Friday 28 February 2014


African Union commemorates healthy lifestyles day with encouragement, an exhibition and healthy treats for all 

Addis Ababa, 28 February 2014: A healthy lifestyle is about taking responsibility for one’s decisions and making smart healthy choices for today and for the future. This was the message that came out of the 6thAfrica Healthy Lifestyle day commemorations held today at the African Union headquarters under the theme “health for all through food security”. The celebrations were organised by the AU Medical Services Directorate in collaboration with the Departments of Social Affairs (DSA), and Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) and other stakeholders.

This day was adopted in the framework of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategy on control of non-communicable diseases. The event brought together officials and staff of the AU Commission, staff of African Union embassies in Addis Ababa as well as their family members, other international agencies, students and the broader African community.

The meeting was addressed by Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture and Mr. Olawale I. Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs. “Food security is said to exist when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. This includes both physical and economic access to food that meets people's dietary needs as well as their food preferences”, said Commissioner Rhoda Peace.

While addressing the meeting, Mr Olawale Maiyegun remarked, “Healthy lifestyle is about taking responsibility for your decisions and making smart healthy choices for today and for the future, and every day should be a healthy lifestyle day, not only the last week of February”.

The day focused on empowering, encouraging and increasing the participation of clients to improve in their nutrition and food safety practices, by improving food processing and making healthier choices, while increasing their physical activity rates as well their consciousness for screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Delegates to the Healthy Lifestyles Day also went on a tour of an exhibition titled, “Taste of Africa,” where they tasted healthy African foods from different countries such as Lesotho, Seychelles, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Angola, Uganda and Nigeria. They then proceeded to an open air aerobics and taekwondo session that was performed by nurses and AUC staff members to promote exercise for healthy lifestyles. The exhibition was opened by Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture.
SH. AA
Conservative Party logo
Dear ayoub,
This has been a tough week for Britain.
The wettest winter in two and a half centuries, some of the worst flooding in decades, and more severe weather on the way this weekend.
We're doing everything we can to help:
  • Delivering extra pumps and sandbags
  • Deploying the military wherever needed
  • Providing additional support for local emergency services
We will do what is necessary to help families and communities get through this very difficult time - more information is available on the Environment Agency website if you are affected.
We will also help people rebuild their lives and get back on their feet after the flooding, with repair grants of up to £5,000 for homeowners and businesses affected by the floods, and further support for businesses and farms that have suffered.
Amidst all of this, as is so often the case, in the toughest of times we are seeing the best of Britain.
Visiting the affected areas this week, I saw the incredible hard work and dedication of our emergency services, the Environment Agency, local authority workers, councils and armed forces.
I also saw the most inspiring community spirit amongst the many volunteers who are rolling up their sleeves and helping out those in need.
Everyone involved in the relief effort deserves our heartfelt thanks. Please join me by leaving a message of support on Facebook.
It will take time, but together we will deal with these floods, get our country back on its feet and build a more resilient country for the future.
Best wishes,
David Cameron signature
David Cameron

Human capital development critical to deliver Agenda 2063 vision –
Dr. Nkosanana Dlamini Zuma
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,  February, 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has underscored the fact that “human capital development is critical to deliver on the Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.” She shared this viewpoint with the newly appointed Executive Director of the Coalition for Dialogue in Africa (CoDA), Dr. Rahel Kassahun, who was on an introductory courtesy call to H.E. Chairperson to present the revitalized focus of the think tank.

Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma pointed out the need for heavy investments in Africa’s people, as recognition of the dire importance of human development, one of the most important resources of Africa. 

CoDA’s focus, according to the Executive Director, is on human resource and leadership development aimed at enhancing Africa’s human capital development. Given that the human resource factor is one of the most critical issues underpinning any development, CoDA attempts to address the constraints to fuller growth, drawing lessons from international best practices to inform a well-thought out strategy for human development in Africa. 

The Coalition for Dialogue in Africa is an Addis Ababa-based, African owned international think tank sponsored by the African Union Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank.

Mauritania Foreign Minister and AU Executive Council President in audience with AUC Chairperson

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,  February, 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Tuesday, 25 February 2014, received in audience the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and current African Union Executive Council President, H.E. Mohamed Saleck Ould Lemine.

Issues discussed during their meeting included the timely implementation of Summit decisions, upcoming Africa-European Union Summit, Ministers of Finance Meeting on alternative sources of funding, the establishment of an AU Foundation and peace and security issues, including ongoing challenges in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, amongst others.

The AUC Chairperson and the Foreign Minister met on the eve of an official visit to the Commission by current Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H.E. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.

President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz will visit the Commission on Wednesday, 26 February, with the aim to further strengthen and enhance the efficient collaboration in delivering on the continental mandate during Mauritania’s presidency of the Union. 

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania assumed the African Union Presidency during the 22nd Summit of Heads of State and Government that held on 30-31st January 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Thursday 27 February 2014

http://www.flickr.com//photos/new_vision_pix/sets/72157641598677803/show/with/12810549963/
Africa must not imitate West, says Museveni
Africa must not imitate West, says Museveni

Presidents Joyce Banda-Malawi (R) Yoweri Museveni (M) and Micheal Sata of Zambia walking to the conference Hall for the opening of the 17th COMESA summit of heads of State and Governement of COMESA AT CITEDE 1 UA villas in Kinshasha on February 26, 2014
newvision
By Vision Reporter

President Museveni has warned African countries against imitating the West countries and inflating salaries instead of investing in infrastructure. 

“Africa must be cautious of trying to imitate the Western Countries who, in their heydays of being the aristocracy of the world, put wages very high and, in the end, when they faced competition from China, India and others, could not compete,” said the President while addressing the 17th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State summit in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 

COMESA is a grouping of 19 African states which have agreed to promote regional integration through trade development and to develop their natural and human resources for the mutual benefit of all their peoples and its members include Uganda, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Zambia, Egypt, Libya and Zimbabwe.
The 17th summit is on the theme, “Consolidating Intra-Comesa Trade and Through Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise Development”.

The last summit was hosted by Uganda from November 23 to 24, 2012 under the theme ‘Enhancing Intra-COMESA Trade through Micro, Small and medium, Enterprises.”
Museveni who since then has been the COMESA chairperson has handed over to the host President Joseph Kabila.
Leaders at the summit included Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe) and Omar Bashir (Sudan). 

In his address, Museveni underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure. He said Africa’s enormous potential cannot be unlocked without good infrastructures, especially roads, the railway, electricity, ICT infrastructure, ports and piped water for, at least, the towns.

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Aida Nakawala (25) mkazi wa kijiji cha Chiwanda, Wilaya ya Momba, Mkoa wa Mbeya, ambaye alijifungua watoto wanne kwa mkupuo (Quadruplets) usiku wa kuamkia Mwaka mpya wa 2014 katika Hospitali ya Wazazi ya META jijini Mbeya.

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Misaada  toka kwa  Bi Gladness Sariah wa Uingereza,  Dar es salaam kwa https://www.facebook.com/norah.silverboutique" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Norah SilverBoutique
 
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Joseph Mwaisango wa Mbeya yetu akiwakilisha msaada toka kwa familia ya mama Masawe wa DSM kwa kituo cha kulelea watoto yatima cha NURU kilichopo Uyole, mkoani Mbeya.
-----------------------
Kituo cha Mtandao wa kijamii cha Mbeya Yetu (http://www.mbeyayetu.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.mbeyayetu.blogspot.com
) kimepokea Misaada mbalimbali kutoka kwa wasamaria wema kwa ajili ya Kituo cha kulelea watoto wa mitaani cha Nuru kilichopo Uyole Jijini Mbeya na  Aida Nakawala (25) mkazi wa kijiji cha Chiwanda, Wilaya ya Momba, Mkoa wa Mbeya, ambaye alijifungua watoto wanne kwa mkupuo (Quadruplets) usiku wa kuamkia Mwaka mpya wa 2014 katika Hospitali ya Wazazi ya META jijini Mbeya.
Msaada wa kwanza ulipokelewa hivi karibuni wenye thamani ya shilingi Laki Moja kutoka Familia ya Masawe wa Dar es salaam kwa ajili ya kituo cha Nuru ambapo Mbeya yetu iliuwasilisha kama ulivyo.
Mbali na msaada huo pia Mtandao huu ukishirikiana na mtandao wa kijamii wenye makao yake makuu Jijini Dar es salaam wa http://www.michuzi.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.issamichuzi.blogspot.com
 ulipokea kutoka kwa Msamaria mwema wa Uingereza, Bi Gladness Sariah, ambaye alitoa maboksi mawili yenye nguo na vitu kadhaa vya watoto.
Aidha katika kuonesha wengi wameguswa na tukio la Mwanamke huyo kujifungua watoto wanne  ambao wanaendelea vizuri, pia Msamaria  mwema mwingine aliyejulikana kwa jina la  Dada https://www.facebook.com/norah.silverboutique" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Norah SilverBoutique
 toka Dar es salaam naye  ametoa Maziwa Lactogen makopo 24 pamoja na nguo ambavyo vimewasili salama katika ofisi ya Mbeya Yetu.
 Shukrani kwa Wazee wa Kazi, Serengeti Freight Forwarders ya huko Uingereza na ofisi za Michuzi Media Group (MMG) kuwezesha kufika kwa mizigo hii Mbeya.
Kutokana na kupokelewa kwa mizigo hiyo ambapo kituo cha Nuru kilikabidhiwa Katoni Mbili za Sukari, Sabuni na Biskuti pia Tunatarajia kuanza  safari ya kwenda huko Chiwanda Wilaya ya Momba Kilomita zaidi ya 260 toka Mbeya mjini kufikisha misaada ya Mama wa mapacha wanne. 
Hivyo ni wito wetu kwenu kuendelea kutuombea na kutuunga mkono katika safari hiyo ili tuweze kuifikisha salama mizigo hiyo ikiwa ni pamoja na kuangalia maendeleo ya Watoto hao ambapo watakuwa wameshatimiza mwezi mmoja na siku 24.
Tunawashukuru sana tena sana wote mliojitolea na Mungu awabariki sana. 
Kama umeguswa na hili na unataka kutoa msaada tafadhali wasiliana na: issamichuzi@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">issamichuzi@gmail.com
 ama jmwaisango@yahoo.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">jmwaisango@yahoo.com 
Nasi tutafikisha ubani wako. 
Wazee wa Kazi Serengeti Freight wametoa ofa ya 
kusafirisha bure misaada ya aina hii toka Uingereza.
Mbarikiwe sana Wazee wa Kazi.
Revealed: Why Dubai’s first conflict gold audit never saw the light of day
   

According to a former partner at Ernst & Young, the global accountancy firm turned a blind eye when a report of major audit failures at Dubai’s biggest gold refinery went unpublished. A Global Witness report released today, City of Gold, considers the implications.

Documents seen by Global Witness suggest that the local metals regulator, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), changed its audit guidelines after becoming aware of negative findings in Ernst & Young’s report, with the effect that damaging results were not released.

Dubai is a key market – trading more than 20% of the world’s gold, worth $70 billion in 2012 – and Global Witness research indicates that it’s the main destination for Congolese conflict gold.

Ernst & Young was auditing Kaloti Jewellery International against international standards designed to prevent gold from funding conflict and human rights violations in places like Congo and Sudan. Amjad Rihan, the partner in charge of the project, who has now left the firm, alleges that Ernst & Young knew about the DMCC’s actions but failed to disengage from the audit.

The Ernst & Young audit found that in 2012 Kaloti Jewellery International:  
  • failed to report potentially suspicious cash transactions worth over US$5.2bn;
  • knowingly accepted tonnes of gold bars painted silver imported from Morocco by suppliers who had used falsified paperwork;
  • failed to do adequate checks on gold bought from high-risk suppliers
These failures pointed to an increased risk both of money laundering, and of dirty gold from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other conflict zones entering the refiner’s supply chain during 2012.

Annie Dunnebacke, Deputy Campaigns Director at Global Witness said: “The unregulated trade in gold is fuelling wars and brutal human rights in places like eastern Congo. The actions of Ernst & Young and the Dubai regulator, while perfectly legal, undermine trust in the industry at a critical time when progressive new laws to tackle conflict minerals have come into force. This is why it was important that this story came to light.”

Global Witness believes Ernst & Young should have rejected the changes the DMCC made to their guidelines, and walked away from the audit engagement with their client. In our opinion, they also should have reported the most serious audit findings to the London Bullion Market Association.

“It’s our view that the Dubai regulator could not have secured a clean audit result from a major gold player without Ernst & Young’s willingness to turn a blind eye. Auditors like Ernst & Young play a public interest role in assuring us that companies are meeting important standards. If auditors can’t be relied upon to place ethical principles above business interests, progress in cleaning up the global minerals trade could be jeopardised,” said Dunnebacke.

Global Witness is calling on Kaloti Jewellery International to immediately release its unpublished audit report. The Government of Dubai should investigate any breaches of acceptable conduct in the DMCC’s actions and address the conflict of interest in the DMCC’s role as regulator and trade promoter.

Dunnebacke: “Public disclosure is a key incentive to improving business practice. This case points to the need for stricter guidelines for conflict minerals audits to ensure that all findings – especially critical ones – see the light of day. There may also be a need to consider new rules for auditors to reduce the inherent conflict between safeguarding the public interest, and promoting client or commercial concerns.”

Global Witness sought comment from the parties involved in this case. Kaloti Jewellery International denied any allegation of non-compliance and emphasised that it had never been found by Ernst & Young to be sourcing from conflict zones. The DMCC rejected any suggestion of a cover-up or improper action. The regulator said that its processes are consistent with international best practice and that the guidelines were revised in order to conform to international standards. Ernst & Young denied turning a blind eye to the suppression of audit results or acting in a manner not compliant with the firm’s Code of Conduct. The firm said that findings of non-compliance were fully reported to the client and to the DMCC, whose regulatory standards it independently applied at all times.

 / Ends 

Contact: 
Annie Dunnebacke on +44 7912 517 127+44 7912 517 127; adunnebacke@globalwitness.org
Amy Barry on +44 7980 664 397+44 7980 664 397; amy@digacommunications.com  
 

N’DJAMENA HOSTS EXPERT MEETING OF SHERPAS OF THE HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE OF ADVISORS ON POST 2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA 



Description: 2N’Djamena, Chad  February 2014-    “We are determined to speak with one voice in the international fora on the Post 2015 Development Agenda” said Dr. Anthony Maruping, Commissioner of Economic Affairs of the African Union, while chairing the meeting of experts of the Sherpas of the High Level Committee Advisors on Post 2015 Development Agenda on 25 February 2014 in N’Djamena, Republic of Chad.

The Commissioner was speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. He expressed gratitude to H.E Idris Deby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad for accepting to host such an important and historical meeting in his country. The N’djamena spirit, Commissioner Maruping underlined, should prevail as the count down towards the 2015 deadline of the Post 2015 Development Agenda has begun.

Commissioner Maruping explained that, consultations are ongoing at all levels to ensure an all-inclusive bottom-top approach of the document on the African Common position on the Post 2015 Development Agenda so that Africans can take ownership of this document. “Speed is required in 2014”, the Commissioner said. He called on the participants to have  fruitful summit compliant deliberations, in preparation of the High Level Committee meeting scheduled for 28 February 2014. (See complete speech of Commissioner Maruping on the AU website:www.au.int ).

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Economy , Planning and International Cooperation of Chad, Mrs. Mariam M. Nour outlined that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are composed of very noble causes that need to be taken seriously by all concerned policy makers. She said considerable progress has been made in the socio-economic and political areas but much still has to be done to accomplish the work expected from the High Level Committee.

The Chair of the expert group, Dr. Abdoulaye Dukule, Sherpa of H.E Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia and Chair of the High Level Committee on the Post 2015 Development Agenda, underscored the need to brainstorm on the communication strategy of the HLC among others, to enable  good popularization of the activities of the Sherpas of  the HLC on the Post 2015 Development Agenda.
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Organised by the African Union Department of Economic Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Chad and the office of the Chair of the High Level Committee on the Post 2015 Development Agenda, the meeting is a follow up of the 22nd Assembly of Heads of State and Government which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 30-31 January 2014, that adopted the Common African Position (CAP) on the post 2015 development agenda to serve as Africa’s input to the global post 2015 development agenda.

The objective of the N’djamena meeting is to launch the CAP and formulate a strategy for advocacy, negotiation and forging alliances.

The opening ceremony took place in the presence of H.E Ahmad Awad Sakine, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad in Addis Ababa and to the African Union. Other participants included: the representatives of Algeria, Chad,  Ethiopia,  Mauritius, Liberia, Namibia, South Africa, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Development Bank (AfDB), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The High Level Committee (HLC) was established at the 21st Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in May 2013, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to finalize the draft African Common Position and build regional and intercontinental alliances around the post 2015 Development Agenda.
The High Level Committee includes two Heads of State and Government from each of the five regions of the continent and is chaired by Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of the Republic of Liberia.

During the Assembly, Mrs. Johnson Sirleaf presented the Draft Common African Position which is the outcome of a series of consultations with a wide spectrum of African stakeholders since 2011. The document is structured around five pillars and enablers i.e..
·         Pillar 1: Structural Economic Transformation
·         Pillar 2: Science, technology and innovation
·         Pillar 3: People-centered development
·         Pillar4: Environmental sustainability, natural resources management and disaster risk management
·         Pillar 5: Finance and Partnerships

The document also identified peace and security; good governance, transparency and fighting corruption; enabling governance architecture; human rights for all; macroeconomic policy; private sector development; a credible participatory process; monitoring and evaluation; traditional knowledge; and capacity development as key enablers for implementation.

The Assembly expressed a need for a Post-2015 Development Agenda that remains focused on completing the unfinished business of the MDGs, whilst also incorporating new and emerging challenges. It also expressed its aspirations for a global agenda that creates an enabling environment for Africa to transform its economies, pursue sustainable development, strengthen resilience and promote an agenda that encourages open and accountable governance supported by strong, mutually beneficial and diversified global partnerships. The Assembly further requested to bring peace and security upfront as a pillar and emphasized the need for a standing committee to follow up, monitor and report the implementation of the Post 2015 Development Agenda.