Kiir travels to Ethiopia for AU summit

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday travelled to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to attend the 37^th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State Assembly.

Speaking at Juba International Airport, Press Secretary Lily Adhieu Martin said the summit will discuss peace, security, development, and other fundamental issues affecting the continent.

“President Kiir, who is also the Chairperson of the East African Community, will hold sideline meetings with the East African Community Heads of State and IGAD leaders to discuss the Sudan crisis and regional peace and security,” she said.

Kiir was seen off at the Juba International Airport by the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, among other officials.

Africa Heads of States and Governments have started arriving in Addis Ababa Ethiopia for the African Union’s 37^th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled to commence from 17^th to the 18^th of this month.

The Conflict in Sudan and peace, integration and development will be among top agenda items throughout the current African Union summit.

Meanwhile, the African Union’s 44^th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is underway at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Foreign ministers of various African countries are discussing Africa’s development, focusing on trade, education, youth and women development, agriculture, climate change, peace and security and culture.