Victoria mayor back from African local government meetings |23 November 2004

The meetings, held from November 7 to 9 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, gathered representatives from English, French and Portuguese-speaking African countries.

Mrs Benstrong attended the meeting for the Interring Management Committee of Union of Cities and Local Government of Africa, the directors council of the Associations of Union of Local Authorities (Aula), to which Seychelles is a member, and its executive committee.

She chaired the directors council meeting, calling the opportunity a “privilege.”

During the meeting participants discussed how to merge local government organisations of the different countries of Africa. They also discussed the best location to set up their headquarters, which should be finalised by May next year.

Seychelles has been chosen to host the 2005 edition of the Aula Directors Council Executive Committee meeting next year in February.

During her visit, Mrs Benstrong also witnessed the launching of the manifestation of African countries – the Africities – an event that takes place only every two years.

The next manifestation, which unites mayors, ministers and youth representatives from all African cities, is scheduled for 2006 in Nairobi. Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki launched the Africities manifestation.

Seychelles has not yet taken part in such a manifestation but Mrs Benstrong said that for the first time representatives from the country will get the opportunity to attend in 2006.