The Republic of South Africa to participate in the 16th Extra Ordinary Summit of the IGAD

Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim will depart today, 22 November 2010, to represent the South African government at the 16th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).  The Extra-Ordinary Summit on the Committee on the Sudan is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 23 November 2010 at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Representatives at the Summit will be briefed by, amongst others, H.E. Mr Thabo Mbeki; the Chair of the African Union's High-Level Implementation Panel on the Sudan and Dr. Jean Ping; Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

One of the paramount pillars of the Republic of South Africa’s foreign policy priorities is based on the resolve to seek and promote development, contribute to the resolution of conflicts, and the building of an environment in which socio-economic development can take place.  The Republic’s participation in the peace building process in relation to the Sudan is premised on this resolve. The Republic of South Africa is of the view that the restoration of peace, security and stability in the Sudan will have a positive impact on the Horn of Africa region, and on the continent as a whole. The restoration of peace to the region is of profound importance to both the bordering countries to the Sudan and to the Continent as a whole.

The Republic of South Africa continues to be in full support of the African Union/United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), the Doha Peace Process, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the African Union High-Level Panel on Darfur, and continues to support the work of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel. While the Republic of South Africa is a signatory to the Rome Statute and has a legal obligation to adhere to its prescripts, the RSA continues to support the AU’s call for the United Nations Security Council to invoke Article 16 of the Rome Statute in regard to the Sudan. The Republic of South Africa’s participation in the Summit is also indicative of our high regard for the contribution the IGAD has provided in ensuring a stable peaceful situation in the Sudan.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim will depart from Ethiopia on Wednesday, 24 November 2010 to support Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe in an official visit to the Republic of Kenya.

For further information please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, via e-mail at molobisk@dirco.gov.za  or call him on +27 82 940 1647 or +27 12 351 0083.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale, PRETORIA
0001

22 November 2010