AU appoints advisory council, peace ambassadors as part of 2010 theme

July 19, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Commission of the African Union (AU) appointed 12 Advisory Council members and 14 Peace Ambassadors to support the implementation of the 2010 Year of Peace and Security programme.

The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the Year of Peace and Security Advisory Council Members and Peace Ambassadors held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa last week.

A statement by the AU said that there are 26 prominent Africans drawn from various sectors of society: political, business, sports, arts, culture and music as part of AU’s approach of utilizing multi-stakeholder towards peace and security in Africa.

The Advisory Council members include the former Organization for African Union (OAU) Secretary General Salem Ahmed Salem, African Union Commission chairpersons Amara Essey, Alpha Oumar Konare and other eminent Africans such as Wangari Maathai and Mo Ibrahim.

The team of peace ambassadors also includes Mari Mutola, Paul Teragt ,Mecheal Essien Tsehaynesh Hewak and Manu Dibango.

The nominated personalities will support AU in conflict resolution and peace building efforts on the Continent, advocating for the ratification and implementation of various AU instruments and commitments.

They will also play a pivotal role in the implementation of various activities leading up to and on Peace Day.

On the occasion, AUC Chairperson, Jean Ping said “ In order for the Year of Peace and Security to be successful, it is important that Africans take ownership and direct, as well as participate in the implementation of its program”

The AUC is implementing the year of peace and security through a fresh multi-stakeholders approach in line with one of the guiding principles of the implementing of programs.

The inaugural meeting with the advisory Council and Peace Ambassador is to be followed by a joint meeting with humanitarian agencies to map out areas where they will be able to work together to distribute humanitarian supplies and materials on Peace Day (21th of Sept.).

It was noted that the Heads of State and Government at the AU meeting in Tripoli held on 31th August 2009 declared 2010 to be the Year of Peace and Security on the continent.

(ST)