Tema, Feb. 15, GNA – Senegalese President, Macky Sall, who has been elected as the new African Union (AU) Chairperson, by the Heads of State and Government of the AU, has expressed concern about the re-emergence of coup d’etats in the continent.
He described the seizure of political power by soldiers in some of the member countries as a major attack on democracy and institutional stability in the continent.
This was at the 35th Ordinary Session of the AU held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
President Sall takes over from President Felix- Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who has served out his one-year term.
An AU document made available to the Ghana News Agency in Tema on Monday said the election was witnessed by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat; the Deputy Chairperson of Commission, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa; representatives of the United Nations (UN) and the Regional Economic Commission.
President Sall said “as our Union celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we can be proud of the progress made under major initiatives. At the same time, our challenges remain numerous and pressing”.
He mentioned some the challenges as peace and security, the fight against terrorism, environmental protection, health, and economic and social development.
He underlined his commitment “to work together with all member countries in the exercise of our mandate”.
Outgoing President Tshisekedi wished the new AU Chairperson a successful Chairmanship and thanked the Heads of States of Member States for their support during his tenure.
He highlighted some of the achievements under his chairmanship and these included economic empowerment of women and the youth, the enhancement of democracy, and good governance.
“Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Development” was the theme chosen for the session.
GNA