African Ombudsmen and mediators to join AU peacemaking and preventive diplomacy initiatives

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Members of the African Ombudsmen and Mediators Association(AOMA) will henceforth join various African Union peacemaking and preventive diplomacy initiatives and missions. The AU Commission Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma affirmed this engagement during an audience she granted a delegation of the AOMA, led by the Association President, Dr. Paulo Tjipilca. They met at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 9 April 2014.

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the AUC Chairperson as well as to present the letter of credence to the Union, of its new Permanent Representative to the African Union and Chief Ombudsman of Ethiopia, Mrs. Fozia Amin.

Following a brief presentation of the association and its membership, Dr. Paulo Tjipilca expressed the association’s interest in integrating into the structures of the AU, being present and participating in its activities, including those of the AU Panel of the Wise.

AOMA and the AU Commission had in 2011, signed a memorandum of understanding in which they agreed to promote the strategic priorities of the AUC in the realms of democracy, good governance, promoting and protecting human rights, transparency and administrative justice, elections observation and peace and security.

Appreciating the important role of the AU in the continent and around the world, including the compelling vision of developing Agenda 2063, and the inspirational “E-mail from the Future,” the Association did not want to feel left out. Its president promised to provide the list of its members for consideration in various high level missions and initiatives.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed delight in welcoming the delegation to Addis Ababa, and to work with the association in various areas. “Being their last line of defense, our citizens expect you to fully promote and protect their right,” she concluded.