In the keynote address, Angolan Minister of Industry Joaquim David introduced two of the key themes of the Angola Day event: 1) the necessity to improve current knowledge of the political and economic realities of Angola and 2) the importance of strengthening relations between the United States and Angola. A video and summary of the event can be found here.

This paper is specifically about providing suggestions for positions the AU can take vis-a-vis the European Union’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Central is an urgent call for member states to give the AU latitude to ensure that the conclusion of EPAs with the EU is postponed until, at least, the next decade. Simply: If the EU successfully foists EPAs on a critical number of member states through unilateral threats to prematurely withdraw or limit preferential treatment, the negative consequences will be devastating not only to Africa but to many trading partners.

Howard Wolpe , Director of the Africa Program and Leadership Project at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, speaks with Bridget Conley-Zilkic about the a post conflict training program he has instituted in Burundi, and plans to continue with in Congo and Liberia. By working with both political leaders and civil society, Howard believes this program will create lasting peace and stability in areas of past and current conflict.

English; March 2007.