Ethics Policies Review Preparatory Meeting
Midrand, 18 November 2017-The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) participated in the Preparatory Meeting for the Review of African Union (AU) Ethics Policies at the Pan African Parliament, Midrand, South Africa from the 13th to the 18th November 2017. The APRM was represented by Mr Ferdinand Katendeko, Chief of Staff; Ms Janet Mabwa, Head of Corporate Services; Ms Gaone Masire, Head of Human Resources, Ms Mary Agbebaku-Izobo, Legal Officer and Mr Abubakr Siddig, ICT Assistant.
The objective of the Preparatory Meeting was to review AU Ethics policies. The policies are to provide a moral compass in the AU leadership as well as staff members in the delivery of individual responsibilities. In addition, these key policies are to enable Staff Members, Elected Officials and Stakeholders of the AU to work in a professional manner; obtain the highest level of integrity, respectfulness of diversity; being inclusive in decision making; ensure transparency and accountability; promote fiscal propriety and responsibility as well as good governance in the delivery of services of the Union, all of which is to serve the best interests of the Union.
The meeting was attended by Representatives of the African Union Commission and representatives of several AU Organs such as the NEPAD Agency, the Pan African Parliament (PAP), the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) as well as the Director of Ethics of the African Development Bank (ADB).
The policies that were reviewed include:
1. AU Code of Ethics and Conduct
2. AU Harassment Policy
3. AU Gift Policy
4. AU Dress Code
5. AU Financial and Asset Declaration Policy
6. AU Conflict of Interest Management Policy
7. AU Whistleblower Policy
On the 18th of November 2017, H.E Dr Thomas Kwesi Quartey, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union graced the occasion and gave the closing remark, where he pledged the Union’s commitment to the process.
At the end of the meeting, it was concluded that the AU Ethics policies will be sent to the Joint Administrative Committee for thorough review. After review, the policies will be forwarded to the AU Commission for approval, after which it will be sent to all the AU organs. In conclusion, considering the participatory nature and inclusivity of the AU organs in the review process of the AU Ethics Policies, the AU Chief of Ethics, Mr Alimamy Sesay will be visiting the APRM on the 22nd of November 2017, to further discuss the policies with the Staff members of the APRM.
