The Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Dlamini Zuma, has called on African leaders to take action in conflict situations in their countries to avoid violence.

She gave the task on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda, while delivering her welcome remark at the opening of the 29th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU.

While condemning the recent resurgence of conflict in South Sudan, she said it was the responsibility of governments to secure the lives of citizens.

“Governments and leadership are there to protect the vulnerable, to serve the people, not to prey on them and be the cause of their suffering.

“As a continent, we must respect the lives of our people and we should not tolerate leadership that has no regard for peoples’ lives.”

The theme of the summit is ‘Human Rights’ with particular reference to the rights of women and children.

Zuma also said that the summit’s theme should be a spur to action to strengthen democracy, ensure human rights, promote unity in diversity and inclusive governance in all African countries.

“Our human rights institutions that we created have the obligation to report and to identify challenges, because none of us have impeccable records on human rights, it is a journey and we have not yet reached our destination.

“As countries, we must work with our institutions to ensure that we improve on the specific areas identified.”

She also said that during the four years of the term of the present Commission, the Executive Council played an important role in driving the mission of the Union.

“It is as a direct result of this Pan African catalyst role of the Executive Council that we are able to move a step forward at this Summit, to present the African passport.

“We also hope to move forward on the Continental Free Trade Area.”

Mr Carlos Lopes, United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), said the fate of Africa would depend on investments made on human capital.

He said that many African migrants were educated thereby improving the economy of the continents they migrate to.

He also said that migration of Africans to other continents was no longer based on the search for greener pastures but out of desperation due to conflicts provoking heavy casualties.

“Improvements in literacy rates, transport, ICT and public infrastructure in the last century have significantly influenced migration and transnational social connectivity and vice-versa.”

Carlos noted that remittances sent by migrants to developing countries were large and had become the second largest source of development finance after foreign direct investment.

However, he said that remittances alone could not remove the structural constraints to economic growth.

“A more hopeful view sees migrants serving as bridges or connectors, providing access to markets, sources of investment and expertise, while also helping to shape public debate, articulate reform plans and help implement reforms and new projects.”

Welcoming delegates earlier, the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo, said the summit should signal the beginning of the quest for efficiency on behalf of the continent.

She said it was the time for Africa to achieve results, for policy implementation and focus but especially a time for genuine service for the people of the continent.

“We are very aware of the ways of the past, the difficulty in merging our ways but I have no doubt that keeping the people of this continent on our mind and in our hearts, we are very capable of bringing about many of the positive changes we have talked about so many times in the past.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that the summit seeks to focus on the Agenda 2063 priorities such as building energy, road, rail and ICT infrastructure, to power and connect homes and industries.

Others are expanding agriculture and agro-processing; investing in the health, skills and education especially Africa’s children, young men and women, building inclusive, democratic and tolerant societies. (NAN)

•Photo shows AUC Chairperson, Dr Dlamini Zuma.

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