AU Summit opens in Equatorial Guinea

The Chairman of the AU commission Mr Jean Ping on Thursday opened the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Summit held in in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Ping opened the Summit by tabling his report on the successes and challenges facing the continent, including the need for increased funding.

Equatorial Guinea President, Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo highlighted that Africa never colonised anyone, hence imperialists should leave Africa alone.

Mr. Nguema said the development of Africa should be initiated by Africans themselves, whilst other continents must come in as partners.

Mr Nguema added that funding of the AU must come from Africans so that western powers do not get the opportunity to exert hegemony on Africa.

President Robert Mugabe, is among African leaders who are attending the Summit.

Relations between Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea were cemented when Harare intercepted mercenaries who sought to overthrow the government of President Obiang Nguema.

The meeting will also discuss youth empowerment issues and is being held under the theme; "Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development."

Several Heads of State and Government of the AU who are attending the summit are expected to ratify the African Youth Charter and endorse the implementation of the medium term priorities in the plan of action for the African Youth Decade.

They are also expected to consider and discuss the report of the AU Peace and Security Council on its activities in Africa.

The Libyan crisis is also top on the agenda of the summit in Malabo.