The Executive Committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) held an extraordinary session by videoconference on 4 August 2020. Deliberations opened with the welcome address by ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, who thanked all the members of the Executive Committee for their presence. He also acknowledged the President of the ANOCA Ethics Commission, honorary IOC member, Mr Sam Ramsamy, and the Olympic Solidarity team led by James McLeod, IOC Director of Olympic Solidarity, for their active collaboration. This was followed by a minute of silence in tribute to recently deceased African and international sports leaders. The deliberations proper, which lasted a little over four hours, were conducted on the theme: «Maseru 2022, preparations and progress.» It all began with the report of the Local Organizing Committee of the 2022 Games, presented by Mrs Mathlohang MoiloaRamoqopo, 3rd Vice President of ANOCA and Chairlady of the Organizing Committee of the Games in Lesotho, host country of the African Youth Games. The report dwelt on the status of preparations, infrastructure, funding strategy and practical organization of the games. After 4 months of confinement due to the devastating coronavirus pandemic, NOC Lesotho reassured the participants about the measures taken by the country since 29 March 2020. It was nevertheless pointed out that the fight against Covid-19 has had an impact on the preparations. It should also be noted that a new government has taken office in the country, and this has slowed down procedures.
The report raised a series of concerns, with Joao Manuel Costa Alegre, First Vice President and official in charge of Games at ANOCA, asking several questions about the state of preparedness and the level of involvement of the Lesotho government.
In view of the situation, Kamal Lahlou, Executive Committee member and President of NOC Morocco, proposed that the Games be postponed to 2023 or 2025. This proposal was seconded by Amadou Dia Ba.
However, Fardouza Moussa Egueh, Executive Committee member, cautioned that it is necessary to have all the answers before considering a possible postponement or cancellation. She added that it is necessary to get in touch with the government of Lesotho.
In consideration of the foregoing, President Mustapha Berraf noted that «NOC Lesotho needs time to discuss with the newly appointed government to take stock of the situation.»
Mustapha Berraf further said that a new executive committee meeting will be convened in mid or late August to decide on the way forward for these games. «Everything must be taken into consideration,» he said. All the members voiced their opinions and unanimously noted that this stage was crucial for the preparation and career development of young African athletes.
The ANOCA President had, previously in his opening remarks, stated that «we are all with Lesotho» insisting that ANOCA supports Lesotho in the organisation of the African Youth Games.
Deliberations concluded with a communication by the SecretaryGeneral, followed by a final word by the Vice President of ANOCA.
President Berraf then closed the session, thanking all the participants for their contributions.