UNMAID spokesperson to join the African Union next week

June 3, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The spokesperson of the hybrid peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) Noureddine Mezni will join next week the team of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission as official spokesperson.

Mezni who worked in Darfur file since 2005 as spokesperson for the African Union mediation in Abuja, Nigeria, has been particularly appreciated for his professionalism and neutrality in this complex issue.

He succeeded to deal with an irritable Sudanese government and the rebel groups as well as the international community at a time where Darfur conflict topped the headlines of the international press.

“The two bosses of the UNAMID found in his large network of relations with the media the best support to disseminate their message and to explain their delicate position,” said a close friend to the Tunisian journalist.

“This assignment is part of the growing partnership between the African Union and the United Nations,” said Mezni adding that the transitional period experienced by the UNAMID after the departure of its former head Rodolphe Adada delayed his leaving to Addis Ababa.

During the next six months Noureddine has to establish the press office of Chairperson of AU Commission and to recruit its staff.

(ST)