Guinean President Alpha Conde Elected New AU Chairperson

Casablanca – The African Union has elected Alpha Conde as the new chairperson of the pan-African organization, succeeding Chadian President Idris Deby.

Alpha Conde

The Guinean president, Alpha Conde, who has a good relationship with Morocco, has been announced as the African Union chairperson.

Conde will succeed the Chadian President, Idris Deby, as the head of the union. Conde met the Moroccan Monarch, King Mohammed VI, on Sunday, during a royal dinner King Mohammed VI hosted in the presence of African Leaders.

A meeting between the Moroccan Monarch and the newly elected chairperson of the AU purportedly went on longer than meetings with other heads of states.

The election of Conde, by the Assembly of Heads of State, was expected as the position rotates among the five regions of the continent; North, Central, East, West and Southern African regions. This year it was the turn of West Africa.

This election is being seen as a favorable sign for Morocco, as the kingdom has an exemplary diplomatic relationship with the entire region of West Africa.

Conde’s was elected during the 28 summit of the African Union which began on Monday. In his acceptance speech, Conde said state members should work together to succeed in the integration of African peoples, adding that he “voluntarily and humbly welcomes the presidency of the union in 2017.”

Conde added that his unanimous election represents an honor for him and for his country.

The position is held for a one-year term, giving the chairperson the capacity to represent the continent at several international ceremonies and forums such as Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), The Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the Group of 8 G8 and G20 summits.

By Ezzoubeir Jabrane
Moroccoworldnews.com