The African Union has concluded its Second Conference of State Parties to the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration (COSP II), a videoconference which began on April 27th and ended on the 29th April, 2021.

The main objective of the COSP II is to consolidate progress made since the first COSP and to foster cooperation and solidarity among State Parties in the implementation of the Charter.

In her remarks, H.E. Professor Sarah Anyang, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, representing H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, emphasized the importance of using the Charter in dealing with issues of public service and administration, and ways of enhancing the domestication and implementation of the Charter.

Prof. Anyang further outlined the agenda for the ministers’ meeting noting that the deliberation will focus on the Draft Rules of Procedures, election of the First Bureau, the State Parties Assessment Tool (SPAT) and indicators, the Experts meeting Report and the Draft Declaration of the Conference.

During the African Union Specialized Technical Committee No. 8 on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development & Decentralization (AU-STC 8), Hon. Mohamed O. Mchengerwa, Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance of the United Republic of Tanzania, in his opening address welcomed all ministers and delegates present and thanked them for honouring the invitation, participating and supporting the work of the STC 8.

The Minister reminded Member States present that by adopting the Charter, they have committed themselves to improve public service delivery, combat corruption, protect the rights of citizens as users of public service, as well as promote good governance and sustainable development.

Honourable Mchengerwa also reiterated that the ministerial should resolve to accelerate implementation of previous commitments made and to promote additional action-oriented outcomes, which will ensure that the African Charter is implemented, monitored and ratified by all African Union Member States.

He concluded by echoing his earlier call for State Parties to strive for improvement of public service delivery, combat corruption, protect the rights of citizens as users of public service, as well as promote good governance and sustainable development.

The Conference ended with its Ministerial segment, electing the first Bureau of the Conference of State Parties and a declaration pronouncement.

While delivering her closing remark, Professor Sarah Anyang wished all participants the best in the Ministerial proceedings and also thanked the African Association of Public Administration & Management (AAPAM), for its effort in supporting the COSP II engagements and activities.