STORY: AU commission chief expresses concern over prevailing security challenges in Africa
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:18
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of headquarters of the African Union
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English interpretation): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, Chairperson of AU Commission
3. various of headquarters of the African Union
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English interpretation): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, Chairperson of AU Commission
5. various of headquarters of the African Union

STORYLINE:

Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday expressed deep concern over prevailing unconstitutional changes of governments, political and institutional instability, climate change and economic deficits in Africa.
   
Africa has witnessed exorbitant military spending as terrorism and conflict continue to destroy some African states, reversing their development priorities, Faki said at the opening of the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which began Saturday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English interpretation): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, Chairperson of AU Commission
"Unconstitutional changes of government have multiplied in total defiance of the entire political and legal order that had founded our organization. Never since the establishment of the African Union has such a number of transitions following an unconstitutional change of government been seen in Africa. Our failure to counter such a phenomenon is obvious. Instead of being joyful modes of peaceful transfer or maintenance of power, elections have become, through the extent of their irregularities, factors for deepening crisis."

Furthermore, Faki highlighted the importance of operationalizing new organs, particularly in the field of health, to ensure decisions are effectively implemented.

He commended the African common positions on climate issues and the successful financing of African peacekeeping missions at the United Nations Security Council.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English interpretation): MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, Chairperson of AU Commission
"The African common positions have been strengthened on the issues of climate, reform of global governance, financing our African peacekeeping missions, on which success has just been obtained at the United Nations Security Council. This is a moment to express my grateful thanks."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)