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DRAFT REPORT (2) TWENTY THIRD AFCAC PLENARY SESSION

(Accra, Ghana, 2-5 April 2013)

1. OPENING OF THE SESSION

1.1 The 23rd Session of the AFCAC Plenary was held in Accra, Ghana from 2 - 5 April 2013. The Minister of transport of Ghana, Honourable Mrs Dzifa Attivor, chaired the opening ceremony. The Plenary was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr Baba Dieme, the Deputy Minister of Transport of Burkina Faso. The Session was presided over by the President of AFCAC Mr Mahamat Saleh Douga. 1.2 Opening, Welcome and Goodwill Speeches/Statements 1.2.1 Speeches and statements were made under Agenda Item 2 by the following personalities:

1.3 Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority 1.3.1 The Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Air Cdre. Kwame Mamphey, welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Plenary. He emphasized that as the objectives of Safety, Security and the Environment are being pursued, that one must not forget that a major challenge for airlines is that of profitability. He advocated that airlines in Africa should be safe, secure, environmentally friendly and profitable. In concluding, he wished all delegates fruitful deliberations and a pleasant stay in Accra.

1.4 AFCAC President 1.4.1 The AFCAC President, Mr Mahamat Saleh Douga, welcomed all delegates from AFCAC member States, partner States, representatives of International and Regional Organizations as well as all Aviation stakeholders and members of the media from around the world to the 23rd African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Plenary. 1.4.2 He extended his special appreciation to His Excellency, the President of Ghana, and through His Excellency to the Government and People of Ghana for accepting to host the 23rd AFCAC Plenary Session and acknowledged the warm reception and excellent facilities availed to delegates since their arrival in Accra. 1.4.3 He highlighted some of the major activities and achievements of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) during the just ended triennium in line with its mandate and the Action Plan adopted since the 21st Plenary Session which was held in Ndjamena, Chad in 2010. 1.4.4 He reiterated that Safety and Security still remain major challenges and would remain areas of focus of the Commission. He thanked all African States for their continued support for AFCAC’s activities and he called on all States to pay their contributions as and when due to enable AFCAC to deliver more on its mandate which continues to increase. He also requested States not to relent in payment of their dues to ICAO as well.

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1.5 President of ACAC 1.5.1 The ACAC President, Mr. Saif Mohamed Al Suwaidi, extended his appreciation to the President of AFCAC for inviting him to the 23rd Plenary. He informed the Plenary of the strong ties that have always existed between AFCAC and ACAC which have led to both Commissions working very hard towards the improvement of the aviation industry. He highlighted the evident efforts made in strengthening collaboration and further development in relationships among their civil aviation authorities and concluded by taking the opportunity to confirm once again, ACAC’s support for Africa’s nominee for the position of ICAO President, and the African list for ICAO Council membership. 1.6 President of ECAC

1.6.1 The President of ECAC, Mr Catalin Radu, recalled that the Memorandum of Cooperation between AFCAC and ECAC is 15 years old and expressed his delight at the excellent cooperation the two organizations enjoy in the pursuit of the objectives of safety, security and sustainable air transport, with good conditions for all passengers. He also expressed his warmest congratulations to AFCAC for the quality of the candidate proposed for election as President of the Council of ICAO, Dr Bernard Aliu who he said, is a very qualified Expert in aviation and is already an active and constructive member of the Council of ICAO and reaffirmed ECAC’s support for his candidacy. He underlined that ECAC, according to the previous practice, is ready to support Africa’s list of candidates to the Council of ICAO on the basis of the principle of the “status quo” and reciprocal support. 1.7 LACAC Representative 1.7.1 The LACAC Representative, Mr Bruno Dalcolmo, recognised that an issue of special importance to AFCAC and to African countries in general is the election of the new President of the Council of ICAO. In this respect, he informed that LACAC fully recognizes the support given by Africa to the current President of the Council, Mr Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, and thanked all for that. Bearing in mind the long-lasting cooperation between the Regions, he stated that the President of LACAC has already declared the full support of Latin American countries for the candidacy of Dr Aliu, from Nigeria. On a final note, he reiterated that LACAC wished to increase its cooperation with AFCAC in various fields of aviation, with the development of joint work programmes.

1.8 AFRAA Secretary General 1.8.1 The Secretary General of AFRAA, Dr Elijah Chingosho, stated that Ghana is among the countries that have opened its skies to African airlines in conformity with the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD). He commended the recent fuel price reduction in Ghana which, he said, is of monumental benefit to Airlines. He highlighted some of the areas that government support in Africa is vital and these include:

Ensuring Fair Competition

Internal liberalization

Removing excessive taxes and charges

Removal of monopoly service providers

Improving safety

Sustainable Development of the Industry. 1.9 ICAO President 1.9.1 The ICAO Council President, Mr Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez, in his Statement highlighted the optimistic air transport growth forecast for Africa and its potential contribution to economic development; whilst emphasizing the need for governments and industry to collaborate in ensuring sustainability of the air transport system. In this regard and highlighting some success stories in

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addressing for example SSCs, he recalled and urged States to pursue implementation of the various Abuja safety targets; the AVSEC Roadmap for Africa and State Plans of action for emissions reduction. In conclusion, he acknowledged and encouraged the positive climate of increasing political will in many African States. 1.10 Representative of the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy 1.10.1 The Representative of the AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Mr David Kajange, stated that with fierce competition in the air transport markets, emergence of new technologies combined with the prevailing financial crisis as well as unilateral measures taken by some States or regions, African aviation industry’s tiny share of the global market is always in danger of being eroded to even lower levels and risks obscurity. He observed that Africa has to adequately implement its main strategies as outlined in the African Civil Aviation Policy (2011) and the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision for the appropriate positioning of its civil aviation industry in the global context. He reiterated that the African Union Commission wishes to see a single, strong aviation market and, ultimately, a single, safe and efficient African sky emerging as a result of implementing these strategic frameworks. 1.10.2 With respect to the forthcoming ICAO Assembly, he stated that Africa cannot afford to lose a single seat on the ICAO Council and that taking a careful look at the ICAO membership, Africa deserves more seats than the current number. Finally, he informed that the 19th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in July 2012 decided that Dr. Bernard Olumuyiwa ALIU, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the ICAO Council and a seasoned, experienced and skilled aviation professional, should be the sole African candidate for the Presidency of the ICAO Council which the African Union is totally convinced the continent deserves. 1.11 Ghana Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Attivor 1.11.1 In declaring the meeting open, the Honourable Minister of Transport of Ghana, Mrs Dzifa Attivor noted that the most serious problems in Africa are those of Safety and Security which frequently do not meet international standards. However that with the development of air traffic, there is an urgent need to detect and remedy those shortcomings. She observed that the rate of air disasters in Africa is five times higher than the global rate, while the continent only accounts for an infinitesimal part of the traffic. The fundamental causes she said are not only lack of financial and human resource, but also lack of political will, and it is for this reason that the government of Ghana has resolved to give its aviation industry, all the needed support in order to ensure safety in its air space. 1.11.2 She requested the Plenary to make a frank and realistic assessment of the state of aviation in Africa and come out with equally realistic and practical solutions for most of the major challenges confronting the Industry. She reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision in order to preserve high quality African air transport services. Finally, she declared the Plenary open. Full texts of all speeches and statements made are attached to this Report. They are also available on

the AFCAC website.

2 PARTICIPATION

2.1 The Plenary Session was attended by delegates from thirty Six (36) African States namely: Angola, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau,

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Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

2.2 The following Organizations attended the Plenary: AUC, ACAC, AFRAA, BAGASOO, CANSO, COMESA-EAC-SADC, EAC CASSOA, ECTAR, COSCAP-UEMOA, US-DOT, ECAC, ECOWAS, Egypt Air, EU, FAA, IATA, ICAO, LACAC, PAWA, UEMOA, St@ur service inc, TSA, GCAA, CRASAC-France and Ghana Airports. 2.3 The following non-African States attended the Plenary: Canada, China, Dominican Republic, France, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Venezuela.

The list of participants is annexed to this Report. 3. OFFICERS OF THE COMMISSION

3.1 The officers of the Commission who were present at the Plenary were:

President: Mr. Mahamat Saleh Douga Vice presidents: Central region: Mr. Dominique Oyinamono Eastern region: Col. Wesenyeleh Hunegnaw Tadege Southern region: Mr. David Chawota Western region: Mr. M. Sinaly Silue Coordinator of AFI Group at ICAO Council: Mr. Zoa Englebert Etundi

3.2 The Vice President: Northern Region, Mr. Aboubekrine Seddigh Ould Mohamed El Hacen, was absent.

4. SECRETARIAT

4.1 The Secretary General of AFCAC, Ms Iyabo O. Sosina served as Secretary to the meeting. She was assisted by the following officers: Mr Fidelis Onyeyiri, Mr Samuel Gaiya, Mr Mesfin Fikru, Mr Ciré Ba, Mr Massourang Sourang, Ms Mosa Ntebele, Mrs Kaltouma Bourkou and Mrs Racky So Mbacke.

5. MINUTES 5.1 In accordance with Rule 36 of the Rules of procedures, the meeting suspended the application of Rule 35 on the preparation of Minutes of the Meeting.

6. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 6.1. The Agenda of the meeting was adopted with amendments. The amendment included the postponement to Thursday, 4 April, 2013 of the Election of the Bureau and the Election of the States to the ICAO Council as well as most of the items under Agenda Item 1.

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7. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS 7.1 AGENDA ITEM 1: Plenary (Closed Session – for member States only) 7.2 AGENDA ITEM 3: Activities of the AFCAC Bureau 7.3 Report of the AFCAC President for 2010-2013 Triennium (WP/11) 7.3.1 The AFCAC President presented his report covering the triennium 2010-2013. Highlights of the report include:

The AFCAC Bureau

Report of the 22nd AFCAC Plenary Session

The AFCAC Constitution

Adoption of draft AFCAC documents

The Yamoussoukro Decision (YD)

Aviation Security

Environmental Protection

AFI-CIS

Human Resources Development

Legal Matters

States arrears in Contribution

Coordination of African Representatives on the Council of ICAO

Relationship with key Partners

The AFCAC premises in Dakar, Senegal The relevant Working Paper is attached as an annexure to this Report. 7.4 Report of the Technical Committee (WP/6) 7.4.1 The Report of the Technical Committee was presented by the Vice-President, Southern Region. The Report summed up the Work Programme of the Committee for the triennium. The Report also highlighted many tasks undertaken by the Committee and the Secretariat during the triennium. These include:

2010-2013 Work Programme Strategic Objective B – Safety and Strategic Objective D – Human Resource Development

AFI Cooperative Inspectorate Scheme (AFI-CIS)

African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP) 2011

Ministerial Conference on Aviation Safety in Africa 2012

Role of AFCAC in the AFI Plan

Aviation Training needs and capacities The Working Paper is also attached as an annexure to this Report. 7.5 Report of the Air Transport Committee (WP/12) 7.5.1 The Report of the Air Transport Committee was presented by the Vice-President Eastern Region. The Report detailed the Work Programme of the Committee for the triennium. The Report

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also highlighted many tasks undertaken by the Committee as well as the Secretariat in the triennium. These are:

AFCAC as the Executing Agency of the YD

Project extension of the INDECON Consulting Firm

AVSEC

Environment The Working Paper too is attached as an annexure to this Report. 7.6 The African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP) as a tool for Enhancing Safety, Security and

Sustainable Development of Air Transport in Africa 7.6.1 This Working Paper was presented by the Secretariat. It highlighted the Policy Statements, Objectives, Strategies and Concepts on Civil Aviation matters as contained in the African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP) adopted by the Conference of African Ministers for Transport held in Luanda in November 2011 (CAMT 2) and endorsed by the AU Heads of State Assembly, held in January 2012 7.6.2 Thus, AFCAP is a concise overarching policy frame work document, which forms the basis of which African Regional Programmes, Action Plans and common Rules, Regulations and Guidelines should be formulated. It is a very important document that should be studied and adopted by African Civil Aviation Authorities. The AFCAP in all the technical Provisions in parts 2 & 3 have detailed Objectives, Policy Statement and Strategies for ease of reference and implementation. 7.6.3 Conclusions/Recommendations 7.6.3.1 The Plenary noted the content of this Working Paper and resolved that all entities, bodies and persons in African Aviation should be motivated by the AFCAP document and ensure that their States abide by the AFCAP in policy formulation and execution to ensure complementarity, focus, harmonization and uniformity on issues pertaining to Safety, Security and Sustainable Development of Air Transport in Africa. 8. AGENDA ITEMs 4 and 11: Statements by Partner States/Organizations 8.1 The following States and organizations made Presentations under Agenda Items 4 and 11. Their Statements are attached to this Report: 8.2 Representative of US-DOT 8.2.1 The Manager, “Safe Skies for Africa Programme”, Ms. Connie Wilson Hunter, thanked AFCAC and Ghana for inviting the DOT to the 23rd Plenary. She stressed the importance of a safe and secure aviation industry and highlighted the milestones made by Africa in the aviation industry. She encouraged Africa to keep on striving for the best aviation industry possible and emphasized the DOT’s commitment to assisting Africa in its capacity building efforts which she said will enhance the African Aviation Industry immensely. 8.3 Representative of US-TSA 8.3.1 The Administrator of the TSA, Mr. John Pistole informed the Plenary of how seriously the USA takes aviation issues and that as an Administrator, his office’s responsibility was to make sure that it works hand in hand with DOT and FAA for the successful implementation of US funded programmes. Mr. Pistole talked about the long standing relationship between the USA and Africa and the technical cooperation they have had over the years which is geared towards improving the

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African aviation industry. He thanked the Ghanaian Government and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and AFCAC for a well-organized Plenary. 8.4 Representative of UAE 8.4.1 In his presentation, the UAE Representative, Mr. SAIF Mohamed Al Suwaidi, informed the Plenary of the positive implementation of the existing MoU with AFCAC consisting of onsite training programs and fellowships at its Training Centre which was said to be enriching for both Africans and the representatives of the UAE. He informed of three ladies from different countries of Africa who attended a specially designed internship program and left their mark within the GCAA. He emphasized that it is through such collaborations and interactions that a solid global aviation system can be built. 8.5 Representative of the French Cooperation (Bureau) 8.5.1 The representative of the ASACA Project “Assistance à la Sûreté de l’Aviation Civile en Afrique” which is a French Organization devoted to improving security in Africa, thanked AFCAC for being asked to be part of the Plenary and thanked Ghana for her hospitality. The ASACA representative, Police Commissioner Philippe Duporge, informed the Plenary of how much his organization values a safe and secure aviation industry in Africa. This he said, is witnessed by the financial assistance that France has been giving Africa to enhance Aviation Security. 8.6 Representative of IATA 8.6.1 The Representative of IATA, Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, took opportunity to inform the Plenary of IATA’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting in June 2013, which she said will be held in June 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa after 22 years of being held outside Africa and encouraged participants to attend so that they could further share ideas and strategize. She also gave the positive growth in aviation statistics for Africa and informed that with the right policies in place, these will grow substantially in years to come. She emphasized IATA’s belief in the importance of safety and security in Africa and encouraged African airlines to embrace the IOSA. 8.7 Representative of the Republic of Korea 8.7.1 Ambassador Donghwan Choi stated that the Republic of Korea attaches high importance to its friendship with Africa and that the Korean government has established many partnerships with African countries in order to support the development of the continent through various cooperation programmes, exchanges and technical assistance within the framework of ICAO Member States. The Korean Representative stated that his country endorses the candidature of Dr Bernard Aliu as the next President of the ICAO Council. Finally, he solicited the support of African States for the candidacy of the Republic of Korea at the elections during the next Assembly session of ICAO in September, in Montreal. 8.8 Representative of Singapore 8.8.1 The DGCA of Singapore, Mr. Yap Ong Heng, informed the Plenary of the strong relationship between Africa and Singapore which has resulted in a lot of African aviation professionals being trained at the Singapore Aviation Academy. He further informed the Plenary of the signing of a renewed MoU with AFCAC which he said will further strengthen these ties and allow more fellowships under an improved scholarship scheme to be offered to Africa, thereby contributing positively towards the AFI–CIS programme. After his Statement, the MoU existing between AFCAC and Singapore was renewed in a small Signing ceremony with AFCAC being represented by its President and Singapore CAA by its Director General.

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8.9 Representative of China 8.9.1 The Representative of China, Mr. Wu Zhouhong, informed that China signed an MoU with AFCAC in 2012 aimed at promoting safe, efficient and sustainable aviation for both China and Africa. She further stated that more than 40 fellowships had been offered to African professionals in the field of aviation and that China was keen to further strengthen its relationship with Africa through the signing of more bilateral agreements. 8.10 Representative of Malaysia 8.10.1 The Representative of the government of Malaysia, Mr. Dato’ Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, informed the Plenary that Malaysia has a modern airport system which is the most advanced in the region. Furthermore that Malaysia had implemented Safety Management Systems at 5 international airports and 9 domestic airports in compliance with ICAO’s Annex 14 and sought support for its candidature at the forthcoming ICAO Assembly. Finally, he stated that Malaysia endorses the candidature of Dr Bernard Aliu as the next President of the ICAO Council. 8.11 Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 8.11.1 The Representative of Venezuela, Mr. David A. Blanco, remarked that his country endorses the candidature of Dr Bernard Aliu as the next President of the ICAO Council. He also informed the Plenary that Venezuela is committed to the improvement of international civil aviation and that while it has achieved a goal of 80% on time performance in their operations and they are still striving for better performance. Furthermore, that it has put in place, an SSP and SMS in overseeing the Venezuelan Aviation Policy. 8.12 Representative of the Dominican Republic 8.12.1 The Representative of Dominican Republic, Ambassador Carlos Veras, affirmed his country’s commitment to working with Africa on common objectives to promote safety, security, sustainability of air transport and environmental protection in its natural airspace. He further informed that his country has consistently maintained the Category One rating after being assessed by the FAA. He also pledged his country’s support for the candidature of Africa’s candidate for the ICAO President position 8.12 Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 8.13.1 The Representative on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Talal M.B. Kabli, informed of his country’s intention to run for Part II of the ICAO Council during the forthcoming 38th ICAO Assembly. He informed that Saudi Arabia had succeeded in constructing and operating the largest airport network in the Middle East which is composed of 4 international airports and 27 other airports which resulted in the handling of more than 54 million passengers. Finally, he pledged his country’s support for Dr. Aliu’s candidature. 8.14 Representative of Canada 8.14.1 The Representative of Canada, Mr Mark Allen, expressed his delight in attending the Plenary. He informed the plenary of the strong economic, social, cultural and linguistic ties existing between Canada and Africa, furthermore, that Canada was proud of the long history of friendship and technical relationship that it has with Ghana and many other African countries. He concluded by stating that Canada was proud to serve as host to ICAO. 8.15 Representative of Indonesia 8.15.1 The DGCA of Indonesia, Mr. Herry Bakti, confidently informed the Plenary that his Ministry of Transportation has made significant achievements in the past four years in enhancing aviation safety, security both in Indonesia and in the Asia Pacific Region. He said further that 5 people from Africa have so far benefitted from training in its Air Transportation Human Development Centre and

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encouraged States to nominate candidates for the increased fellowships to be made available under the MoU with AFCAC which was signed in a brief ceremony after his presentation. 9. AGENDA ITEM 5: Reports on progress made in the areas of Safety, Security, Yamoussoukro

Decision (YD), International Cooperation and Environment; Ratification of the AFCAC Revised Constitution and other International Air Law Instruments; Human resources Development.

9.1 REPORT ON PROGRESS MADE IN THE AREA OF SAFETY 9.1.1 Implementation of the AFI-CIS 9.1.1.1 Under this Agenda Item, the AFCAC Secretariat presented Working Paper 3 which highlighted the objectives of the AFI-CIS and informed the Plenary about progress made in the establishment and execution of the scheme. 9.1.1.2 The Plenary was informed that the 22nd AFCAC (Extraordinary) Plenary Session held in December, 2010 in Dakar, Senegal, had reviewed and endorsed the Proposal for the Establishment and Management of an AFI Cooperative Inspectorate Scheme (AFI-CIS) as agreed by the AFCAC/ ICAO joint meeting on the Improvement of Aviation Safety in Africa, (17 – 19 August 2010). Following the finalization of registration of available Safety Inspectors and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of the Scheme, the AFI-CIS pilot project was launched by AFCAC with the technical assistance of ICAO in August 2011. 9.1.1.3 The aim of the AFI-CIS project is to create a pool of qualified and experienced Aviation Safety Inspectors from within the AFI Region to provide assistance to African States in addressing their safety oversight deficiencies with emphasis and priority given to States identified with Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) and those currently on the Monitoring and Assistance Review Board (MARB). Assistance will also be provided to States in resolving safety oversight deficiencies in general and reduce Lack of Effective Implementations (LEIs).

Coordination with Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOO) AFCAC coordinates with RSOOs/COSCAPs on AFI-CIS to promote exchanges of report on work carried out with the aim of facilitating follow-up activities e.g. a joint AFI-CIS/ BAGASOO Mission was carried out to Guinea.

Funding of the Project Article 6 of the AFI-CIS MOU clearly states the responsibility of States on funding of AFI-CIS Missions. The negative response from States on this and the need to meet Safety Targets set have necessitated AFCAC funding most of the Missions with its limited resources. Only one State, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has funded the Mission to date. AFCAC will continue to emphasize to the States, the need to fund the Missions.

Problems Encountered Finally, the Paper outlined the challenges faced by the Project as follows:

Lack of feedback from States which have received AFI-CIS Missions

The lack of French speaking Flight Operations Inspectors

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Late response/feedback from States on the acceptability of planned Mission dates

States’ lukewarm attitude to fund missions. 9.1.2 Conclusion/Recommendation

The Plenary acknowledged the benefits of AFI-CIS in creating a pool of qualified and experienced Aviation Safety Inspectors from within the Region to provide assistance to African States;

The Plenary Urged States identified with Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) and those currently on the MARB to effectively collaborate with the AFI-CIS;

The Plenary took note of the progress made and challenges faced during the implementation of the AFI-CIS Project, acknowledged the technical assistance being provided by ICAO and other partners and requested for its sustainability;

The Plenary noted that additional sources of fund must be sought for the continuation of refresher training of AFI- CIS Inspectors and future Missions beyond 2013 and endorsed that States should fund the Missions.

9.1.3 Presentation by ICAO-ESAF 9.1.3.1 The Regional Director of the ICAO ESAF Office, Mr. Meshesha Belayneh gave a PowerPoint presentation on the progress made in the area of Safety. The presentation summed up the progress made in the following areas:

- Development and Implementation of the ICAO Plans of Action including incorporation of the

Abuja High-Level safety targets - States with Plans of Action as well as SSCs that have been resolved - CSA Audits and ICVM s planned for 2013 - AFI Plan Training Courses and Workshops - Training Survey, 2012 - Association of African Aviation Training Organizations

The presentation is posted on the AFCAC website for ease of reference. 9.2 REPORT ON PROGRESS MADE IN THE AREA OF SECURITY

9.2.1 Status of Implementation of the Abuja Roadmap on Aviation Security. 9.2.1.1 The Secretariat presented Working Paper 24 (WP/24) dealing with the status of implementation of the Road Map of the Abuja Declaration of 2010 on Civil Aviation Security for the 2010-2013 period and reviewed all the activities carried out by AFCAC in the field of Civil Aviation Security. 9.2.1.2 The paper recalled that AFCAC is mandated by African Ministers responsible for Civil Aviation to coordinate and implement necessary programmes for the attainment of the objectives of the Roadmap. It continued by recalling the five components of the Roadmap, which are:

Development and upgrading of civil aviation security systems,

Developing a compliance culture,

Building capacities in the field of civil aviation security,

Development and maintenance of civil aviation security equipment and infrastructure,

Setting up of a Unit for research on civil aviation security matters.

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9.2.1.3 The Paper also listed meetings on aviation security that it organized or participated in during the triennium. The Working Paper further described the efforts of AFCAC within the framework of collaboration with other agencies, such as ICAO, RECs, etc., in the context of the implementation of the Roadmap. It reviewed the state of the “Priority Solidarity Fund” (FSP – ASACA) aimed at supporting aviation security in Africa, an initiative of the French Government covering three years (2011-2013) with the assistance of` ICAO, ASECNA, the World Bank , UEMOA and IMO. 9.2.2 Conclusions/Recommendations 9.2.2.1 The Plenary Session resolved to support AFCAC in the implementation of the Road Map and agreed to continue to make available to AFCAC, their national Experts selected under the ASACA and other such Projects. It also agreed to support the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between AFCAC, the French Cooperation and ICAO.

9.3 ICAO AVCSEC Assistance to African States 9.3.1 The Regional Director of the ICAO WACAF Office, Mr. Mam Sait Jallow presented Working Paper 30 on ICAO AVSEC Assistance to African States. The Paper dealt with the assistance provided by ICAO in the area of capacity building in Africa, since the adoption of the Plan of Action of the AVSEC Roadmap for Africa. It further elaborated the ICAO Approach and Methodology for AVSEC Assistance in the area of capacity Building Priorities and Sharing of information and coordination of capacity building activities. ICAO mobilised and focuses its resources on States where Significant Security Concerns (SSCs) and serious compliance shortcomings have been identified. The audit results were used as the main source of information for needs analysis and for helping to determine how capacity building activities could be best prioritised. ICAO AVSEC Assistance and Capacity Development Activities were done for 14 African States and in implementing AVSEC Assistance and capacity Building Activities, ICAO mainly used African Experts, who in addition to being ICAO certified, have demonstrated their skills and knowledge of AVSEC requirements and implementation issues. 9.3.2 Conclusions/recommendations 9.3.2.1 The Plenary took note of the information contained in the Paper and requested that States should increase their commitment to the timely correction of aviation security deficiencies. 9.3.3. Amendments to The Hague and Montreal Conventions 9.3.3.1 Mr. Mam Sait Jallow also presented Working paper 28 which dealt with Amendments to The Hague and Montreal Conventions. The Paper communicated the latest developments to The Hague and Montreal Conventions and urged African States which have not done so, to sign and ratify the two new treaties adopted by the Beijing Conference, and also to take necessary action to incorporate the provisions of the new treaties in their respective national legislations. 9.4 REPORT ON PROGRESS MADE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YD 9.4.1 The Secretariat presented Working Paper 25 (WP/25) relating to the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) adopted by the Conference of African Ministers responsible for civil aviation in 1999. Furthermore, the Plenary was informed that in May 2007, the African ministers responsible for civil aviation vested AFCAC, a specialized agency of the African Union, with the attributions of powers of the Executing Agency of the Yamoussoukro Decision. This Decision was endorsed by the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government in 2000.

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9.4.3 Conclusions/Recommendations 9.4.3.1 The Plenary noted the information provided in the Working Paper and expressed the hope that the Stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for July 2013, would be successful. 9.5 REPORT ON PROGRESS MADE IN THE AREA OF ENVIRONMENT 9.5.1 The Working Paper presented by the Secretariat on Environment reiterated African States’ belief in ICAO’s leadership role in all Civil Aviation matters especially as it relates to the Environment. It highlighted ICAO’s assistance to States on Action Plans on Emission and efforts made by AFCAC to complement ICAO’s assistance to States. It urged African States to comply with the submission of State Action Plans and CO2 data to ICAO. 9.5.2 States in need may require ICAOs assistance through their respective regional offices. 9.5.3 In the second Working Paper presented under this Agenda Item, the Senior Representative of the Federal Aviation Administration in Africa Ms Mo Keane thanked AFCAC for the invitation to the 23rd Plenary and appreciated Ghana’s hospitality. She informed the Plenary about the importance of environmental protection which is very vital in the reduction of aviation gas emissions and which contributes to global warming. She further informed the Plenary of the longstanding cooperation between her organization and the continent for the past 23 years. The FAA Senior Rep also told the Plenary of the financial assistance her organization has been giving the continent for the training of manpower and expressed the opinion that this has borne fruits and pledged continued support for the African Aviation Industry. 9. 5.4 Conclusions/recommendations 9.5.4.1 The Plenary noted the content of the Working Papers and resolved that States should submit their Action Plans on CO2 Emissions in accordance with ICAO requirements before the 38th ICAO Assembly. 9.6 REPORT ON PROGRESS MADE IN THE RATIFICATION OF THE REVISED AFCAC

CONSTITUTION (2009) AND OTHER LEGAL MATTERS 9.6.1 The paper presented by the Secretariat gave information on the Revised AFCAC Constitution 2009, its notice of Entry into Force and a request for States to Sign and Ratify the Constitution as soon as possible. 9.6.2 Conclusion / Recommendation 9.6.2.1 The Plenary noted the contents of the Working Paper and resolved to expedite action in Signing the AFCAC Constitution and fast-track the process of Ratification for it to definitively enter into force. The Plenary also noted that two more ratifications have been done by States based on their interventions from the floor and requested the concerned States to make copies of the ratifications available to the Secretariat. 9.7 INSIGHT INTO LEGAL MATTERS: SIGNATURE AND RATIFICATION OF SOME IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL AIR LAW INSTRUMENTS 9.7.1 The Paper presented information on some important International Air Law Instruments with a request to States to sign and ratify them at the earliest opportunity. The International Air Law Instruments which were discussed in the paper are:

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i. Convention for the Unification of certain Rules for International Carriage by Air

(Montreal Convention 1999) ii. The Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and Protocol to the

Convention on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment - Cape Town 2001 - (The Cape Town Instruments)

iii. International Conference on Air Law (Modernization of the Rome Convention 1952) Montreal, Canada 20 April – 2 May 2009

iv. International Conference on Air Law(ICAO Diplomatic Conference on Aviation Security) (Beijing, China 30 August – 10 September 2010) – New and Emerging Threats to Civil Aviation

All of these Air Law Instruments are available on the ICAO Website. 9.7.2 Conclusion/recommendation 9.7.2.1 The Plenary noted the contents of this Working Paper and resolved to sensitize their relevant authorities on these matters, so as to encourage them to urgently sign, ratify, accede and/or domesticate the above discussed International Air Law Instruments. 10. AGENDA ITEM 6: Progress Report on the Abuja Plan of Action on Aviation Safety 10.1 Plan of Action on Aviation Safety 10.1.1 Under this Agenda Item, the AFCAC Secretariat presented Working Paper 4, which provided a feedback on the outcome of the Ministerial Conference on Aviation Safety in Africa, which took place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 16 to 20, July 2012 on the common frame of reference on aviation safety initiatives and aviation safety targets for implementation within the AFI region. More than 250 participants attended, representing 38 States and 15 international organizations. At this Conference, specific and measurable aviation safety targets were established in order to enhance safety standards and implement all safety initiatives in the region. 10.2 Safety Targets 10.2.1 The Safety Targets, as endorsed by the African Ministers responsible for Aviation, the Plenary was informed, were developed on the basis of targets previously adopted and are also aligned with the ICAO Strategic Objectives for safety which were recently introduced in ICAO Work Programmes. The aim is to revise, streamline and bring up-to-date in a consolidated manner, all these elements on a single continental page of reference. These targets are considered realistic, achievable and measurable. The political support demonstrated during the Conference was seen as an important element for achieving the Safety Targets within the time lines as indicated in the Plan of Action on Aviation Safety in Africa. 10.3 Plan of Action on Aviation Safety in Africa 10.3.1 In order to systematically and effectively achieve the above safety targets, the Conference developed a Plan of Action on Aviation Safety in Africa to monitor and evaluate the status of implementation of the various issues, recommendations and initiatives, (see Appendix B). Monitoring and follow-up mechanism was developed by ICAO and the same methodology was adapted by AFCAC for the implementation of the Safety Targets (Appendix C)

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10.4 Ministerial Declaration 10.4.1 The Conference adopted a Declaration referred to as the “Abuja Declaration on Aviation Safety in Africa”. The Declaration detailed high level commitments by the Ministers to provide a common frame of reference on aviation safety initiatives and aviation Safety Targets for implementation within the AFI region, (see Appendix D). 10.5 Conclusion/ recommendation

The Plenary noted the Working Paper on the Safety Targets set by the Ministerial Conference on Aviation Safety in Africa, in July 2012, in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Plenary Urged African States, AFCAC,ICAO,AFRAA, RECs, and other stakeholders to vigorously pursue the implementation of the proposed Safety Targets in conformity with the set time lines

The Plenary Urged African States to provide information/feedback on the implementation status of the Safety Targets to enable AFCAC monitor the level of implementation.

10.6 Technical Cooperation in Human Resource Development 10.6.1 The Paper presented on this Agenda Item, summed up the progress made on the implementation of the AFCAC Work Program on Strategic Objective D-Human Resources Development during the triennium. The Paper informed that in order to ensure sustainable human resource development for African Aviation, the AFCAC Secretariat organized, coordinated and hosted Meetings, Courses and Seminars in the Technical fields aimed at the improvement of Aviation Safety in Africa and the development of Human Resources. Furthermore, that AFCAC organized many courses to train personnel in Aviation Safety in collaboration with Training Institutions in order to enhance safety level in conformity with ICAO standards. 10.6.2 Conclusion/recommendation 10.6.2.1 The Plenary noted the contents of the paper and urged the Secretariat to intensify its efforts in ensuring the development of human resources on the continent. The Plenary also requested AFCAC to look for additional fellowships on trainings for African Experts to improve Aviation Safety in Africa. 11. AGENDA ITEM 9: Date and Venue of next Plenary 11.1 Egypt offered to host the next AFCAC Ordinary Plenary Session in 2016, as it is the turn of the Northern Region to host in line with the rotation system guiding the convening of Plenaries. The Plenary unanimously approved the offer by Egypt. 12. AGENDA ITEM 10: Date and Venue of the next Air Transport and Technical Committee

Meetings (TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BUREAU) 13. AGENDA ITEM 12: Any Other Business 13.1 Under this Agenda Item, the following States and organizations took the floor to deliver the following papers and statements:

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13.2 Hosting of the 2013 ICAN 15.2.1 The issue of an African State hosting the next ICAO Air Services Negotiation Conference (ICAN) was raised and in order to ensure that Africa does not lose the hosting rights of the 2013 ICAN, South Africa was requested by the Plenary to host the event. The South African delegation informed that the request would be presented to their Principals back in South Africa for approval and AFCAC and ICAO would be notified at the earliest convenience. 13.3 ICAO Air Transport Bureau 13.3.1 The Director, Air Transport Bureau of ICAO Mr. Boubacar Djibo made a Presentation on

ICAO’s Vision, Mission Statements and Strategic Objectives for the year 2014 to 2016

Cooperation with Regional Bodies

The three dimensions of sustainability

Value chain of air transport

Traffic flow and forecast

ATConf 6: Challenges and issues

The Nine Traffic Rights

ANConf 12: Aviation System Block Upgrades

ICAO’s Policies and Guidance Material

Current ICAO policies on Air Navigation Systems financing The full presentation made by the Director is posted on AFCAC website for ease of reference. 13.4 EGYPT 13.4.1 The Representative of Egypt, Eng. Mohamed I. Sherif, stated that with the help of AFCAC, African nations should formulate and enforce rules and regulations that give fair and equal opportunity and to promote fair competition through the successful implementation of Yamoussoukro Decision. In this regard, Egypt offered two permanent seats in “Obstacles Assessment and Management Course” to African civil aviation trainees at the training department of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. Egypt also requested AFCAC’s and other African States’ support in its re-election to Part II of the ICAO Council at the forthcoming 38th ICAO Assembly. Finally, he stated his State’s endorsement of the candidature of Dr Bernard Aliu as the next President of the ICAO Council. 13.5 NIGERIA 13.5.1 The Nigerian delegation thanked AFCAC, States and Partners for their support for the candidature of Nigeria to contest the seat of the ICAO Presidency in 2013, as well as their retention of their seat in Part II of the ICAO Council during the 38th ICAO Assembly, in September/October 2013. The Nigerian Representative to the ICAO Council and whose candidature for the ICAO Presidency has been canvassed by Africa promised to fulfil the confidence African States reposed in him for the position. 13.5.2 He thereafter requested the Plenary to recognize Ms Connie Hunter who has greatly contributed to the African aviation industry and who will be retiring at the end of the year. The Plenary approved his request. 13.6 MADAGASCAR 13.6.1 Regarding the next meeting of Ministers of Tourism and of Transport, and in response to ICAO’s and WMO’s request that it be held in an African State, the Representative of Madagascar, Mr Robert Jean Razafy, proposed that his State, Madagascar would host the Joint Ministerial Meeting, which is expected to take place in April 2014.

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13.6 COSCAP-UEMOA 13.7.1 The UEMOA Commission Representative, Ms. Kachia Irène Gnassou-Seka, thanked AFCAC for inviting the Commission to take part in its 23rd plenary session. She also thanked the Ghanaian authorities for the reception and facilities provided for participants. She then informed the meeting of the satisfactory progress of the project on the creation of the Community Agency for Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight, with the approval on 22 March 2013 in Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire, of a draft Supplementary Act establishing its creation by the Council of Ministers of UEMOA. She concluded by stating that the COSCAP-UEMOA had taken part in the first Mission and indicated, in closing, that the COSCAP-UEMOA Project was ready to participate in the AFI-CIS Programme and that a draft MoU to that effect will soon be signed.

13.8 PAN-AFRICA WOMEN IN AVIATION (PAWA) 15.8.1 The co-founder and member of the Pan African Women in Aviation Ms Chloe Grant thanked AFCAC for the invitation to the Plenary. She informed the Plenary of having deemed it necessary to have an organization representing and protecting the interest of Women in Aviation within the continent, Women she said, are still under-represented compared to their male counterparts in the aviation industry. Ms Granted further informed the Plenary that there are airlines which are treating the Gender imbalance seriously and training as well as positioning women in the aviation industry and that this will ultimately reduce the African Brain Drain situation. She quoted the South African Airways as a good example. The PAWA co-founder concluded by inviting delegates to its first Annual Conference which be held in Gaborone, Botswana in three months’ time. 14. AGENDA ITEM 13: Drafting and translation of the Draft Report Consideration/Adoption of the Draft Report of the Plenary 14.1 The Plenary directed that the Secretariat should fine tune the Report of the Plenary and mandated the President to review it, approve it and forward it to States through the Secretariat. Meanwhile, a first draft will be forwarded to States for their review. 15. AGENDA ITEM 14: Closing Ceremony 15.1 The outgoing President handed over the Insignia of Office, the AFCAC flag and gavel to the incoming President and thereafter, both of them made Closing Remarks to the acclamation of the Plenary. 15.2 Vote of Thanks was given by the delegation of Namibia on behalf of all the delegates and participants to the people and government of Ghana for their warm hospitality.