Chad’s Deby accuses African Union of indifference

April 18, 2006 (N’DJAMENA) — After Sudan, the Chadian president is now criticizing the African Union. Presiding over a news conference in Ndjamena this morning, Idriss Deby Itno denounced the indifference of the pan-African organization.

He said it African Union was burying its head in the sand, Radio France Internationale reported

“It is unfortunate that the African Union is burying its head in the sand and that it is sitting on the fence. In this period of hardship, Africa should be in the hands of Africans when we are faced with emerging challenges.” Chadian president said.

“We need to prove that we can take our continent out of serious incidents led by adventurers and mercenaries” he further said.

Since 2004, “I have tried to draw the attention of my colleagues, African heads of state and all the structures of African Union of the threat hanging over Chad. No one understood us”.

The African Union Peace and Security Council did not strongly condemn Sudan during its 15 April meeting. “This is unfortunate. The African Union does not support stability in Africa”.

“The African Union has to strongly condemn the Khartoum government”, Deby concluded.

(ST)