By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
ZAMBIA has successfully presented her bid to the African Union (AU) Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) to host the Secretariat of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSSOC) of the African Union.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Susan Sikaneta said allowing ECOSSOC to have an independent secretariat in Zambia would enhance the organisation’s performance and efficiency.
Ms Sikaneta said the move would also allow greater credibility among ECOSSOC members and the larger African civil society.
This is according to a statement issued by first secretary for Press and tourism at the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia Naomi Chulu.
“Ms Sikaneta who was presenting Zambia’s bid to the PRC meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia said hosting of the ECOSSOC secretariat would be a mark of Zambia’s recognition of her role in the establishment of the AU and its growth,” Ms Chulu said.
Meanwhile, AU member States have given Zambia an overwhelming support in her bid to host the secretariat of the ECOSSOC.
Among the countries that supported Zambia were Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Egypt, Lesotho, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Lesotho and the Saharawi Democratic Republic.
The countries felt that Zambia deserved to host the secretariat as she had been generous and an active member of the AU for the past 51 years.
The PRC members expressed confidence that the Zambian Government would successfully host the institution.
They observed that Zambia’s contribution to Africa was historical, particularly her role as a frontliner in the fight against colonialism.
The PRC has, therefore, recommended to the executive council of the AU to positively consider Zambia’s bid.