African leaders meeting in Addis Ababa have chosen the continent’s oldest head of state, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, as AU chairman for the coming year. 90 year old Mugabe, drew applause when he denounced colonialism.
According to the BBC, Mr Mugabe also spoke of the “scourge of terrorism” from Boko Haram and said there needed to be “lasting solutions” to the issue in Nigeria and Cameroon. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned of the dangers of leaders clinging to power. Mugabe has led his country since independence in 1980.
He is subject to travel bans imposed by the US and the EU because of political violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the President of the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sam Kuteesa, has called for a reform of the UN Security Council.
While addressing the 24th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis today, Kuteesa cited the present process and membership as undemocratic.
Kuteesa also called for more release of funds towards the struggle against Ebola.
The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, also tasked African countries to do more to unlock the potential of women especially in the fight against poverty, illiteracy and maternal mortality among others.
Ban Ki-Moon also lauded the peace talks between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar and urged them to reach an immediate and inclusive power sharing arrangement with a transitional government.
Story by Olive Eyotaru
