ambassador biswaro farewell to AU

DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Press Release Nº 081/2013

Ambassadors express urgent need for alternative source of finance, as they bid farewell to AUC Chairperson

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 4 July, 2013: Two departing Ambassadors at the end of their tour of duty have reiterated the need to speed up the process of generating alternative sources of funding for the African Union. H.E. Dr. Monica Juma and H.E. Prof. Joram Mukama Biswaro, respectively Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Kenya and United Republic of Tanzania to the African Union came to bid farewell to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the end of their tenure of office.

The Tanzanian Ambassador, Prof Joram Mukama Biswaro was received first by Dr. Dlamini Zuma. Ambassador Mukama Biswaro expressed satisfaction for his service to his country and the continent. After serving in the public service for over 30 years, he said that, “the time has come to take leave.” He voiced confidence in the Chairperson’s leadership to shoulder on with the responsibility of the Commission, given that she is a very committed Pan-Africanist.

Referring to the 21^st Summit of Heads and Governments that held last May alongside the 50^th anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU, Ambassador Mukama Biswaro said he wished member States were able to make straight forward decisions following President Obasanjo’s report on Alternative Sources of finance. 

In similar lines, Kenya’s outgoing Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Monica Juma expressed her government’s keen interest in welcoming the delegation carrying on with the consultations on alternative sources of funding. She added that according to Kenya’s Foreign Policy under President Uhuru Kenyatta, “Kenya hopes to increase its footprints in the AU.”

Ambassador Monica Juma and Dr. Dlamini Zuma also engaged in other critical areas of engagement between Kenya and the AU, such as Somalia. She informed the AUC Chairperson of President Kenyatta’s commitment to host a continental reflection on electoral process and competitive politics aimed at promoting and managing diversity. 

Dr. Dlamini Zuma thanked each of them for their selfless services to their countries and the continent. She expressed the hope that those who will replace them should equally be as active and engaging as they have been. She handed them certificates of service and wished them well