MAHSRA Engages Traditional Rulers in Fight Against Sexual Violence

Some traditional rulers from the west region of Cameroon began acquainting themselves with some national and international legal instruments that protect the rights of women and girls in Cameroon at a two day capacity building workshop that opened at the Hilton hotel in Yaounde on Friday.

It is estimated that over 130 million women and girls worldwide have been subjected to female genital mutilation. Cameroon is not left out of these alarming statistics and one of the regions where violence against women is rampant is the West.

It is against this backdrop the Bamenda based nongovernmental organization, Modern Advocacy Humanitarian Social and Rehabilitation Association (MAHSRA) brought up the project; “Western Chiefs Sexual Violence Initiative.”

Through the initiative that began in January 2015 in some divisions of the West region, some traditional rulers of the region took a commitment to amongst other ensure that customs and traditional dispositions that violate rights of girls and women, affect their health and wellbeing will be reviewed and also to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence are pursued according to the law.

The Yaounde workshop that focused on the socio-anthropological causes and consequences of sexual violence against women in traditional societies was thus in continuation of the advocacy.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MAHSRA, Dr. Kelly F. Ngyah said the project targets traditional rulers because of the influence they wield over their subjects; some of whom still believe in old-age customs that women are supposed to be subjected to certain customs.

“We are training leaders so that they can go back and train their subjects to change. We are not actually going against any customs or tradition, but we know that we have the priority of the wellbeing of the woman and human rights,” Dr. Kelly said.

The MAHSRA chief executive explained that the teachings to the traditional rulers are to empower them to ameliorate on the customs and traditions that violate the rights of women.

The project is being sponsored by the British High Commission in Cameroon and according to the High Commissioner, Brian Oulley, the fight against violence for women is vital for the future of all countries around the world.

“This is a very important subject for the United Kingdom both within the boundaries of our nation and around the world. So we want to help countries around the world to a better future; one that encourages prosperity and respect for human rights,” Brian Oulley said.

Speaking through a representative, the chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms admitted that it is very challenging for traditional authorities to easily do away with age old practices.

“But we cannot continue to tolerate sexual violence at this age where human rights are across cutting in every aspect of our lives. I believe our Fons who are well respected have the authority to put and end to such practices,” Dr. Chemuta Divine Banda said.

On behalf of the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), the Director of Women Social Promotion in the Ministry, Abessolo Esseko Calice who chaired the opening ceremony of the two days workshop lauded the initiative by MAHSRA and the British High Commission.

During the training, the traditional rulers were to be schooled on national and international legal instruments relating to violence against women like the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) amongst others.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Another Pro-Biafra Group Emerges in Nigeria

 Amidst the agitation for an independent state of Biafra championed by some Igbo people in the eastern part of the country, another pro-Biafran group, has emerged.

 

Another pro-Biafra group has reportedly emerged in South East Nigeria.
Today reports that the group, which goes by the name, Bilie Human Rights Initiative, has been holding closed door executive meetings prior to its first public outing.
The emergence of Bilie brings to four, the number of such groups promoting the cause for the revival of the moribund Biafra. Ralph Uwazuruike-led Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) is the first of such, from which a break-away faction, which has been trying to unseat Uwazuruike emerged.
The Legal Officer of Bilie, Barr. Pedro Azuogu, who spoke in an interview in Umuahia, Abia state, said Bilie was the only legal entity in the country registered with the United Nations (UN) as an Indigenous People Organisation (IPO).
Azuogu explained that “it is also an incorporated Trustee by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja, for the purpose of protecting, defending and advocating for the rights of Indigenous People of Biafra and all other Indigenous Peoples and Nationalities within Nigeria whose rights and freedom are violated by the Nigerian Government, contrary to the UN Charter on human rights and the African Charter on Human Peoples Rights.”

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Aliko Dangote Debunk Allegations of Being Held Hostage in Mali Hotel Attack(Statement)

In new statements, billionaire business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has debunked the viral reports making rounds online that he was among the people held hostage in the hotel siege by gunmen in Mali.

Unknown gunmen attacked a five-star hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako and are held 170 people hostage.

 A business owner identified as Garba Konate is quoted to have told Al Jazeera by phone from Bamako, that, "About 10 gunmen arrived early in the morning and shot all the guards in front of the Radisson. One of the guests reportedly staying at the hotel is Nigerian Aliko Dangote - the richest person in Africa."

 

The news which was published in Al Jazeera website went viral and Nigerians took to Twitter to air their concern for Nigeria's most powerful entreprenuer.

The billionaire business mogul on hearing the news, took to his Twitter to debunk the viral reports, he tweeted; "Rumour about me being held hostage is false. I was in Mali yesterday.Thank you for your concern. My prayers with those involved."

 

 

The official Twitter page of Dangote Group also Tweeted; "Thank you all for your concern. @AlikoDangote is safe and fine in Nigeria. Our prayers are with Mali and families of those involved."

Media mogul, Dele Moomodu had earlier Tweeted; "The Boss Breaking News: Alhaji Aliko Dangote has spoken to us from Lagos "I've not been held hostage in Mali... I left yesterday afternoon!"

 

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

30 Nigerian Arms Dealers on Scan as Manhunt for Dasuki's Accomplices Intensifies

Indications have emerged that retired military and security chiefs may be roped into the probe of former NSA Sambo Dasuki as security agents have kicked off manhunt of possible accomplices.

 

The nation's Security agents have launched a manhunt for former military and security chiefs suspected to have duped the country of billions in phoney arms deals.

Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki has been named in the deals and he stated on Wednesday, November 18, that he yesterday that he was ready to defend his action in court after President Muhammadu Buhari ordered his arrest.

Also to be arrested are former Chiefs of Defence Staff and five service chiefs indicted by a panel which examined arms purchases from 2007 to 2015.

The panel has summoned 30 arms contractors, The Nation gathered yesterday night. All the suspects may have their movement restricted to the country, pending  further interrogation and arraignment in court.

According to a source, the  former NSA is a “security risk” and the nation cannot afford  to let him “slip away”. All the suspects implicated in the arms deals have been  placed under surveillance.

But none was yet to be arrested as at the time of filing this report.

A top source said: “Those accused of mismanaging N644billion include some former Chiefs of Defence Staff, about five service chiefs and some security chiefs.

“They have all been placed under surveillance and some of them may be arrested any moment from now pending their arraignment in court.

“Their names have not been released to avoid any acts that may jeopardise attempts to bring them to justice.

 

“Immediately they are arrested, we will release their list to the public.”

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Nigerian Governors Say MTN Must Pay N1.4 Trillion Fine

Nigerian governors have expressed support for the N1.4trillion fine slammed on MTN by the Nigerian Communications Commissions.

Abdulazeez Yari, Chairman of the NGF

 

Nigerian governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have declared that the MTN must pay the $5.2 billion (N1.4 trillion) fine slammed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for failing to disconnect subscribers with unregistered SIM cards bought before January 2012.

ThisDay reports that the governors who met at the Old Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja late Wednesday night threw their weight behind the NCC. They also lauded the NCC for its strict compliance and enforcement of the law regulating the telecommunication sector.

NGF Chairman and Zamfara State Governor, Abdul'aziz Yari told journalists after the meeting that the forum received a comprehensive brief on the development from the NCC Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta.

Yari said the governors' forum assured Danbatta of collaboration with a view to strengthening the nation's telecommunication industry.

"The forum also commended the NCC for its strict compliance and enforcement of the law with regards to the fine issued to MTN and advised the Federal Government to ensure prompt and full payment", Yari stated.

The 36 states governors commended the NCC for its strict enforcement of the law in its regulation of the telecom sector, and encouraged the commission to go ahead with its strict regulatory duties without any fear or favour. They also insisted that that MTN must pay up in full.

He said the NGF also resolved to meet with stakeholders to articulate a robust strategy aimed at addressing issues affecting the economy of the country.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Breaking: Suspected Paris Attacks mastermind is killed

 Source: Washington Examiner

Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the suspected architect of Friday's Paris terrorist attacks, has been killed, according to multiple reports.

Abaaoud's death comes after a raid that started just before dawn in Paris Wednesday.

His death was confirmed by two senior European intelligence officials.

 Previously Wednesday, officials announced that the raid had killed at least two people, including a woman who detonated a suicide bomber's vest.

The raid occurred in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis, a diverse area north of the city.

Abaaoud was believed to be close to the Islamic State's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. It currently hypothesized by investigators the Abaaoud was the link between the European-based terrorist who carried out Friday's attacks and the senior Islamic State leadership in Raqqa, Syria, the terror group's de facto capital.

Abaaoud was living in the Molenbeek district of Brussels, Belgium, an area of Europe's captial city that has can come under increased focused and scrutiny in recent days as a known hotbed of jihadi activity.

As of Wednesday, 129 people have died as a result of the Friday Paris attacks. An additional 430 people were injured in the attacks.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

FIFA Rejects Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini's Appeals Against Bans

Embattled FIFA president, Sepp Blatter and UEFA President, Michel Platini may be in for a tougher time than envisaged as FIFA rejected their appeals against their bans

Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have lost appeals against their provisional FIFA suspensions.

It will be recalled that they were suspended in October while FIFA's ethics committee investigates corruption claims against them. Blatter, 79, is accused of signing a contract "unfavourable" to FIFA and making a "disloyal payment" to Platini.

The governing body's Appeal Committee upheld last month's decisions to ban president Blatter and potential successor Platini for 90 days over a 2011 payment received by the latter.
The two will now face a full hearing with FIFA's Ethics Committee, where guilty verdicts could result in much longer suspensions.
Blatter still has the option of going to the Ethics Committee's adjudicatory chamber in a bid to overturn his provisional ban, something Platini has already tried and failed to achieve.
Both can continue fighting their bans at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and Platini's lawyers have indicated he will do so, but in the meantime the UEFA boss Platini is still currently barred from competing in February's FIFA presidential election.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Breaking! President Buhari Orders Arrest of Dasuki, Others Over Shady Arms Procurement Deal

Despite a court ruling that the embattled former National Security Adviser, Dasuki Sambo be allowed to travel overseas for medical attention, the Federal Government has ordered his arrest.

 

 President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, November 17, ordered the arrest of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), who has been under house arrest for almost two weeks after the DSS laid seige on his house despite cpurt orders.

The President ordered the arrest of the former NSA over the misappropriation of billions of dollars meant for the procurement of arms to prosecute the war against terrorism. The order for the arrest was also extended to other persons found culpable in the fraudulent deal.

The directive followed the release of an interim report by the 13-man presidential committee set up by Buhari to investigate the procurement of equipment for the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date.

A statement issued by the president’s media aide Femi Adesina yesterday said though the committee was yet to complete its work, its interim report unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions.

"On the authority of Mr President, a 13 man committee was set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date. While the committee which was inaugurated on 31 August 2015 is yet to complete its work, its interim report has unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions.

As part of the findings, the committee has analyzed interventions from some organizations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, both in local and foreign currencies.

So far the total extra budgetary interventions articulated by the committee is Six Hundred and Forty Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventeen Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Hundred Naira and Eighteen Kobo (N643,817,955,885.18).

The foreign currency component is to the tune of Two Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifteen Thousand US Dollars and Eighty Three Cents ($2,193,815,000.83).

These amounts exclude grants from the State Governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police. It was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defense procurement.

The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and €54,000.00; Fifty Three (53) were failed contracts amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively.

Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in the North East.

The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N3,850,000,000.00) were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfillment of tax obligations to the FGN.

Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and €9,905,477.00. The contracts which were said to be for the purchase of 4 Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory.

Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, 2 companies, were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00, $1,661,670,469.71 and €9,905,477.00 alone. This was without prejudice to the consistent non-performance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded.

Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of $132,050,486.97 and €9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for un-ascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions.

The findings made so far are extremely worrying considering that the interventions were granted within the same period that our troops fighting the insurgency in the North East were in desperate need of platforms, military equipment and ammunition. Had the funds siphoned to these non performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided.

Furthermore, the ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided. It is worrisome and disappointing that those entrusted with the security of this great nation were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury, while innocent lives were wasted daily.

In light of these findings, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the relevant organizations arrest and bring to book, all individuals who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts."

 Source: tori.ng

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

COMMEMORATION OF THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD

 
 

WHAT:     Conference on the Commemoration of the 25^th Anniversary of the adoption of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

When:      20 -21 November, 2015 starting at 09:00

Where:     New Conference Centre,  African Union Commission

WHO:       The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child organizes a high level conference to assess the situation of children in Africa 25 years after the adoption of the African Children's Charter.

Why:        The Conference will bring together Experts on children Rights, the Chairperson of the PRC, higher officials from the African Union Commission, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence Against Children, members of AU Human Rights Organs, UN Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations,  Civil Society Organizations and academic institutions to reflect on the impact of the Charter over the last 25 years, with a view of  guiding the future efforts to promote and protect the rights and welfare of children in Africa and the development of a long term (for the coming 25 years) Agenda for Children’s Rights in Africa.

Background: The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity in July 1990, and entered into force in November, 1999. After 25 years of its adoption, 47 countries have ratified the Charter. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is the only regional instrument on the protection of the rights of children.

Since its enforcement the Charter has improved the lives of children, to one degree or another, in all States Parties. However, there are still gaps that need to be filled to ensure the wellbeing of children in Africa. Therefore, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) plans to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Charter with the view of reinforcing State Parties commitment to children’s rights, examining the main achievements and challenges in the implementation of the charter, and identifying the way forward. The celebration also aims at highlighting the role of UN agencies, CSOs and stakeholders and the collaboration between the Committee and other organs of the African Union.

An exhibition of 25 Key Advocacy Messages to African Union Member States and State Parties to the Charter will be held during the Conference.

Media are invited to cover the Opening Ceremony of the Conference, on 20 November, at 09:00 AM, Panel discussions and all the parallel sessions. The Concept Note and the Programme of the Conference are attached.

Further media inquiries should be directed to:

Mr. Kameni N. Yannick

Communication Officer, ACERWC Secretariat

Email: KameniY@africa-union.org

Tel: 00251 940 296 325

You can follow the Conference on ACERWC Social Media platforms:

Facebook: African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
Twitter: ACERWC (@acerwc)
#acrwc25   #RatifyReport  #MyCharterMyRights
When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

CPDM Reorganization: Fire for Fire in Balikumbat as Mayor Puts Senator Dingha on Hot Seat

Senator Dingha Ignatius is the only politician who reminds me of Psalms 23. But this is so because from all indications Dingha has seemingly thought he has reached the apex of politics and the level where he can tell people stories and they'll believe it to be true whether or not it is a lie. Good leaders are servants. Wasum Augustine, Mayor of Balikumbat is a man to pigeon-hole with. On November 17, 2015, Wasum Augustine exploded during a CPDM meeting in Ndop saying that Senator Dingha Ignatius’ tenure as Section President has been disastrous. Wasum corroborated that “You cannot imagine we contributed money to build a secretariat yet nothing has been done. When he summons an executive meeting, he takes us into his garage”.  Wasum who has vowed to put an end to this. Popular opinion in Balikumbat has emitted end of political triumph for Dingha. “We know them by their names and they don’t know us. Our elite are like fofo corn and meat, but we prefer fofo corn and vegetable” says Madame Cecile out-going WCPDM President. It is alleged that matters came to a head when Dingha promised he would make fon of Balikumbat and Dr Leciga, mayor and MP respectively.  All attempts by Dr Fuh Calistus to come out with a consensus list hit the rock as Dingha and Wasum will clash at polls tomorrow. (to be continued)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

32 Dead, 80 Injured in Yola-Nigeria, Boko Haram Blamed

 The Associated Press

At least 32 people are dead and about 80 people are hurt after an explosion in the Nigerian city of Yola, according to various reports.

The blast took place at a fruit and vegetable market near a main road, Al Jazeera reports.

No one claimed responsibility, but the news agency reports that the blame will likely be placed on Boko Haram, the group that has killed thousands as it attempts to promote Islamic law in Nigeria.

Tuesday night's blast breaks a three-week hiatus in bombings after a string of suicide attacks culminated in twin explosions in mosques in two northeastern cities that killed 42 people and wounded more than 100 on Oct. 23.

One of the mosques attacked was in Yola, capital of Adamawa state, where the blast took place Tuesday night.

The dead and the injured were evacuated to hospitals, Sa'ad Bello, coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, told the Associated Press.

Most victims were vendors and passers-by, said Deputy Superintendent Othman Abubakar, the police spokesman for Adamawa state.

Nigeria's military has reported foiling several suicide bombers recently and killing and capturing insurgents as it destroys Boko Haram camps in air raids and ground attacks.

Some 20,000 people have been killed in the 6-year-old Islamic uprising that has spread to neighboring countries.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

CPDM Reorganisation: Plans to Fustrate Ubangoh Helly Candidature Flops

Ubangoh Helly

With reorganization of the basic organs of the CPDM in the offing in Momo Division, a revolution is about to take place in Ngie. Sources say members of the list( titled " The People's List) headed by Ubangoh Helly for the Post of Section President and those of the auxiliary wings, the YCPDM and WCPDM have just been interviewed by the Divisional Coordination Committee for Momo. Alleedly, Dr. Agharih and Mr. Awetua had attempted to use Senator Awanga Zacharie and Hon. Enwi Francis to again frustrate a popular choice. Yet met stiff rock as their list have been rejected because the lists were presented after the deadline. Ahead of Friday's elections, popular opnion allegedly puts Helly's lists for both WCPDM and YCPDM on lead. Sources linked to the CPDM regional Committee hinted that Ngafesson Emmanuel wedded in for the candidates to reach a consensus. As indicated above, Ubangoh Helly was chosen as head of the list. Implicitly, he is the new Section President for Ngie 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Reorganization of Basic Organs of the CPDM: Abdou Borno Wins Big in Donga Mantung II

ABDOU BORNO

Abdou Borno Kamfon has been anonymously elected Section President for Donga Mantung II, Ndu. In an acceptance speech after his exploits, this is what he old militants and sympathizers of the CPDM.... 

"Dear all. I am honored to have been elected and installed as CPDM section President for Donga Mantung 2, Ndu on 15th November 2015.
My election as section President and Madam Naomi Nfor as WCPDM President , Mr Ngangeh Dieudonne as YCPDM President and other elected party officials has rejuvenated the CPDM party in Ndu sub Division as our election and installation signifies a total reconciliation between the party and more youthful population and women of Ndu sub division. More energetic and committed officials have been elected into post of responsibilities in all the organs of the party making the party to have a new birth in Ndu sub Division.
We thank sincerely our out gone statesman and section President Hon.Talla Kwalar for holding the party in tact up till this moment he is handing over to us.He worked tirelessly and made the party what it is today.Progressively we shall continue from where he is handing to us and he shall for ever remain our main adviser. May God grant him good health and long life.
We owe him and CPDM militants and sympathisers of Ndu sub division hard work, steadfastness and loyalty to the party.
Many thanks to all who supported us during this historic moment.
God bless you all."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Landmark: The Launch of the Pan African-Australasia Diaspora Network (PAADN), Melbourne, Victoria,

The implementation of the Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit reached another objective landmark with the launch of the Pan-African Australasia Diaspora network by the African Union (AU) in Melbourne, Victoria, 6 November 2015.

This was in fulfillment of Article I A(F) of the Declaration that stressed the need to “create platforms for closer interaction, solidarity and effective cooperation between and amongst governments and civil society of African and its Diaspora including continuation of Regional Consultative Conference and consolidation of Regional Network as partners and interlocutors for the implementation of the outcome of the Global Diaspora Summit(italics).  It was also in conformity with Article IA(k) of the same which “Encouraged the Diaspora to organize themselves in regional networks and establish appropriate mechanisms their will enable their increasing participation in the affairs of the African Union.”

The Launch of the Network

The launch of the Network in Australia was a very colorful event which mirrored and even replicated the framework of Global African Diaspora Summit held in Sandton, South Africa on 12 May 2012.  It brought together over 100 participants from about 20 nationalities drawn largely from Australia, Asia and Oceania but also including representatives and invited guests from the five different regions of the African continent.  Specifically, this included important figures from the business sectors, academia, sports, entertainment, parliamentarians, police and security officials, public servants, the media, civil society, etc.

Present at the event were the key political figures from all shades of the Victorian political community.  This included Hon. Robin Scott, MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs who represented the Government and the Premier, Hon. Matthew Guy, MP and Leader of the Opposition Party, Hon. Telmo Ramon Languiller MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC, President of the Legislative Council and Andrew Crisp, Assistant Commissioner of Police.  Also in attendance were Members of the African Diplomatic Community in Australia, notably H.E. Mr. George Zulu, the High Commissioner of Zambia, Ms. Heide Goldeberg, Consul of Botswana and Mr. Trent Smith, Consul of Malawi, amongst others.

Celebrate African-Australian Event

The launch was accompanied by a Celebrate Africa-Australia event at which awards were presented to African nominees in various categories that had distinguished themselves in critical areas of Australian social, economic and political life and citizens and representatives of institutions from the African continent that had similar accomplishments. Awards were also given to Australian luminaries that have done much to promote Africa-Australian relations.  Some of the Award Categories include the African Community Female Leader of the Year Award, African Pioneer of the Year, African Australians Excellence Award, Business Model Leader of the Year Award, Champions Award, Emerging Footy Award, African Community Philanthropic Organization of the Year Award, the Outstanding Female Performance of the Year Award and Honorary Friends of the African Award.

The Launch dinner and Gala events included musical events, dances and cultural presentations from various parts of Africa.  A special award was given to the Citizens and Diaspora Organizations Directorate of the AU Commission (CIDO) in recognition of its work and contribution to the cause of building a global community in the African Union that will help to consolidate the Australia-Asia-African relations and promotion of African interests worldwide.

Discussion and Presentations

Speakers from various events from the AU, Victorian Parliament, civil society and Australasia highlighted the need to use PAADN and the Celebrate Australian African annual events as a framework for consolidating relations between Africa, Australia and Asia. This include the Minister for Multicultural Affairs who stood in for the Premier and the Leader of Opposition. A preceding meeting with the speaker of the Legislative Assembly and AUC staff ,led by the Director, Dr. Jinmi Adisa and attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Anthony Okara, underlined the significant contribution that Australians of African origin were making to the development of Australian society and the need to explore and strengthen the framework of relationship between Australia and the African Union.  Specific areas for collaboration were identified and this included Education, Mining, Agriculture, Science and Technology among others. Hon. Richard Marles, Federal MP and important figure in the Labour Opposition, who also interacted with the AU team, recalled his contacts with African Leaders and Africa’s support for Australians successful demand for a Security Council seat.  He stressed the need to build on this platform.  He saw Africa as the present future for Australia just in the same way that Asia was its future in the 1940s.  He urged the need to set the basis for getting things right in this perspective.

Mr. Sisay Dinku, the National Executive and Victoria State Coordinator stressed at the event that the objective of the Australasia Diaspora was to connect effectively with the African homeland to support Africa’s development agenda.  He observed the Australasia Africans were not out just to seek self-benefit.  They thought much in terms of what can be done for African rather than what Africa could do for them.  He thanked various sponsors drawn from within and outside Australia particularly from the African continent for supporting the event.  Australians, he added, take very seriously the mandate of global Diaspora Summit that underscored the need for self-help in organization in adherence with the AU. 

His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Nze-Bertram who underlined AU’s global responsibility and noted that Diaspora groups would not set out to be burdensome in this context.  What is required is meaningful collaboration with AU structures in a framework of common identity and mutual interests.  Responding, the Director of CIDO, Dr. Adisa praised the PAADN network members for their integrity of purpose and the mutuality of their concern and interests.  He observed that their strong ties with the cream of Victorian society and Australasia and Africans across the depth and breadth of the different layers of society places them at an advantage as effective interlocutors within the context of the implementation of the Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit.  He noted that the launch of the Network was a crucial phase but one that simply sets the stage for the greater work to come in Africa’s march towards integration and development.

The launch was concluded with the composition of the PADN Steering Community including the following:

-        John Nze-Bertram - Founder & Facilitator; and Administering Chairperson PAADN's Diplomats Group, Entrepreneurs Group, and Youths Group

-        Mr Sisay Dinku - Chairperson, PAADN's Human Rights and Immigration Group

-        Mrs Maria Osman - Chairperson, PAADN's Women's Group

-        Dr Apollo Nsubuga-Kyobe - Chairperson, Community Leaders Group

-        Dr Chika Anyanwu - Chairperson, PAADN's Academics Group

-        Mr David Malinda  - Chairperson, PAADN's Professionals Group

-        Mrs Elleni Bereded-Samuel - PAADN's Board Member

-        Dr. Mimmie Claudine Ngum Chi Watts - PAADN's Board Member

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

China contributes 2 USD million to support the establishment of the Africa’s Centre for Disease Control

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13^th November 2015: The People’s Republic of China has donated 2 USD million to the African Union Commission to support the establishment of the African Center for Disease Control (ACDC). The grant documents were signed today 13^th November 2015 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha and the Vice Minister of Commerce, H.E Mr. Qian Keming who was leading a high level Chinese delegation.

H.E Mr. Mwencha, on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, expressed his gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the financial support of the 2 USD million for the inception of the African CDC project and also for the donation of IT equipment to the Commission.

Furthermore, the Deputy Chairperson acknowledged the strong and fruitful cooperation between Africa and china highlighting the impressive growing economic relations between China and Africa. "In 2012, the volume of trade was 198.5 USD billion and is estimated to reach 385 USD billion by end of 2015 if the current trends continue" He said. "These relations are mutually beneficial to both parties and are underscored by a sense of mutual respect. While Africa gains by the injection of technical and financial support, China also gains the access to Africa’s vast consumer market and to reserves of natural resources, which are needed to support China’s growing industrial sector." He continued.

The Deputy Chairperson also noted that since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, it has provided a valuable platform for Africa-China dialogue on key issues of development for both parties. He appreciated the ongoing partnership in various sectors including economic cooperation, trade, industrial investments, infrastructure and aviation, with transformational benefits over the last decade has made on bilateral basis with African countries.

H.E Mr. Qian Keming, Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China expressed the readiness of his country to strengthen and broaden the areas of cooperation with Africa. The Vice Minister of Commerce highlighted that the Africa’s Agenda 2063 its First ten-year implementation Plan can be compared to China’s thirteenth five-year plan, which aims at boosting China’s long-term social and economic policies. He reiterated the commitment of China to fully supporting the African Union in the implementation process of Agenda 2063. He also said that the upcoming Forum on Africa-China Cooperation (FOCAC) that will take place is South Africa would be a critical step in demonstrating the will of the two partners to testify their excellent cooperation.

 H.E Mr. Qian Keming also said that H.E Xi Jin, President of the People’s Republic China would announce the Africa-China Cooperation for the next three years. He added that Plan would focus on development areas industrialization, infrastructure, and agriculture modernization.

The discussions between the two delegations also included, among others, the regional aviation cooperation between China and Africa, the establishment of the Pan African Television and Radio and  the construction of the High Speed Train network.

The 6^th FOCAC will take place in December 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the margins of the Summit, the 5^th Africa-China Entrepreneur Summit, the China Manufacturing Expo will be organized.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)