Rwanda to Launch US$27 Million Free Trade Zone

The Government of Rwanda will launch a $27 million free trade zone at the end of this year in an attempt to diversify exports and redress its widening trade deficit, authorities said on Tuesday 10th November 2009.

Read article: http://www.comesa.int/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=299&Itemid=

COMESA Establishes Conflict Early Warning System

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), in close collaboration with civil society organizations accredited to the regional trade bloc has developed a Conflict Early Warning System which will enable the organisation intervene in conflicts in the region at the earliest stage.

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The Committee of Ten African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change Meet in Addis Ababa

“It is high time that the group of ten, mandated by the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government to speak on behalf of Africa during the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, work out a common position for Africa”. The declaration was made by H.E. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, today, Tuesday 17 November 2009, at the headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC), in Ethiopia, while presiding at the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).

Read press release: http://www.africa-union.org/root/AR/index/PR%20climate%20change%20committee%20of%20ten%2017.11.09.doc

Secretary Carson discusses Counterterrorism in Africa before Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

“Key countries in the area, including Algeria, Mali and Mauritania, have intensified efforts to coordinate their activities against AQIM and address the region’s short, medium, and long-term vulnerabilities. At the same time, we have consulted with African and European partners to identify areas where we can more effectively support regional efforts to improve the security environment in the Sahel over the long-term.  The United States can play a helpful supporting role in the regional effort, but we must avoid taking actions that could unintentionally increase local tensions.”

Read remarks: http://www.state.gov/p/af/rls/rm/2009/132062.htm

Security Council urges Malagasy leaders to hold elections, form Government

17 November 2009 – The Security Council today welcomed the power-sharing agreement reached by Madagascar’s current and former leaders, and urged the political forces to end months of internal strife with the establishment of a new Government.

Read article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=32989&Cr=madagascar&Cr1=

Security Council calls on UN forces to help protect civilians from Ugandan rebels

The Security Council today called on United Nations missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudan to coordinate strategies to protect civilians from the rebel Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), which has killed, kidnapped and displaced thousands of people.

Read article: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=32986&Cr=LRA&Cr1=

Africa Command Begins its Premier Security Cooperation Conference

“Our priority is the delivery of programs on the continent that make a difference in a positive way and that contributes to its stability,” said General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, during his opening remarks. “That’s what it’s about. And this conference synchronizes and aligns those efforts to maximize (our) potential for success.”

Read article: http://www.africom.mil/getarticle.asp?art=3723