Roselynn Musa is Nigerian based in Kenya working with African Women’s Development and Communications Network, FEMNET. In March, Saloman Kebede interviewed her on the upcoming “Grand Debate on the Union Government” to be held at the June 2007 summit of the African Union. This interview is part of a series of interviews, to be published in AU-Monitor, of African citizens and civil society leaders on the AU proposal for Continental Government. Emily Mghanga of Oxfam’s Pan Africa Programme edited this interview.

Saloman Kebede: Why is continental integration important to African Citizens?

Roselynn Musa: In unity lies strength! Continental Union will allow greater coordination and mobilization of our resources, which is fundamental for growth and development in Africa. It also gives better opportunities for economy of scale.

Saloman Kebede: Should it be adopted in Accra in July 2007, what would you like to see the African Union Commission achieve within the first phase (2007-2009)?

Roselynn Musa: The most pressing needs in Africa are the issues of peace and security as well as HIV/AIDS and malaria. Women and children are the most affected. It is crucial that they focus on the economic empowerment of women as a way of addressing most of our societal ills. Let the AU commission set priorities in these areas.

Saloman Kebede: How could states and non-states ensure that continental union efforts are transparent, participatory and driven by an appreciation of political and economic rights?

Roselynn Musa: The AU-NEPAD peer review mechanism is an important tool for transparency if implemented as planned. We need to put our own house in order so as to be able to hold others accountable. We should practice what we preach.

Saloman Kebede: What obstacle must the AU overcome for the continental union to be successful?

Roselynn Musa: Conflict and human insecurity. If there is no peace, it is difficult to unite either individually or continentally. A positive way to start could be to address those issues that have been generating conflict in our continent.

Development and Communications Network, FEMNET. In March, Saloman Kebede interviewed her on the upcoming “Grand Debate on the Union Government” to be held at the June 2007 summit of the African Union. This interview is part of a series of interviews, to be published in AU-Monitor, of African citizens and civil society leaders on the AU proposal for Continental Government. Emily Mghanga of Oxfam’s Pan Africa Programme edited this interview.

Saloman Kebede: Why is continental integration important to African Citizens?

Roselynn Musa: In unity lies strength! Continental Union will allow greater coordination and mobilization of our resources, which is fundamental for growth and development in Africa. It also gives better opportunities for economy of scale.

Saloman Kebede: Should it be adopted in Accra in July 2007, what would you like to see the African Union Commission achieve within the first phase (2007-2009)?

Roselynn Musa: The most pressing needs in Africa are the issues of peace and security as well as HIV/AIDS and malaria. Women and children are the most affected. It is crucial that they focus on the economic empowerment of women as a way of addressing most of our societal ills. Let the AU commission set priorities in these areas.

Saloman Kebede: How could states and non-states ensure that continental union efforts are transparent, participatory and driven by an appreciation of political and economic rights?

Roselynn Musa: The AU-NEPAD peer review mechanism is an important tool for transparency if implemented as planned. We need to put our own house in order so as to be able to hold others accountable. We should practice what we preach.

Saloman Kebede: In what policy area, would you like to see greater convergence and unity across Africa and why?

Roselynn Musa: Peace and security, but also health and women’s economic empowerment.

The views expressed here are the perspectives of the interviewee. Roselynn Musa can be reached at: advocacy at femnet.or.ke or musarose_ng at yahoo.com