The requirements on funding from membership contributions mean that many African NGOs are not eligible for membership of ECOSOCC. Establishment Interim ECOSOCC structures were established in 2005. Elections to replace these structures were finally held in 23 African states and at continental level in late 2007. Although elections had not been completed in the remaining countries, the official launch of the new ECOSOCC General Assembly took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 9 September 2008. The Citizens and Diaspora Office (CIDO) in the AU Commission acts as secretariat for ECOSOCC. Membership of interim structures The council also has four vice presidents. The interim presidents were: Central Africa. M. Maurice Tadajeu North Africa. Mme. Fatima Zohra Karadja Southern Africa. Mr. Charles Mutasa West Africa. Mr. Ayo Aderinwale The Council also maintains a Standing Committee, whose interim members are listed below: Central Africa Yvette N. Rekangali Jean Collins Musonda Kalusambo Julienne Mavoungou Makaya East Africa Zainab Kamel Ali El Hussein Abdel Galil Mohammed Patrick Kayemba North Africa Armany Asfour Saida Agrebi Ahmed Abdel Fattah Southern Africa Moses Tito Kachima Joyce Nondwe Kanyago Helder Francisco Malauene West Africa Mama Koite Doumbia Landing Badji Omar Gassama President Wangari Muthaai Akum External links Economic, Social and Cultural Council on au.int