The African Union (AU) has appointed former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete as its representative to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
In a statement issued today, the AU said Kikwete’s appointment will strengthen its efforts to address the “complex political, peace, and security dynamics” across the region.
According to the statement, the representative’s mandate includes, but is not limited to, “advancing preventive diplomacy, facilitating inclusive political dialogue, promoting confidence-building among stakeholders, and strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms aimed at fostering sustainable peace and stability.”
The representative will closely coordinate with regional organizations, including IGAD and the ECA, the statement added noting the importance of these regions for international trade and stability.
In a separate statement, the AU announced that it has appointed former Burundian Foreign Affairs Minister Albert Shingiro as a special envoy to support Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in implementing the ICJ ruling over their disputed territories.
