Seychelles welcomes AU pledge on Somalia |28 July 2010
Following the terrorist attacks in Kampala two weeks ago, the need to identify new approaches towards Somalia was universally acknowledged at the summit.
The meeting also addressed the need for the capacity of all African states, including Somalia, to be increased so there is a return to the rule of law in the whole country and a reduction of threats such as piracy and terrorism.
“A united approach is the key to success in the long term. There is a need for all countries of Africa to address this issue,” Mr Adam said in a statement yesterday.
“There is also a need for all other partners, whether it be NGOs or international organisations, politicians or civil society, to present a united front against terrorism and piracy. Nothing will be achieved by just waiting for the problem to go away.”
The AU summit brought together the continent’s 53 heads or their designated representatives to discuss the major issues of concern.
The state of affairs in Somalia was high on the agenda in view of recent events, but the summit’s main theme – Maternal, infant and child health and development in Africa – was also discussed in depth with a view to mobilising more resources in the bid to reduce deaths of children and mothers in childbirth.
Seychelles now boasts one of the lowest infant mortality rates on the continent after sustained investment in the health sector since independence, which has continued despite the challenges of economic reforms.
The summit urged all countries to reach the Abuja target of a minimum 15% of national budgets being allocated to healthcare by 2015. Seychelles devotes 24% of its ministries’ budget to the health sector and is well placed to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
The forum also noted the need for the AU to engage with other multilateral and regional partners in recognising the new challenges posed by globalisation and the world economic crisis.
In line with this, the second Afro-Arab summit is expected to take place this year in Sirte, Libya, to strengthen relations between Africa and the Arab world.
During the summit, the Seychellois delegation also took part in several bilateral meetings aimed at raising the awareness of African partners on the challenges of piracy and climate change.
The team also joined in talks on the subject of the vulnerability of small island states in relation to these issues, and on the status of the contributions of Seychelles, as a small island state, to the AU.
Seychelles has successfully argued in the past, with other regional organisations such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Southern African Development Community, that the unique characteristics of small islands need to be factored into calculating their contributions.
This is particularly relevant in the context of debt rescheduling where, as middle-income countries, small island states are not eligible for a full debt write-off, as well as in the context of piracy which hinders the security and economic development of small islands. Talks are ongoing with the AU Commission on this subject.
Mr Adam, who is due to return to Seychelles today, was accompanied at the summit by Joseph Nourrice, Seychelles’ permanent representative to the AU.