Fourth African Union summit ends with non-aggression pact

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

ABUJA (AFP) — The fourth summit of the African Union wrapped up with agreements on a non-aggression pact for the continent and commitments to do more to fight the spread of deadly diseases such as AIDS, diplomats said.

There appeared to be little tangible progress, however, towards the resolution of the long-running conflicts that have hindered African development and left hundreds of millions of people in poverty.

An expected closing ceremony was cancelled Monday as the roughly 40 heads of state in attendance made hasty departures from the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Among the decisions taken during the two-day, closed-door summit was the re-appointment of Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman of the 53-member body until January 2006.

The...