Peace and security to feature at AU summit: S. African minister

Peace and security issues will feature prominently at the upcoming 26th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, revealed on Thursday.

"The summit will look at the status of peace and security in Africa, financing of the AU, its governance, elections and constitutionalism," she said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on international developments, Nkoana-Mashabane said the AU summit would also touch upon women rights and climate change issues.

The AU Peace and Security Council will hold its meeting on January 29 at the level of heads of state and government to look at the state of peace and security on the African continent, according to Nkoana-Mashabane.

"The leaders will look at a number challenges facing our continent, including terrorism," she said.

The minister said South Africa and the continent as a whole are concerned with what is happening in Burundi, South Sudan, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

Reports about peace progress in Lesotho, Libya, South Sudan, Burundi and the DRC will be submitted to the heads of state, the minister said.

Nkoana-Mashabane said Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi had assured there was an ongoing national dialogue to ensure peace in the country.

South Africa is ready to assist Mozambique and Burundi when called upon to do so, she said.

African leaders would also discuss about the continent's developmental vision, the Agenda 2063, particularly its first 10 year implementation strategy, she said.

"The summit is also expected to consider the reports on Aids Watch Africa, African trade, United Nations reform, climate change, as well as accelerating water and sanitation goals in Africa,"Nkoana-Mashabane said.

Other issues to be discussed include the persistent drought in southern Africa, she said. Endit