Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Botswana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, has promised major reforms if elected Chairperson of the African Union.
Venson-Moitoi on Friday highlighted the five planned reforms to include New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), as the development arm of the AUC, more prominent, distinct and better defined along-side the roles of the various Commissions.
“Of equal importance is how consultation is improved on issues with member states through the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC).’’
The candidate promised to forge stronger integration between AUC and regional bodies to ensure regular information sharing and conducting activities in a more efficient and cost effective manner.
She also planned to re-introduce activity reports at annual summits to brief members on the work of the AUC on the period preceding that summit.
Ensure attendance of regional summits and visits by the AUC as a matter of regular occurrence.
“Follow up on implementation of the Kigali summit on funding to speed up process; and assess other mechanisms available to the Commission to generate income for the Union including discussions with the private sector.’’
Venson-Moitoi said: “The African Union is uniquely positioned to contribute to laying the foundations for realising Africa’s bright future and to achieve the Vision 2063 goals.
“This is not an easy task, though. It will require stewardship and drive; energy and perseverance; pan-African activism, action-orientation and diplomacy as well as ability to reach consensus.”
She is currently the 8th Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana.
Her areas of specialty lie in Public Service Management and Administrative Systems Analysis and Design.
She is passionate about working to drive sustainable development across the African continent, moving the people of Africa forward through collaboration with the leading minds and captains of Africa’s industries.
“As Chairperson of the AUC, I will commit to promoting practices that seek to enhance Africa’s quest for democratic development.
“I will galvanise the support of all Member States of the AUC to ensure that, together, we champion democratic governance,” concluded Dr. Venson-Moitoi.
