Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim today, Friday, 15 October 2010, arrived in the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa – the location of the headquarters of the African Union (AU). 

Deputy Minister Ebrahim will represent the RSA at the 245th ministerial level meeting of the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC).

The RSA’s participation at the 245th meeting of the AU’s PSC occurs within our foreign policy context of consolidating the African Agenda that seeks to promote peace and security on the Continent; strengthen the pursuit of good governance and democracy; deepen regional integration; develop skills and build capacity within the organs of the AU; and advance Africa’s development agenda.

While the UNSC has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the UN recognises regional organisations - such as the AU – in playing an important and complementary role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. It is also recognised that Africa has both the greatest need for peacekeeping, and the biggest challenge in matching its willingness to act with the resources needed to secure the sustained success of its interventions.

In endeavouring to fulfill its mandate, the AU’s PSC has preliminarily scheduled for discussion at 245th ministerial meeting the consideration of the report of the AU’s Chairperson of the Commission on the Situation in Somalia and an update on the developments in the Sudan. 

With regard to the Republic of the Sudan, the RSA has pledged its full support to the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), including the holding of the referenda process. The RSA has also expressed the willingness to render any necessary assistance, within our capacities, through the RSA Independent Electoral Commission to the Sudanese that would enhance their work in readying themselves for the referenda. Furthermore, the government of the RSA has requested the international community to be committed to respecting the outcome of the referendum, whether it is an outcome of unity or secession.

With regard to the Republic of Somalia, the RSA unequivocally condemns any form of violence and remains convinced that the Djibouti Peace Process is the only viable option for peace in Somalia.  The RSA has appealed, and continues to do so, to those role-players outside this process to cease all hostilities and join the peace process. South Africa also supports the efforts of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the UN, especially the Special Representative of the UN’s Secretary-General to Somalia, the AU, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other role-players to augment the Djibouti Peace Process.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim is schedule to return to the Republic of South Africa on Saturday, 16 October 2010.

For further information please contact the chief director for Public Diplomacy, Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647 or at molobisk@dirco.gov.za

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale, Pretoria
RSA

15 October 2010