The Central African Republic will not be represented at next week’s assembly of the African Union (AU) in Maputo, President Thabo Mbeki confirmed on Friday.
In his weekly newsletter, published on the ANC Today website, Mbeki said this was correct and ”in keeping with decisions taken by the OAU [Organisation for African Unity] and confirmed by the AU”.
”The Central African Republic will not be represented at the Maputo assembly, given that the present government came about as a result of the military overthrow of the democratically elected government, led by President Ange-Felix Patasse.”
Mbeki said the AU, during its first year of existence, had paid particular attention to issues of peace and stability on the continent.
”In this regard, we must thank the men and women of our National Defence Force, who have served and are serving with distinction in the DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo], Burundi, Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the Comoros.”
Mbeki said he hoped next week’s assembly would approve the establishment of an African Court of Justice.
”We also expect that during this year, the Pan-African Parliament will also be constituted, the necessary number of ratifications having been secured.
During its second year, the AU should also establish an economic, social and cultural council.
”This will enable African civil society to play its proper role in the affairs of the union and the process of the renewal of our continent.
”This is a critically important matter because the central issue of the renaissance of Africa is not only a matter of concern to governments.
”It requires the involvement of the masses of the African people, who constitute the decisive driver and agent of the transformation that our continent needs,” he said.
Mbeki is set to hand over the chair of the AU next week to Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano. – Sapa