AU Signs MoU with International Red Cross/Red Crescent

The African Union Commission has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). A Memorandum of Understanding to that effect was signed on Thursday at the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Jean Ping, Chairperson of the Commission and Stephen G.R. Omollo, Head of Humanitarian Diplomacy and Representative to the African Union and International Organizations for the Geneva-based International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairperson Ping lauded the excellent relations that exist between the AUC and IFRC and underscored the credibility and outstanding reputation of the IFRC, acquired in over 150 years of experience in humanitarian work, especially in conflict zones. Omollo explained that the agreement offers a platform for enhanced engagement between both parties, adding that this is good for Africa, since the Red Cross/ Red Crescent usually has access to places such as Somalia, where most other humanitarian organizations cannot reach. Both parties agreed to concentrate their joint efforts in the area of predictable emergencies and disasters, for, as the Chairperson put it, "prevention is always better than cure." The agreement formalizes cooperation ties between both organizations in humanitarian assistance throughout the continent and provides for among other things, the exchange of information and documents, consultations on program, collaboration in the development of joint information tools and advocacy campaigns, support for capacity building, promotion of partnerships between AU Member States and the IFRC and the design and implementation of joint evaluation mechanisms.