Under the theme “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation”, the 30th African Union Summit opened on Monday, 22 January 2018 at the level of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), meeting at their 35th Ordinary Session.

The meeting at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has brought together Ambassadors of AU Member States based in Addis Ababa as well as Heads of Organs and Representation Offices abroad.

The PRC opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Deputy Chairperson, AUC Commissioners, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, the international community, civil society, private sector and invited guests among others.

In his address to the PRC, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, called on the Ambassadors to redouble efforts and energies so that 2018 will also mark decisive progress on the road to peace, development and well-being for our countries and the peoples of Africa.

“The salvation of our continent lies not only in the clarity of the vision that guides us, but also in the perseverance of our action, the strength of our determination,” stressed the AUC Chairperson.

He further appreciated the quality of cooperation and support of the PRC to the AU Commission which he said, has added value to the work of the Commission. He reiterated the commitment of the AUC to facilitate the work of the PRC as well as the Peace and Security Council (PSC).

The AUC Chairperson underlined that, a theme such as the “fight against corruption” raises huge expectations, which cannot be dashed.

“The commission will do everything in its power to support the implementation of the decisions that will be adopted on this matter, but in the final analysis, the primary responsibility is that of the States,” he emphasised

Chairperson Moussa Faki noted with satisfaction the progress made during the last period on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) and the African Passport program. He congratulated Member States of the African Union who declared visa-free borders facilitating the free movement of people and goods within the continent. He also call on countries who are yet to do so, to join in this laudable effort.

“Fighting corruption is our scope for economic development,” stressed the AUC Chairperson before reiterating that success in fighting corruption demands commitment.

H.E. Mrs. Fatoumata Kaba Sidibe, Chairperson of the PRC and Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea, in her opening remarks, expressed her appreciation for the collective efforts of all members of the PRC and that of the AUC Chairperson to implement the Continental Agenda 2063 and its 10 Year Plan among others related issues aimed at advancing the integration process of the continent.

The Chairperson of the PRC recalled that the year 2017 was marked by efforts to find economic solutions to improve the lives of the African citizens given that most countries have been affected by terrorism, climate changes etc.

“The PRC has been tasks to collaborate in planning activities for the whole year including the implementation of the proposed AU institutional reforms,” she noted.

For two days, the 35th Session of the PRC will consider the reports of the various activities of their sub-committees, reports of the AU organs and their activities. The PRC will also exchange views on the draft agenda, as well as the draft Decisions and Declarations of the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, and those of the 30th AU Assembly, before adopting its report.

The 35th Ordinary Session of the PRC will conclude on 23rd January 2018, with the adoption of its report to be submitted to the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council scheduled to hold from 25th-26th January 2018.