Intervention by the Republic of South Africa at the Mali Donor Conference on Tuesday, 29 January 2013, Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
His Excellency the Prime Minister of Ethiopia,
His Excellency the President of Cote d’Ivoire,
And Chairperson of ECOWAS, President Outtara,
His Excellency President of Mali, President Traoure,
Her Excellency Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,
Your Excellencies the Presidents, Prime Ministers and Ministers who are present,
Representatives of the International Community.
Chairperson, thank you for allowing the Republic of South Africa to take the floor.
Chair,
I would like to thank the President of Mali for a very informative and lucid presentation. I would also like to thank all those who have supported the people of Mali thus far and those who are here to add to the support in moving Mali forward.
South Africa wishes to commend the African Union for convening us and allowing us to join hands in Africa’s and her friends’ quest to curb the conflict in Mali.
It is hoped that this is the materialization of Africa’s aspiration to stand up against the grave acts of those who opt for blood shedding and political turmoil in trying to satisfy their needs and sometimes, wants.
It is hoped that this is the full operalization of the African Solidarity Initiative, for which its anchor call is “ Africa Helps Africa”.
Chair,
South Africa rises on this occasion to add its voice to those of our fellow African Brothers and Sisters and International Role Players in condemning the acts of violence perpetrated against the citizens of Mali.
South Africa applauds the efforts of ECOWAS in collaboration with the African Union, the United Nations and the International Community, especially France, in addressing the situation in Mali which poses a grave challenge for the peace and stability of the entire Region and the Continent. We commend the efforts in reclaiming the territorial integrity of Mali. Major advances have been made in this regard, which include the liberation of the ancient city of Timbuktu.
South Africa would like to impress upon all of us, as a collective Leadership, to fully respect the Lomé Declaration of July 2000, which addresses the issue of unconstitutional changes of governments. This is the backbone of the preservation of our democracies.
Chair,
On behalf of President Jacob Zuma and the Republic of South Africa I pledge US Dollar 10 million , for the capacitation of police forces, to the Mali Donor Fund in addition to the US Dollar 50 million pledged by the African Union. And, we have also sent to Mali 10 Million worth of humanitarian aid.
It gives South Africa great pleasure to contribute to the International Donor Fund for Mali in their domestic and international effort to normalize Mali back into the fold of true democracy.
Chair,
The Republic of South Africa applauds this initiative to bring us all together for the first time as a Continent to help a Sister Country in need and we hope to continue this practice of African Solidarity.
I thank you
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