Afro FM 105.3: Civil Society in Africa Calling Leaders for Actions

Civil Society in Africa Calling Leaders for Actions
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Henok  on 27/01/2012 07:56:00
 
Representatives of the organizations voiced their concerns to local and
international journalists at a press conference held here yesterday.
While African heads of states and governments are preparing to hold their annual
summit here in Addis, different civil society organizations from across the
continent came together to urge the leaders to consider their concerns.
Organizations working on peace and security, human rights and women’s rights
issues were among those which took part at the press briefing. State of the
Union Coalition, one of the organizations represented at the conference, voiced
its dissatisfaction over the lack of willingness on the part of some African
nations to ratify key AU protocols deemed important for the well being of their
citizens. Trade agreements of different regional blocks in the continent have
also been criticized by a network for African women for paying no attention to
women’s needs. Charles Bambara, coordinator of the press conference says,
African leaders should hear directly from civil society organizations, make the
right decisions, and more importantly make sure that decisions are fully
implemented. The civil society organizations have also called on the African
Union and African leaders to put an end to the violence and human rights abuses
in different parts of the continent. Dr. Albaqir Afiif Mukhtar, Director of the
Khatim Adlan Center for Human Development, stressed that the AU should provide
African solutions to African problems.  Some of the organizations represented at
the press conference have formally submitted their concerns to the African
Union, and expect that their voices will be heard at the summit of the heads of
states and governments. While the AU marks the 10th anniversary of its birth
from the OAU, it will have to deal with the concerns of the civil society
organizations. (AFRO FM)