Addis Ababa, February 18, 2023 (FBC) – The President of Comoros Azali Assoumani has taken over the one-year rotating AU Chairmanship from Senegal’s president Macky Sall.
In his remarks, the outgoing AU Chairperson, Macky Sally said that the effects and consequences of climate change are impacting the whole world in a very dangerous manner, calling for concerted efforts to curtail this problem.
He added that the rise and spread of terrorism in the continent remains to to peace and security challenge in Africa. The recurrence of unconstitutional change of governments has also continued as a continental problem. He called for promotion of free and fair election as a necessary step to ensure a true democracy in Africa.
Terrorism continues to be a threat to the international peace and security, he noted, calling UN to financially support the fight against terrorism in Africa and commended the pledge made by Secretary General Antonio Guterres to this regard.
He also called on continued commitment to achieve the goals of Africa in Agriculture and food security.
Presidnet Azali Assoumani, for his part, pledged to peruse the leadership shown by President Macky Sall in channeling development aspiration of Africa.
He extended gratitude for the government and people of Ethiopia for their warm welcome and hospitality. President Azali Assoumani also saluted the memories of the founding fathers of the African Union.
The President called on donor countries to undertake debt restructuring and debt services to address debt burdens on African countries. He also called for total canceling of debt of African countries so as to enable countries of the continent to withstand impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
He further stressed need to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) so as to expedite economic growth in the continent and achieve agenda 2063.
He added that the steps taken by the government of Ethiopia to resolve the conflict and ensure peace in the country must be recommended, citing peace and stability as indispensible factor to speed up social and economic development in the continent.
By: Wondesen Aregahegn