AFRICA/SUDAN - Difficult African Union summit starts Monday 23 January

Khartoum (Fides Service)- A summit meeting of heads of state and government of African Union countries will start on Monday 23 January in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. The meeting will discuss certain questions which are causing tension in African countries, such as possible sanction on Côte d'Ivoire and what should happen to former president of Chad Hissène Habré who took refuge in Senegal some time ago and is wanted by a Belgian court on charges of crimes against humanity. Another tough question is the choice of a new AU president to replace outgoing Obasanjo, Nigerian head of state.
The President of Sudan Omar al-Beshir has presented his candidature which is however opposed by human rights organisations and the Sudanese Opposition because of the conflict in the eastern Sudan region of Darfur. The president of Chad Idriss Deby announced he will not attend the Summit to protest against Sudan’s interference in his country.
The African Union brings together 53 African nations and was founded in 2001. The AU replaced the African Union Organisation which had limited powers and functions. The new body is modelled on the lines of the European Union and has adopted the same organisation structure.
African Union bodies include a Peace and Security Council comprising 15 members elected by the AU heads of state and government, 10 for a two year mandate and 5 for a three year mandate. There is no right of veto. The duties of the Council are to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, foresee and prevent conflicts and elaborate a common defence policy.
A peace keeping force is foreseen consisting of 15,000 men ready to intervene at the Council’s request in the AU member countries on missions of observation, humanitarian assistance, restoring peace and conflict control. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/1/2006 righe 30 parole 350)