Addis Ababa, 16 August 2013: The African Union (AU) High-Level Panel for Egypt undertook a series of consultations in Addis Ababa from 12 to 14 August 2013, as part of the implementation of its mandate.

On 12 August 2013, the members of the High-Level Panel were received by the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Erastus Mwencha, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The Panel briefed the Deputy Chairperson on the outcomes of the visit it undertook to Cairo from 27 July to 4 August 2013 and the consultations it had with the interim authorities of Egypt and a wide range of other Egyptian stakeholders, as well as with representatives of the international community. On the same day, the members of the High-Level Panel examined the outcomes of their visit to Cairo, with a view to determining the next steps to be taken in the implementation of the Panel’s mandate.  

On 13 August 2013, the members of the Panel were received by the Chairperson of the Union, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia. The Panel seized the opportunity to brief the Chairperson of the Union on its efforts, including the consultations held with the Egyptian interim authorities and other stakeholders. Earlier in the morning, the Panel had an exchange of views with experts and academics, to have a better understanding of the issues at hand and their overall context.

On 14 August 2013, the High-Level Panel briefed the 389th meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the situation in Egypt and its efforts. In the press statement issued on that occasion, the PSC welcomed the steps taken by the High-Level Panel since its establishment. The PSC encouraged the Panel to pursue and intensify its efforts, notably by undertaking another mission to Egypt. It further encouraged it to interact with relevant African and international actors.

In the afternoon of 14 August 2013, the High-Level Panel met with representatives of AU bilateral and multilateral partners, to update them on its efforts.  

The High-Level Panel has agreed on a programme of work for the period ahead. In this respect, the Panel intends to undertake a second visit to Egypt next week, to further consult with the Egyptian stakeholders and assist them in overcoming their differences. The Commission has formally communicated to the Egyptian authorities the Panel’s envisaged visit, and both the Commission and the PSC look forward to an early and positive response. 

The High-Level Panel, which was established on 8 July 2013, is led by former President Alpha Oumar Konaré of Mali, and includes former President Festus Mogae of Botswana and former Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed Dileita of Djibouti. It held its inaugural meeting in Addis Ababa, on 16 July 2013.

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