Mozambican President and former chairperson of the African Union (AU), Joaquim Chissano, in July presented to his successor, a continent poised to achieve socio-economic integration through poverty reduction and participation in the global economy.

The 3rd Annual Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in July in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, discussed among other issues, sustainable peace to foster socioeconomic development, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Pan African Parliament (PAP), gender, governance and strategies to combat diseases, especially HIV and AIDS.

The strategic framework developed by the AU as a road map for 2004- 2007 formed the basis for discussions. The summit also provided opportunity to assess progress on the Maputo declaration signed at the summit in Mozambique in July 2003 when President Chissano took over the chair amid commitment to the AU’s wider goal to combat poverty, corruption and conflict on the continent.

The AU summit noted President Chissano’s commitment and dedication in carrying out his responsibilities as Chairperson, at this early stage of the organisation’s establishment. Several critical institutions were launched during his tenure, including the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) in Addis Ababa, headquarters of the pan-African body, on Africa Day, 25 May.

Launching the PSC, Chissano said the council is “… an efficient tool for the realisation of the African Agenda in issues of prevention, management and resolution of conflict.”

A recommendation by the AU leadership, for an African Standby Force (ASF) charged with prevention and resolution of conflicts on the continent in conformity with AU mandates ranging from observer missions to peacekeeping operations and intervention, was also adopted.

During his term, President Chissano visited many African states including Burundi, Congo Brazaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia, Libya and São Tomé e Príncipe, to facilitate dialogue on sustainable peace on the continent. Mozambique has also contributed soldiers to peacekeeping missions.

In view of the pending Mozambican elections after which President Chissano will hand over power to his successor, the AU summit congratulated him for abiding by the constitution of his country to hand over power peacefully.

On the DRC, President Chissano has responded to the political disturbances in that country, as part of the troika in charge of the SADC organ on politics, defence and security, Mozambique is part of a fact-finding mission to the DRC to help bring stability and ensure that adopted peace agreements are upheld.

Chissano’s term also ushered in the Pan African Parliament launched in March this year, expected to ensure the full participation of Africans in the socio-economic development process and resolution of challenges.

To be based in South Africa, PAP scored a first by electing a woman, Gertrude Mongella of the United Republic of Tanzania, as president. In addition, women hold two of the five top positions in the parliament. The AU has also achieved 50 percent parity in the appointment of the AU commissioners.

The outgoing AU Chairperson has also rallied support for NEPAD, the AU body charged with ensuring economic development. During a UN General Assembly meeting and other international fora, President Chissano urged the international community to channel development support to

Africa through NEPAD. The period under review has seen the launch of the African Peer Review Mechanism, one of the key AU initiatives through which member states can submit themselves to voluntary peer monitoring and evaluation by fellow member states.

In addition, the AU has initiated discussions on developing a Charter on Elections, Democracy and Governance, to guide electoral processes. At least 10 African countries are scheduled to conduct elections in 2004 and the AU is sending observer missions.

As chairperson of the AU, President Chissano has spearheaded a campaign to ensure sustainable food security through the establishment of an African Agricultural Development Fund as a follow up to AU leaders' commitments in Maputo to allocate at least 10 percent of their national budgets to boost agricultural production.

The AU summit also noted the important and historic role played by the Mozambican president in the struggle for the liberation of his country and the promotion of peace and stability and socio-economic development throughout his tenure as the second president of the country.

Tribute was paid to the outgoing chairperson for his ¡°dynamic leadership and contribution to the achievement of the objectives.¡± President Olusegun Obasanjo, who took over the AU chair, pledged to consolidate the work to ensure socio-economic integration in Africa, initiated by his predecessor.

The challenge remains to strengthen the institutional framework so that the AU effectively delivers on its mandate.