The three points to remember from the 33rd summit of the African Union

Cyril Ramaphosa at the platform of the African Union when he takes office as the organization's patron, February 9, 2020. REUTERS / Tiksa Negeri

Text by: Carine Frenk

It is now South Africa of Cyril Ramaphosa who heads the continental organization for a year, succeeding the Egyptian al-Sissi. Back on the three highlights of the summit.

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First, Cyril Ramaphosa's first words in the gallery: " We will focus our work on resolving conflicts ". The South African president announces two summits in May in Pretoria. The first on security, the second on the continental free trade area.

Another highlight is the anger of Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairman of the commission, over the lack of solidarity of African countries towards the states threatened with collapse under the blows of the jihadists. " It is disconcerting, " he said to the heads of state present before him.

Third important moment: Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, declares in Addis Ababa his support for the African initiative on Libya. The idea of ​​organizing a large reconciliation forum is gaining ground.

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On the other hand, the questions of human rights and democracy were hardly mentioned, not to say passed under the carpet. The question of the third or fourth mandate is however at the heart of several presidential elections in 2020.

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  • African Union

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