry into force of the African Youth Charter and other relevant instruments on the Continent A Rio+20 Conference Development Conference that assisted in positioning the Commission as the framework in consolidating the world-level interactions on-behalf of African Youth around the Green Economy negotiations with a Youth perspective on the common African Union Position. Many more actions following the memorable July 2011 Summit on accelerating youth empowerment for sustainable development in Africa in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The African Union believes young people should be an integral part of social and economic development. Today, Africa is the youngest continent in the world and is projected to begin experiencing a demographic window for the next decades should we make the right investments in our youth. This population dynamic must appear as the strength for the continent that must work as a collective to deliver on youth development and empowerment. To deliver as one on youth development and empowerment, Member States, that yet need to do so, must expedite their efforts to sign, ratify, domesticate and implement the African Youth Charter and national youth development plans must be aligned with the youth decade (DPoA) together with ensuring data and information on young people is available to inform sustainable actions and progress reports. The commission commits to continue providing the requisite technical assistance to this end to member states and the concerned stakeholders. The African Union Commission wishes to associate itself to the celebration of the African Youth Day 2012 to congratulate the African youth for their respective efforts in the capacity building process, and to all its partners and stakeholders working closely with us to build robust institutions to empower our greatest resources that are the youth, I express my deep gratitude. Finally, on the auspice of the celebration of the African Youth Day 2012, I call upon all stakeholders including Member States, the Pan-African Youth Union, Regional Economic Communities, Private Sector, NGO's, UN agencies, bilateral and multi-lateral and development partners to synergize efforts in delivering as ONE on Youth development and empowerment in Africa. The African Union Commission commits itself to work together with its key partners to deliver as ONE on Youth development and empowerment and ensure that Africa's young people are playing their role in the decision-making process by working side by side with their leaders in the Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and at continental level. Long live Africa! God bless the African youth!

Zachimalawi Cannot Be Intimidated

Just a reminder to those who think they are so powerful and can intimidate Zachimalawi. Zachimalawi, for your own information, cannot be intimidated. Yes, if you have ever received tax-payers' money as your package, that is a fact, and Zachimalawi- as a taxpayer- will write anything to that effect if the issue is of public interest. Now, if you thought you can force Zachimalawi to delete posts (as some people have been trying to do), that ain't gonna happen. Zachimalawi is also tough. Oh, yes! Now, talk to me again!

Substandard drugs: lives not in danger

The Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board (PMPB) has said chances of patients taking Aspirin and Ringers Lactate drugs that have been recalled due to defects are low due to stringent measures taken by legal drug handlers before subscribing them to clients. Aspirin is a tablet drug while Lingers Lactate is a solution administered intravenously. PMPB Acting Registrar, Wilford Mathiya, told Zachimalawi on Friday that the extent of the risk posed by the recalled drugs was minimal. “The advantage is that, before drugs are administered, health professionals check them thoroughly. Perhaps the tricky part could be with the solution but, again, health professionals check for clarity of the solution by asking the question: Is this solution clear against sunshine? Does it have particles, which may be an indication that something is wrong?” Mathiya said. Mathiya indicated that the affected medicines are Aspirin tablets manufactured by Pharmanova Limited, with an expiry date of July 2014, while Lingers Lactate, manufactured by Nirma Limited, has December 2013 as the expiry date. Some of the tablets were found at Lightcane Pharmaceuticals in Blantyre while some of the Ringers Lactate drugs were found at Chiradzulu District Health Office. However, the Acting Registrar said the board is not sure whether the recalled drugs are counterfeits or drugs duly manufactured by registered dealers. “We will learn whether the drugs are genuine or counterfeit. As of now, we are still looking for information from the companies because it’s them, and not us, who handle the recall process. We are only a regulator, and do not bear the costs of the drugs’ recall process. “But it is clear that the drugs did not meet specifications. When the Aspirin bottles were opened, they produced a bad spell while the Ringers Lactate developed mould. We need to find out why the drugs are faring poorly: Is it because of poor storage conditions? Is it because of a manufacturing fault? It may be possible that storage, and not the manufacturer, may be the problem,” Mathiya said. Mathiya expressed concern that chances of the sub-standard drug being used could be perpetuated by illegal drug handlers who ply their trade on the black market. He said, while PMPB tries to arrest the situation by seizing medicines, the efforts were being hampered by low penalties. “The Act we use, the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Act Number 15 of 1988, is outdated and very lenient on penalties. So, when we take people caught with illegal medicines, what happens is that magistrates sometimes marry several Acts. But, sometimes, offenders are fined K50,000,” Mathiya said. Mathiya said, while efforts were made to amend the statutes and the proposed amendments are currently in the hands of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, there is need to review the amendments again since it has taken a long time. PMPB carries out quarterly (post-marketing) inspections and general inspections.

UNDP signs $5.4Million financing agreements with Norway and Ireland to supportDemocracy Consolidation Projects and Human Rights

Lilongwe, October 26, 2012- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Governments of Norway and Ireland have signed a $5.4 Million Financing Agreements to democracy consolidation projects and human rights in Malawi for the next four years. UNDP Administrator Helen Clark witnessed the signing ceremony while on a three day visit to the southern African country. Earlier in the day Helen Clark visited the Democracy Consolidation Projects in Malomo community in the Nitchisi district of Malawi. Testimonials from local beneficiaries of the project described how life had improved for victims of domestic violence, corruption and people who are livening with HIV/AIDS. “We are very delighted to see that we are supporting human rights in Malawi.This morning, we had a chance to hear from communities how they have been empowered and when you hear members of communities articulating how they have been empowered, it’s very inspiring indeed. We would like to sincerely thank Norway and Ireland for supporting these programmes on human rights and democracy consolidation”Ms Clark said at the signing ceremony in the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. One of the women who had been living in abusive marriage described how going through the training offered by the project helped her improve her family’s life. Now, she said, after she had undergone the training and realized her rights, she is now able to reason with her husband on various issues including limiting the size of the family and sharing the proceeds from their produce. The Government of Norway, a long standing partner of UNDP and the Government of Malawi, has committed 20 million Norwegian Krona (approx. USD 3.5 million) for the Democracy Consolidation Project which is implemented by the Office of the President and Cabinet through 16 civil society organizations, synods and faith based organizations in 19 districts. The Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi AsbjørnEidhammer said that UNDP has a special role to play in Malawi. “The Programs UNDP have chosen are inline with Norway’s “ he added In addition to the Democracy Consolidation project, the Government of Norway extended its support to the Human Rights promotion and protection project in Malawi by contributing 9.7 million Norwegian Krona (approx. USD 1.69 million) to UNDP implemented by the Malawi Human Rights Commission in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman in cooperation with human rights and civil society organizations. The Government of Ireland committed EUR 200,000 to the Democracy Consolidation project initially for one year and announced a multi-year agreement from 2013 onwards. The total estimated project fund is USD 20 million, out of whichUSD 13 million is expected to be mobilized. The fund is managed by UNDP Malawi. Both projects are responding to a number of challenges that Malawi is facing both with human rights promotion and protection and democracy consolidation. They are to address key challenges affecting the country, e.g. need for accelerating poverty reduction at community level, prevention of gender based violence and promotion of women’s status and rights, deepening and consolidating a culture to respect human rights in all sectors of the community, and developing institutional capacities of state institutions mandated to promote and protect human rights. The Democracy Consolidation Project has been very instrumental in empowering people to promote, protect and defend human rights in Malawi. The project has improved the efficiency of civil society, catalyzed the promotion of good governance, and ensured realization of human rights at community level. Through the project, communities have been transformed from being reactive to being proactive in dealing with their daily life challenges. The Human Rights support project facilitates the design of an architecture that enhances coordination amongst human rights actors such as the Malawi Human Rights Commission and Office of the Ombudsman, and equip them with appropriate skills as well as collaborative planning and actions, so that they are capable of undertaking state party reporting and advocacy for the implementation of the UPR recommendations. The project has been designed also to enhance working relationships and interfaces between constitutional bodies and civil society organizations on human rights. An integral crosscutting aspect of the project is the promotion of gender equality and the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized groups such as women, children and persons with disabilities. Helen Clark commended the Government of Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda for taking bold steps to deepen democracy by repealing the injunctions Bill and Section 46 of the Penal Code, which had restrained freedom of speech. Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, His Excellency Asbjørn Eidhammer, the Irish Ambassador, Her Excellency Mrs. Liz O’Higgins, signed on behalf of their governments while UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Richard Dictus signed on behalf of UNDP. Deputy Chief Secretary, Ms. Hawa Ndilowe, the Chairperson of the of the Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Sophie Kalinde and the Director of Debt and Aid in the Ministry of Finance Mr. Peter Simbani were among some of the high level dignitaries that attended the signing ceremony. Both the Norwegian and Irish Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the democracy consolidation and human rights projects and pledges their continued support to the country. On her Part, Ms Ndilowe said: “I want to re-affirm government’s commitment towards good governance and human rights and that the quality of life of Malawians improves. I also want to thank Norway and Ireland for the wonderful support towards governance projects,”

UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark visits Malawi

Lilongwe 24 October 2012- Helen Clark, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has arrived in Malawi for a four-day visit. The objective of her visit is to engage senior government officials in high level policy discussions on key development issues in the country. Ms. Clark, who is the highest ranking female official in the UN system and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, will meet Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi, Rt. Honourable Khumbo Kachali, Vice President and Minister of Health, cabinet ministers, Development Partners, the parliamentary women caucus and Civil Society Organization representatives. She will visit UNDP-supported projects to appreciate how UNDP interventions are helping to empower Malawians. The Administrator will also visit Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe to observe the work of UN Volunteer doctors in providing essential health services to the people of Malawi. Ms. Clark will be a guest of honour during the UN Day celebrations which will take place at Ufulu Gardens in Lilongwe on Thursday 25th October 2012. The Administrator was received at Kamuzu International Airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Ephraim Mganda Chiume, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Richard Dictus, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (Programme), Ms. Naomi Kitahara and Deputy Resident Representative (Operations) Mr. Thierry Randrianarijaona. Accompanying Ms. Clark are Ms. Sharon Kinsley, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Boaz Paldi, UNDP Head of Audio Visual and Mr. Georges van Monfort, from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA). Helen Clark became the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme in April 2009, and is the first woman to lead the organisation. She is also the chair of the United Nations Development Group, a committee consisting of the heads of all UN funds, programmes and departments working on development issues.

The counterattack: Children fight bullets with balls

There were times- sometimes frequent and, sometimes, far between- when, as happens to people stolen in energy-supping activities, the kids paused on the dusty sports grounds to draw breath and regroup. The children, gathered in their droves at Makata Primary School ground in Blantyre, are so sure that the impact of their seemingly little, local deed will be global in nature, and are here to commemorate the ‘Global Peace Games for Children and Youth 2012’. This is part of the global community’s efforts to destroy the seeds of war before they germinate into full-blown chaos. In Malawi, activities marking ‘Global Peace Games for Children and Youth 2012’ are being spearheaded by Play Soccer Malawi, a grassroots’ educational programme that united children, youths and communities by promoting health, physical and social development through recreational sport. The organization is commemorating the event from September 21 to November 15. Drawn from Makata, Chitsime, Namwalimwe, Nyambadwe, among other primary schools- each of the children’s teams wears a similar set of uniform to symbolize their unity in purpose. “You see,” says Play Soccer Malawi executive director, Patricio Kulemeka, “children are the best agents of positive change in the world and, through sports, we can join hands with them to promote peace and meet Millennium Development Goals such as Goal 1 (eradicating extreme hunger and poverty) by connecting vulnerable individuals to community services and supports through sport-based outreach programs; Goal 2 (achieving universal primary education, by providing sport-based community education programs that provide alternative education opportunities for children who cannot attend school. “Through sport we can also promote gender equality and women empowerment, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV and Aids, malaria, and non-communicable diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and facilitate the development of global partnership for development.” Kulemeka banks his optimism on the ‘innocent’ nature of children who, unlike a man who has been dying for many days, and has become numb to the stench of the world, their minds are free from the corruption all-around. On this ground, the kids- aged between five and 15- fought gallantly for a trophy they could not see on Monday, 9 October. Their trophy, peace, is more felt than seen. “It is possible to win peace through sport. Fair play is one of the principles people can adopt to maintain world peace,” Kulemeka says. His line of thinking is shared by the children who are here. For example, 15-year-old Maria Damisoni says she believes that sports’ balls and courtesy are more deadly in effect than military weapons! In her unconventional wisdom, she believes that there are so many ways of countering a war, and that the plan for war is not merely military. “It can be through sports, too,” Damisoni says. No wonder, some of the kids read messages whose gist is that the sacred land of the earth should not be the abode of war-mongers. War, they enthused, is more expensive than peace, and holds a vague terror for all people, the bravest included. “Sport is key to unity. Even United Nations statutes mention sport as one of the most important tools in global development. That is why U-Sport signed an agreement with the African Union to employ sporting activities in the promotion of peace. Then, we also have Fifa Day, Fair Play Day. “While we sometimes fail to come together, we are hoping that our children can learn to reconcile. To this effect, other mother body Play Soccer has for the past 12 years been engaging children, youths, community members to promote peace,” Kulemeka says. That is how the local, Ndirande activities turn global. What’s more? They have the backing of the United Nations system. For instance, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried Lemke, acknowledges sport’s uniting power in this year’s message. “The Global Peace Games for Children and Youth are a special opportunity to …strengthen the circle of friendship and solidarity for the ideals of peace and nonviolence within and among all nations and peoples. “I strongly encourage you to practice the lessons of friendship, respect, and tolerance, which you learn during these Games to help to build peace and unity everywhere and to educate yourselves to learn how to make the world a better and healthier place. Sport can be a powerful vehicle to help teach the lessons and values that are needed. Sport brings you together to have fun, be active--- it helps you learn how to work together, and to grow healthy bodies and minds that can make you strong and educated leaders,” Lemke says. Kulemeka cannot agree less: “For Play Soccer Malawi, this is what we try to achieve. Our programming combines education, sports, culture, citizenship and social inclusion. When we talk about sports, we automatically think of education. Sports and education are intrinsically linked and are of primary importance to the formation of children and youngsters. “And it is precisely this synergy between sports and education that serves as the main foundation for the annual global peace.” Indeed, the local organisation’s programmes show that there is more to sport than balling around as they address an array of issues, including nutrition, introduction to healthy bodies, immunizations, water, caring for the environment, fairness, sportsmanship, dealing with anger and frustration, rules of the game, friendship, teamwork, solidarity, self esteem and positive attitude, honesty, rights and responsibilities, respect and honour differences, basic first aid, respect for rules, leadership, equal opportunities, support for others, common illnesses, substances that affect health, among others. For Fifa president Sepp Blatter, there is no teacher in tolerance than football. “I hope you will continue to use the games as a special opportunity to focus on all that football can teach us- the life skills of winning and losing with grace and dignity, of showing respect for others, practicing fair play, tolerance and understanding, learning team work and how to make your bodies healthy and strong”. Blatter also asks people to “take action to improve health and education”. Blatter, like Kulemeka, hopes that the children’s little deeds at Makata and around other dusty grounds in the world, will serve as a crying voice that, gradually, does not get swallowed up in the distance but acts as a silencer that will cover the violent crack of bayonets. Yes, a vibrant silence made more intense by the universal, peace trill of a millions of world children!