1 February 2008
Addis Ababa — President Festus Mogae has arrived here to join other heads of state and government leaders attending the 10th ordinary assembly of the African Union (AU).
The summit opened yesterday morning. Speakers at the opening ceremony were expected to include AU chairperson President John Kufour of Ghana, outgoing AU Commission chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare, and United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.
The special theme of this year's summit is: "Industrial Development of Africa". In this respect the assembly will receive a declaration from the AU Private Sector Forum, as well as representatives of governments and international organisations.
Additional agenda items include the election of a new AU chairperson and AU Commission Chairperson, as well as other commission members.
According to the latest reports, some candidates have dropped out of the race to replace Konare. Remaining known candidates include Dr Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika of Zambia, Jean Ping of Gabon and Ms Antoinette Batumbwara of Burundi.
The assembly of AU leaders will also receive reports of an "Audit of the Union", which has been drafted by a High Level Panel of "Eminent Africans" and that of the Ministerial Committee.
It is anticipated that the audit report will spark further discussion on proposals to move towards greater continental unity, between those favouring an accelerated and more gradualist approach.
The summit is expected to remain in session through this afternoon. President Mogae has been given the honour of opening the summit's closing session. While at the Summit Mogae is also expected to hold a number of bilateral discussions, including meetings with the president of the World Bank and the UK Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN. (GCIS)
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