STORY: AU, UN launch initiative to boost peaceful transitions in Africa
DATELINE: July 16, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:42
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the initiative
2. SOUNDBITE (English): AHUNNA EZIAKONWA, UNDP assistant administrator and regional director for Africa
3. various of the event and attendees

STORYLINE:

An initiative aimed at promoting peaceful transfer of power in Africa, avert coups and turmoil was launched Saturday by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The initiative, dubbed Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) which was launched ahead of the AU Heads of State and Government summit in Nairobi slated for Sunday, seeks to entrench peaceful political transition as a prerequisite for the continent's long-term stability.

The AFSIT, which will be implemented in phases, will act as a guardrail against undemocratic change of governments, including military coups besides leveraging data and early warning to prevent fragile states in Africa from sliding into turmoil.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, the UNDP assistant administrator and regional director for Africa, said that upon implementation, the AFSIT will create societies that are more inclusive, equal, peaceful, and stable.

SOUNDBITE (English): AHUNNA EZIAKONWA, UNDP assistant administrator and regional director for Africa
"At their core, the occurrence of coups and that right flame of popular support that so often accompanies their initial emergence should be seen as a deep yearning for change. The golden thread woven throughout these narratives was a profound expression of hope for inclusive opportunities for shared prosperity, and yes indeed for democracy."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)