Ethiopia : AU Executive Council meeting focuses on budget

By Bathandwa Mbola

Addis Ababa - African foreign ministers on Thursday met to discuss the $20 million increase in budget for the African Union Commission.

The 14th ordinary session of the African Union Executive Council opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with Chairperson of the Executive Council and Tanzanian Foreign Minister Bernard Membe putting the financial and administrative issues of the African Union Commission at the top of the meeting's agenda.

The proposed 2009 budget for the African Union is $164.2 million, which is an increase of $20 million compared to last's year budget.

The Executive Council is expected to approve the budget on Friday ahead of the Heads of State meeting between 1 and 3 February where a final decision will be made.

Mr Membe said 27 member states had met their financial obligations during the previous financial year. "Let me salute the solidarity of member states and appeal to those that have not honoured their obligations to do so," he said.

"I understand the challenges we are all facing in our respective constituencies, but our organisation needs collective support from member states to ensure that it accomplishes its objectives," he added.

The chairperson indicated that while encouraging progress has been made, the African Union Commission had been unable to find and implement alternative sources of financing.

The ministers are also expected to discuss the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) integration process to the African Union Commission as well as scrutinise reports that have been tabled by the technical experts and African ambassadors who concluded a three-day meeting on Wednesday evening.

"The recommendations emanating from our meeting will immensely contribute and shape the future prospect of Africa and well-being of its citizens," said Mr Membe. - BuaNews