President Ramkalawan reaffirms Seychelles’ commitment to AU’s values |07 February 2022
President Wavel Ramkalawan has reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of the country to the core values, principles and ethos of the African Union when he addressed the 35th ordinary session of the African Union assembly on Saturday morning in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“It is a privilege and a pleasure to address this African Union (AU) assembly for the very first time since being elected by the Seychellois people as their President in October 2020. From the onset, I would like to reaffirm my personal commitment and that of my country, the Seychelles, to the values, principles and ethos of the African Union,” said President Ramkalawan.
The AU Summit took place in Addis Abba, Ethiopia from February 5-6 under the theme ‘Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection System for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Capital Development’.
Delivering his inaugural statement, President Ramkalawan, who arrived in Addis Ababa on Friday, made reference to the plight of the Covid-19 pandemic that continues to ravage the globe and how a more vigorous vaccination strategy for Africa is crucial for the continued economic advancement of the continent.
“As the pandemic stretches into its third year, the global health crisis and its associated economic uncertainties continue to pose a challenge to all of us. As long as Africa remains deprived of vaccines, the restrictions on our economic activities will certainly continue to affect our economic relief efforts. The disparity and inequality in accessing vaccines is not acceptable! It is an injustice and it is morally wrong to accept that in February 2022, only 10% of Africa has been fully vaccinated,” said the President.
He further highlighted the significant impact peace, security and good governance can play as the essential foundations that will in return promote an enabling environment for further progress and socio-economic development on the African continent. “Those essential foundations – those pillars of the rule of law, of democracy and human rights – that shape our present and determine our future are under serious threat. They are being undermined by conflicts, strife, insurgencies and terrorist activities on our continent. Not only must they be resolutely condemned, but they must, with equal vigour and determination be combated and eliminated. Let us therefore collectively work towards the vision of an Africa that is free from conflict while allowing her children to live in peace and harmony,” added President Ramkalawan.
As the leader of a small island developing state, President Ramkalawan also stressed on the threat the climate crisis poses for the survival of the planet, especially for coastal and island nations. “Small island developing states (Sids) like the Seychelles, are particularly at risk. With populations, agricultural lands and infrastructure along the coastal zones, any rise in sea level will have significant and profound effects on our very existence. If the present situation persists, we will suffer disproportionately with some of our islands disappearing. Sids are victims; we refuse to pay the consequences for the irresponsible acts of others. It is certainly not too late for all of us to act on the risks we face to protect humanity. More than ever, I am convinced that the African Union has the political will and commitment to lead by example,” concluded President Ramkalawan.
The opening ceremony also included the handing over of the chairmanship for the AU Bureau. President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo handed over the chairpersonship of the African Union to Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal.
While attending the summit, President Ramkalawan also had the opportunity to hold discussions with other African heads of State.
On his arrival in Addis Ababa on Friday, President Ramkalawan was welcomed by Ethiopian Minister for Transport, Dagmawit Moges; Minister for Agriculture, Umer Husen; State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano; and other high-level government officials at the Bole International Airport. Also present was the Seychelles Ambassador based in Addis Ababa, Conrad Mederic, and principal counsellor Johnette Stephen.
President Ramkalawan paid a visit to the new premises of the embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Ethiopia, where he had the opportunity to tour the offices and interact with the staff. The President also attended a special briefing chaired by the head of mission, Ambassador Mederic where he was briefed on the general operation of the embassy, challenges being encountered as well as their main priority dossiers and agenda.
Later the same afternoon, the President and his delegation proceeded to the residence of the ambassador where he met with a group of Seychellois nationals currently living and working in Ethiopia. The meeting was an opportunity for the President to share with them the vision of the new administration and latest information pertaining to the new diaspora section created under the department of Foreign Affairs, dedicated to Seychellois communities overseas.
“I am extremely impressed and happy to see so many of our Seychellois professionals working here in Ethiopia and making our country proud in various professional spheres. I strongly believe everyone, be they in Seychelles or abroad, have a contribution to make. Seychelles will always be your home and I welcome you all as our brothers and sisters to come back and share your knowledge and expertise for the growth and development of our nation,” said President Ramkalawan.
On behalf of the Seychellois community in Ethiopia, Robert Auguste expressed their appreciation to the President for making the time to meet with them and expressed how honoured they felt to be included in his programme.
Press release from State House
