Panafrican News Agency

AU appoints Mohamed Ibn Chambas High Representative for Silencing the Guns

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The African Union (AU) has appointed Ghanaian diplomat, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, as the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns.

The appointment, announced by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is pursuant to the AU’s objective to end all conflicts, gender-based violence, terrorism and prevent genocide in the continent by 2030.

A statement the High Representative will "primarily, promote and energise advocacy, mediation and preventive diplomacy" as mandated by the Chairperson of the Commission, within the framework of implementing the AU Master Roadmap on Practical Steps to Silence the Guns.

Dr Chambas served as the Under-Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) from 2014-2021, and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the UN-AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

Also a former Ghanaian MP, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Education, Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and former President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)  Commission, the new High Representative brings with him, decades of rich mix of political experience and resourceful institutional leadership at national, regional, continental and global levels.

"The Chairperson of the Commission is optimistic that Dr Chambas’ impeccable credentials and commitment to Pan-Africanism and Agenda 2063, will contribute to his success in this new role."

The Chairperson invites all stakeholders and the international community to extend the necessary support to the High Representative, as he commences his duties from March 2023.

The Chairperson conveyed profound gratitude to Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria and immediate past AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, for his notable contributions and meritorious service to the Continent in Silencing the Guns.

-0- PANA MA 26Jan2023