AU 23rd Ordinary Summit Opens in Malabo With a Call to Remain Resolute in Pushing the African Agenda

The 23rd Ordinary Summit of the African Union has opened in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea with a call on the continent to remain resolute in pushing the African agenda and not to bow to foreign dictates. 

Speaker after Speaker condemned crisis in Nigeria whilst commending peace efforts in Mali, Guinea Bissau and Egypt. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, is among the about forty-four Heads of States present. 

Radio Ghana’s Correspondent, Pascaline Adadevoh reports that the  23rd Ordinary Summit of the AU opened under the theme Agriculture and Food Security. 

This topic has become crucial considering the fact that 70 percent of the World's uncultivated arable land is in Africa, yet the continent cannot derive wealth from it. 

The Heads of States will dialogue on what can be done to modernise and mechanise Agriculture to make it attractive to the youth and make countries self sufficient in terms of food production. 

President of the AU Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, noted that Africa must address Skills development issues so as to enable member states to train Bio scientists, Mechanics and other skills necessary for the Agro industry to thrive. She makes a special case for women farmers.
                   
Host and President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguesso Mbasongo, said Africa's development can not be touted without Agriculture development. 

He said it is sad that the many rich natural resources have not been harnessed fully to the benefit of citizens. 

President Mbasongo stated bluntly that it is about time, the African continent takes control of it's development and not succumb to the monopoly of the World market , World Bank and IMF policies, which most often than not do not favour the African continent and its citizens
                 
The Special guest to the Summit, President of Spain Moriano Rajoy Brey and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, both lauded the phenomenal growth of the continent and pledged to play a part in the Africa renaissance. 

The Summit commended and  welcome back into their fold the Presidents of Egypt, Mali and Guinea Bissau. 

The three countries have suffered civil and political unrests and have successfully returned unto the path of democracy by electing new leaders

GBC