Mauritania ready to host AU Summit
NOUAKCHOTT. - The Mauritanian capital Nouakchott is now ready to host Africa’s top diplomats and leaders from June 25 to July 2.
The 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, holds a summit in the city under the theme: “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.”
In readiness for the august assembly, the government of President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz has emblazoned the city with refurbished facilities and infrastructure.
A brand new international conference centre that can receive more than 60 delegations has been built near Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Airport, while a hotel and 120 mansions have equally been constructed to lodge summit participants, Jeune Afrique magazine reported.
The conference centre has a sitting capacity of 4 500, 300 offices and presidential relaxation areas.
President Ould Abdelaziz has been on the field to ensure that all is going well, with government spokesperson Dr Mohamed Lemine Ould saying the summit is certain to be a huge success as almost 30 Heads of State have confirmed their participation.
Mauritania in 2016 hosted the Arab League and African Union summits.
Apart from tackling corruption, leaders are expected to put in place the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) signed on March 21, 2018 in Kigali.
Current AU chairman and Rwandan President Paul Kagame will present a report at the summit on AU institutional reforms; Nigerian leader Mahamadou Issoufou will talk on the continental free trade area, while African Union Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, will deliver a paper on the Western Sahara question and Africa’s position on Africa, Caribbean and Pacific-European Union relations after 2020.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will do a presentation on the summit theme, “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.”
President Mnangagwa who is currently on the campaign trail for the July 30 harmonised elections is expected to attend the AU Summit in Mauritania. - Cameroon Tribune/ Herald Reporter.