AU appoints Obasanjo as high representative in Africa

The African Union commission has appointed Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, as its high representative in the Horn of Africa.

Moussa Mahamat, chairperson of the commission, announced the appointment in a statement on Thursday.

The Horn of Africa region covers countries in the eastern region of Africa — Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda are countries covered in this region.

Mahamat explained that the appointment is to ensure peace, security and political dialogue across the Africa region.

“This decision is part of the African Union’s drive to promote peace, security, stability and political dialogue all over the Horn of Africa region,” he said.

“Specifically, the high representative will intensify engagements with all relevant political actors and stakeholders in the region towards entrenching durable peace and stability within the Horn of Africa.

“The Chairperson of the Commission is most grateful to H.E. president Olusegun Obasanjo for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the union.

“The former Nigerian leader brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of keen commitment to the lofty ideals of Pan-Africanism and regional integration and cooperation, as well as a deep knowledge of the current situation in the Horn of Africa.”

The chairperson also asked stakeholders and the international community to extend their support to the high representative, adding that Obasanjo is expected to arrive in the region in the coming weeks.