The 30th ordinary session of the assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) summit has opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with special attention to fighting corruption in order to uphold Africa’s vision in achieving development.
Vice President Inonge Wina, who is representing Zambia, is among the more than 20 African Heads of States in attendance.
Mrs. Wina described corruption as a cancer that destroys the fabric of society.
The Vice President took recognition of the African Union member states’ commitment to fight corruption despite challenges surrounding the scourge.
Outgoing AU chairperson Alpha Conde, who is also President of Guinea, thanked the member states for their unwavering support during his tenure from January to December 2017.
New African Union chairperson Paul Kagame, who is also President of Rwanda, told the member states that despite the challenges facing the continent, it was important to infuse the economies with technology for advanced development.
“Africa is important and the free movement of the people is achievable in 2018,” he emphasized.
He appealed to the elders in Africa to enjoy their task of providing guidance to the young people.
And United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations remains committed to affirming its strong partnership to the membership and the people of Africa.
Mr. Guterres said migration is a positive globe phenomenon which powers economic growth and reduces inequalities.
Meanwhile, the member states welcomed three new leaders who include Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Angola’s Joao Lourenco and George Weah of Liberia.
Mr. Mnangagwa assured the member states that former President of Robert Mugabe‘s legacy is secure while Mr. Weah sought for the union’s support and guidance for him to deliver according to the promises he made during election campaigns last year.
The assembly may also table the subject of conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a situation which has seen thousands of refugees seek asylum in Zambia.
In Zambia, the number of refugees has gone up to more than 13, 000, creating an overwhelming pressure on government.
Stakeholders such as the United Nation agencies and Red Cross among others, have come on board to supplement the Zambian government’s efforts in providing for the required services to the affected persons.
The assembly may also table the issue of self -financing for the continent’s economic projects.
During the official opening of this year’s 32nd session of African Union Executive Council, the African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat stressed the need for African leaders to strengthen their financial independence in order to avoid dependency syndrome from the developed world.
Mr. Mahamat has declared the year 2018 as an African anti-corruption year.
He said the fight against corruption demands putting in place stronger institutions that will bring about prosperity in order to consider the importance and urgency when addressing such a vice.
“Corruption hampers efforts of promoting democratic governance, socio-economic transformation and peace and security,” he said.
The AU has declared 2018 an Anti Corruption Year in Africa. We wait with bated breath to see how the Corrupt Lungu govt is going to do about Rampant Corruption in Zambia.Madam Wina we do not want hypocrisy. Its futile to describe Corruption as a Concer while engaged in Corruption activities everyday. We want to see Action and Transformation in the Lungu PF govt in 2018 without fail.
Hoo kanshi that’s the agenda, it’s about corruption? That’s not for Edgar. Just wonder what Inonge will come tell cabinet.
Lip service,African countries are synonymous with corruption.
HOPE THE MESSAGE REACHED ZAMBIA LOUD AND CLEAR.
The most corrupt one was AWOL?
Especially the blocked eyes of Lungu and his minions.
Lungu thought this summit was like setting him up talking about corruption pwah!
Now we know the reason he decided not to attend!
He did not want to be embarrassed better, he stayed behind . He was warned not to travel
That explains why Lungu did not go to Addis Ababa for the 30th AU Summit. The Corruption Theme is embarrassing and self incriminating to Lungu. Lungu was going to be asked to explain his Policy towards Corruption. Lungu can bury his head in the sand like an Ostrich but the Corruption problem in his govt will not go away. Very soon President Buhari as the AU Champion on Corruption will be asking Lungu to explain what he is doing about Rampant Corruption and misgovernance issues in his govt.
“Mrs. Wina described corruption as a cancer that destroys the fabric of society.”
This Old Hen is surrounded by corrupt thieves herself ..really laughable
Corruption Zambian government, MUKULA saga.
No wonder Trump called us that(sht…nations).Africa Na Zambia kuwayawaya fye.Congo conflict?Yaba,the summit is all about making allowance fye
The AU should constitute AU ant corruption wing which will prosecute and investigate African government.
That explains why someone from southern africa could not quickly quickly jump on a plane or charter one. The agenda is really a short in his heart.
Mama mama mama Iam embarrassed guys. How long are we going to go on in hiding
Had Lungu attended the 30th AU Summit he would have been put on Trial for high level of Corruption in his govt. Even if he abstained from attending the Summit he will need to address high level of Corruption in his govt.He has been paying lipservice to corruption now is the time to deal with Corruption head on. Lungu has no where to hide.
Focusing on corruption! That’s why I did not attend, come on bring the evidence.
The corrupt are focusing their fight again corruption…I mean, isn’t that ironic?
Notice the absence of resident LT PF rats on this thread ??
Mmmh, is that the reason why we didn’t jump on that plane, yayaya, yabipa Bola, why are they talking about corruption, do they not know that ba some of us attained office to do that. These guys are not serious, ala mwandi kuti balenga being sent out off our offices. Awe shyaye.