speciosa speech - june 2016

7/26/2019 Speciosa Speech - June 2016

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SAEMENIN SUPPOR OF

DR. SPECIOSA KAZIBWE WANDIRASCANDIDAURE FOR HE POS OF

CHAIRPERSONAFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

2016 - 2020

By

Dr. Speciosa Kazibwe WandiraCandidate

June 2016


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Excellencies,

I stand before you to put my case as the most suitable candidate for Chairperson ofthe AU Commission, replacing Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zumaunder whose commendableleadership Africas blue print for the next fifty years,Agenda 2063, has been formulated

and adopted for the way forward for Africa.

Te Organization of African Unity

We salute and pay tribute to our forefathers who started the Organization of African Unity(OAU) in 1963. Teir common desire was to rid Africa of colonialism, unite in solidarity, coor-dinate and intensify cooperation for developmentall essential for safeguarding the sover-eignty and territorial integrity of Member States, and the promotion of international cooper-ation within the framework of the United Nations.

Notable achievements of the OAU include the Lagos Plan of Action (LPA) and the Final Actof Lagos (1980) which incorporated programs | strategies for self-reliant developmentand cooperation among African countries. In 1981, human rights were embedded in theAfrican Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the African Commission on Human andPeoples Rights. Protracted drought, famines and crippling external indebtedness in the1980s prompted the 1985 Africas Priority Programme for Economic Recovery (APPER).Te 1990 Declaration on the Political and Socio-Economic Situation in Africa and thefundamental changes taking place in the World as well as the Charter on PopularParticipation sought to address challenges to peace, democracy and security as wellas to place the African citizen at the centre of development and decision-making.

Te 1991 Abuja reaty established the African Economic Community (AEC) - beingimplemented in stages to culminate in an African Common Market - with the RegionalEconomic Communities (RECs) as building blocks. Te mechanism for Conflict Prevention,Management and Resolution of 1993 was a show of determination to solve conflicts,promote peace, security and stability in Africa. Te 1995 Cairo Agenda for Action re-launchedAfricas program for political, economic and social development. Tis was followed by the1997 African Common Position on Africas External Debt Crisis.

Unconstitutional Changes of Government were addressed in Algiers in 1999 and laterfollowed, in 2000, by the Lome Declaration on the framework for an OAU Response toUnconstitutional Changes. Te same year, the fundamental principles for the promotionof Democracy and Good Governance in the Continent were taken on board through theSolemn Declaration on the Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation.Frameworks for collective action were put in place to address challenges for protection ofthe environment, fighting international terrorism, combating the scourge of the HIV/AIDSpandemic, malaria and tuberculosis and to handle humanitarian issues such as refugeesand displaced persons, land-mines, small and light weapons, among others.

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African leaders, inspired by the noble ideals which guided the founding fathers of theOAU and generations of Pan Africanists in their determination to promote unity, solidari-ty, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States, recognized

the necessity to accelerate the process of implementing the reaty establishing the AfricanEconomic Community in order to promote the socio-economic development of Africa andto face more effectively the challenges posed by globalization.

In 1991, the Sirte Extraordinary Session established an African Union, the Lome Summitof 2000 adopted the Constitutive Act of the Union and the Lusaka Summit of 2001 drewthe road map for the implementation of the AU. Te AU was finally launched at the DurbanSummit in 2002 and the 1st Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AfricanUnion convened. Indeed the Organization of African Unity provided a continent-wide effec-

tive platform where coordinated positions were agreed and adopted, on how to act togetherfor the common good of Africa and to defend Africas interests internationally. It played adetermining and invaluable role in the liberation of the continent and the reaffirmation of acommon identity. Te process of attainment of the unity of our continent provided a uniqueframework for collective action in Africa and in relations with the rest of the world.

I laud the OAU Secretary Generals/Chief Executive Officers for the noble task of steeringAfrica through this period; namely H.E Kifle Wodajo (1963-1964); H.E Diallo elli Boubacar(1964-1972); H.E Nzo Ekangaki (1972-1974); H.E William Eteki Mboumoua (1974-1978); H.EEdem Kodjo (1978-1983); H.E Dr.Peter U. Onu (1983-1985); H.E Ide Oumarou (1985-1989);H.E Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1989-2001); and, H.E Amara Essy (2001-2003).

Te African Union

Te declaration establishing the AU the successor to the OAU, seeks to: 1) achievegreater unity and solidarity between the African countries and the peoples of Africa;2) defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States;3) accelerate political and socio-economic integration of the continent; 4) promote anddefend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples;5) encourage international cooperation, taking into account the Charter of the United

Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; 6) promote peace, security, andstability on the continent; and, 7) promote democratic principles and institutions, popularparticipation and good governance.

Te 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration adopted by Heads of State and government ofthe African Union at Addis Ababa on May 26, 2013 was a pledge that articulated the ideals of:1) African identity and Renaissance; 2) ending colonialism; 3) integrating Africa and ultimatelyestablishing a United Africa; 4) ensuring a people centred social and economic developmentagenda; 5) guarantee a peaceful and conflict free Africa; 6) putting in place democratic gov-

ernance principles for our societies, institutions and governments; 7) fostering self relianceand self sufficiency; and, 8) placing Africa in its rightful place in all spheres of governance.CONTINUES ON PAGE III

STATEMENTin Support ofDr. Speciosa Kazibwe WandirasCandidature for the Post of ChairpersonAfrican Union Commission | Page 2


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Agenda 2063embodies the above ideals. It points to a Pan African vision of an integrated,prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic forcein the international arena. Africa is aware that to ensure an irreversibly transformed continent

we must: work towards poverty eradication; provide healthy environments to live and work;educate and skill the peopleespecially the youth; and, ensure modern productive, prof-itable agro-business and industry. Sustaining the change momentum will require: imple-menting Climate Action on Africa; connecting and powering the continent and making it ICcompliant; ensuring trading opportunities; supporting young people to drive Africas rebirth;and, achieving gender parity at all levels and endeavours.

Africas transformation will be guaranteed through silencing the guns; ensuring a democraticpeople-centred Africa; enabling the free movement of its people; securing the consensus

and unity of voice in global affairs; and ensuring financial freedom and security. Tanks toAU Commission Chairpersons: HE Amara Essy; HE Alpha Oumar Konar; HE Jean Ping; andcurrently HE Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; for contributing towards the mobilization ofAfricas peoples, its governments, institutions, societies, partners and friends of Africato get to where we are now and to see where we are going.

According to the Constitutive Act of the African Union adopted by the 36th OrdinarySession of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on July 11, 2000 Lome,ogo, AU organs are comprised of: 1) Te Assemblywhich is the Supreme Organ of theUnion and constituted by Heads of State and Government; 2) Te Executive Council ofMinisters responsible for International Affairs; 3) Te Permanent RepresentativesCommittee (PRC); 4) Te Peace and Security Council (PSC); 5) Te Specialized echnicalCommittees (SCs); 6) Te Commission; 7) Te Pan-African Parliament; 8) ECOSOCC;9) Te African Court on Human and Peoples Rights; 10) Te Commission on Humanand Peoples Rights; 11) Te Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child;12) the African Commission on International Law; and, 13) Te Financial Institutions.

Te AU Commission is the key organ playing a central role in the day-to-day managementof the African Union. It represents the Union and defends its interests; elaborates draft

common positions of the Union; prepares strategic plans and studies for consideration bymember states; elaborates, promotes, coordinates and harmonizes the programmes andpolicies of the Union with those of the RECs; and, ensures the mainstreaming of gender inall programmes and activities of the Union.

Te Commission, composed of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, 8 Commissioners andsupported by a team of professional and other members of staff, is the AUs Secretariat,responsible for the executive functions and day-to-day management of the Unions Affairs.Article 3 of the Commission Statute specifies the Commissions roles to include: repre-

senting AU and defending its interests; initiating proposals for the AU Organs; implementingdecisions of the AU organs; Custodian of the AU legal instruments; operational support forCONTINUES ON PAGE IV



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all AU organs; support Member States in implementing the AU programs; draft AU commonpositions and coordinate Member States actions in international negotiations; strategicplanning and managing the AU budget and other resources; elaborate, promote, coordinate

and harmonise the AUs programmes and policies with those of the Regional EconomicCommunities (RECs); ensure gender mainstreaming in all AU programmes and activities; actas delegated by the Assembly and Executive Council.

Article 7 of the Commission Statute spells out the mandate of the Chairperson of theCommission as Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU and CommissionsAccounting Officerdirectly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his/herduties. Te functions of this office are outlined in Article 8 of the Commission Statutes as:1)chairing all Commission meetings and deliberations; 2) Undertaking measures aimed at

promoting and popularising the AUs objectives and enhancing its performance;3) Submitting reports requested by the Assembly, Executive Council, PermanentRepresentatives Committee (PRC), Committees and any other organs; 4) Preparing theAU budget and strategic planning documents; 5) Acting as a depository for all AU and OAUtreaties and legal instruments; 6) Facilitating the functioning, decision-making andreporting of all AU organ meetings; and ensuring conformity and harmony with agreedAU policies, strategies, programmes and projects; 7) Consulting and coordinating withMember States governments, other institutions and the RECs on the AUs activities, andcarrying out the AUs diplomatic representations; 8) Appointing and managing Commissionstaff; 9)Assuming overall responsibility for the Commissions administration and finances;and, 10) Preparing the annual report on the AU and its organs activities.

Africas vision of a new, forward looking, dynamic and

integrated Africa can only be fully realized through committed

and relentless work on several fronts on a short, medium and

long-term basis. From supporting liberation movements undercolonialism and apartheid under OAU, AU is now spear-heading

Africas development and integration. With Agenda 2063

in place, Africa knows where it wants to be, what to do to

get there and when it wants to arrive. Te question is how

to action the stated aspirations and to determine the pace of

implementation in order to beat the time frames.CONTINUES ON PAGE V



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Place Your Confidence in Me

I am asking the Member States to give me their vote to execute the mandate and carryout the functions of the office of Chairperson of the AU Commission. My vision is that of an

AU taking charge of Africas Destiny. As Chief Executive of the African Union Commission, Iwill focus on the following areas to support member states and further ground and put oncourse implementation of Agenda 2063.

Tese are: 1) Peace building and conflict resolution; 2) Infrastructure development; 3) Re-source mobilization; 4) Research, communication and people empowerment; 5) MemberStates and Partners Engagement; and, 6) reinforcing existing AU Systems to deliver.

1. Peace Building and Conflict Resolution

Peace is the bedrock of sustainable social and economic development. Mediation and dia-logue between disputing parties must be given space and time to mature into sustainableresolution of conflicts and to pave the path to building peace. While working with politiciansand rebels/insurgents is important in resolving overt conflicts, mobilizing the people toparticipate in owning peace in their countries is crucial to sustaining the peace. My engage-ment in Conflict ridden areas in East Africa, Central and West Africasince 1995 to date,has convinced me this is the way to go. Te initiatives already in place to strengthen AfricasPeace and Security Architecture, especially the Panel of the Wise, Friends of the Wise andthe PANWISE networks, will be augmented to support mediation efforts and to reinforcemodalities for the socio-economic initiatives that address structural dysfunction of oureconomies. Member States will be supported to build peace infrastructure as necessaryfoundations for democratic governance.

2. Infrastructure Development

A prosperous Africa will be a consequence of policies that result in the correct infrastructureto spur investment. While resources are said to be scarce, prioritization and focus producesresults. Te RECsbuilding blocks for a United Africa, will be supported and coordinated toplan, strategize and mobilize resources for roads, rail, water and air transport; power gener-ation and distribution; and, information and communication infrastructure. Te Commission

will work with private African enterprises to play a more active role in becoming Pan African ininvestment and outreach to support the nurturing of innovation and investments in health,education and agriculture and Information echnology. Tis will result into increased pro-ductivity in all sectorsa pre-requisite for job creation thus generating and sustaining therequired momentum for Africas transformation.

3. Resource Mobilization

Self reliance and self determination will result from timely sawing of good seed for a bumperharvest. Te required consumption levelsto generate needed taxes for the Member

States, come from mobilizing the private sector to invest more. Our people must savemoreto pool the required resources for investments.CONTINUES ON PAGE VI



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Member-State governments must reciprocate by being transparent, weed out corruptionand extravagance and spend in accordance with agreed priorities for impact. It is then, thatwe shall get true partners to help us on the way to destination 2063. Te Commission, in

collaboration with AU organs and institutions will develop tools (knowledge, human, financial,technology) to be used to promote, engage, support and incentivize participation by seriousplayers across Africa and in the Diaspora for this quest. Lessons learned in steering bothsocial and economic sector Ministries of Uganda have equipped me on the realities on theground. Working with the financial sector has augmented my understanding of the un-tapped capacities in our people to save and invest appropriately.

4. Research, Communication and People Empowerment:Africa desires development which is people driven and relies on the potential of African

people. Productivity is not only a factor of external inputs but requires an appropriatelyskilled and healthy population. o get this right requires attention directed to Africaseducation, health systems and related institutions. Research and Communication arecrucial for generating the required information supporting AU policy development,strategic planning, program prioritization, monitoring and evaluation and informationdissemination as we mobilize African peoples and disseminate Pan African values.

Validated information is also key to keeping affirmative programs on course for themarginalizedwomen, persons with disability, youth and forgotten peoples. Specialattention will continue to be directed towards supporting girls and womens educationand empowerment. Better understanding of the role of gender, mens involvement andaffirmative action for any marginalized group will be promoted to ensure no one is leftbehind on our way to 2063. My previous experience, and my Harvard doctorate inPopulation and Global Health as well as my current deployment as a PresidentialAdvisor have imparted on me the required skills and experience to mentor researchersand programmers in a policy programming as well as implementing environment.

5. Member-State and Partner Engagement

Adequate attention will be devoted to engaging Member States consultations and

dialogue to generate the desired consensus in the course of implementing AU programs.International engagement will be a priority to situate Africa in its rightful place on the Globalscene. Te roles I have played in Africa as an advocate for social and economic causesand my engagement on the international scene have prepared me well for this activity.

6. Reinforcing Existing AU Systems:Results and impact will not be seen and felt, respectively, when Commissioners and Staffare not empowered to do their work. I will dispense the required leadership and stewardship,nurture teamworkby engaging the existing and future Commissioners and staff at the AU

Commission to generate, nurture and build the required competencies to execute the func-tions of the Commission.CONTINUES ON PAGE VII



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Tis will be done through reinforcing the existing efforts to put in place systemsunderpinned by strategic planning, accountability and transparency, to implement, monitorand evaluate for impact, the progress of Africas journey towards achieving Agenda 2063,

within the given direction and support from the AU Organs. My administration and leadershipwill be based on teamwork, trust and accountability. It will be result oriented, up to speed,technocratic and in tune with the tasks and challenges at hand.

Africa has many institutions and partners, ready to give their all in supporting activities tocarry us to 2063the UN, bilateral partners, RECS, Academia, Private sector, Civil Societyand philanthropists. Te Commission will continue to work with them, each focusing on whatthey do best to support the designated programs of the AU. My competencies as a strategicand institution building technocrat, and experience in strategic planning and structuring of

government for focused resource application for impact will serve me well in this exercise.

REQUES FOR YOUR VOE

Te template for action on where to take Africa is already in place. I am a Pan African andseasoned in the affairs of managing Africa-with success, from different fronts. I am ideo-logically equipped, have the knowledge, the experience and stature to further cement thefoundation to ground Africa towards 2063. I am ready to roll the sleeves and go.

I Commit to give the African Union Commission and the People

of Africa the necessary and required leadership; characterised

by Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness

and Honesty, to move Africa towards 2063.

I will be Africas Chief Public Servant.

Tank You and God Bless

Dr. Speciosa Kazibwe Wandira

June 2016

Ends


speciosa speech - june 2016

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