Congo to chair AU followed by Sudan

Jan 24, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Congo is to be named to head the African Union this year and Sudan will take the AU chair in 2007 under a compromise reached overnight at a summit here, a minister told AFP on Tuesday.

“It’s done,” said the minister who asked not to be named, adding that an announcement would be made at the plenary session on the final day of the AU summit being held in Khartoum.

Sudan’s bid to head the 53-nation body had failed to garner the full support of countries because of the conflict in Darfur, where the AU is mediating peace talks and has deployed a peacekeeping force.

A Sudanese official confirmed that agreement had been reached.

“By way of compromise, the leaders have reached a formula by which Sudan may take the chairmanship next year,” said foreign ministry spokesman Gamal Ibrahim.

In the meantime, another country would assume the chairmanship.

“As far as I know only Congo-Brazzaville is a candidate,” said Ibrahim.

(ST)