Spotlight: Leading commentary and analysis on AU Summit
As heads of state met behind closed doors in Addis Ababa, ISS provided comprehensive analysis of the key issues.
Published on 09 February 2017 in
Impact
Accessing timely and accurate information from African Union (AU) summits has become more challenging, and last month’s 28th AU Summit was no exception. As heads of state met behind closed doors in Addis Ababa to discuss Africa’s most pressing priorities, anxious observers – including diplomats and international organisations – waited to hear the results of the AU Commission elections and decisions on issues such as Morocco and the International Criminal Court.
Through its office in Addis Ababa and its AU-focused PSC Report team, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) offered prompt public analysis and commentary on decisions African leaders were expected to take, and security challenges on the AU’s agenda. This essential service extends beyond AU summits, as ISS strives to be at the forefront of efforts to understand and resolve African human security challenges.
‘AU summits are increasingly being held behind closed doors. But international and African organisations tasked with building peace, security and development must get the right information at the right time,’ says Ambassador Alfred Dube, ISS Office Director in Addis Ababa. ‘ISS is providing this vital information.’
ISS offered comprehensive analysis and commentary at the AU Summit
Described by diplomats and other observers as ‘not-to-be-missed’, the ISS hosted side events and briefings in Addis Ababa before and after the summit, and staff briefed partners and stakeholders at high-level meetings. With close to 100 attendees, the ISS events provided rich context and detail on the issues that would likely dominate the summit agenda – including AU reform and institutional funding.
The ISS also featured interviews with the candidates for AU Commission chairperson before the elections. A series of online articles providing daily analysis was published on the ISS website and in Daily Maverick. The series supported a media campaign incorporating social media content, which included infographics, social cards and live tweeting. The results were viewed by around 230 000 people on social media. During the summit, ISS staff conducted 27 media interviews including with Newsweek, Reuters, Le Monde Afrique and AFP. ISS commentary on the summit was reported in 58 media articles globally.
For more information, contact:
Amb Alfred Dube, ISS: +251 94 413 6044, [email protected]
Liesl Louw-Vaudran, ISS: +27 82 776 6874, [email protected]
