AU appoints Obasanjo Chair on alternative funding

  
The African Union Commission has announced the appointment of former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo as the Chairman of the Commission’s High-Level Panel on Alternative Sources of Funding.

The Information and Communications Department of the Commission said that AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Dr Maxwell Mkwezalamba, on Wednesday had already presented a letter of appointment to Obasanjo on behalf of the AU Commission's Chairperson, Dr Jean Ping, in Addis Ababa.

Malabo endorsement

The statement said Obasanjo’s appointment followed the endorsement of the Commission’s proposal by the Summit of Heads of State and Government at its last meeting in Malabo.

“The appointment of Obasanjo was one step towards the fulfillment of the requirements of the aforementioned decisions. Obasanjo has welcomed the appointment and pledged his full support to the Union’s efforts,’’ the statement said.

Report says other members of Panel include; Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, a former Secretary General of the OAU.

Inaugural session

The panel would soon hold its inaugural session in Addis Ababa, and thereafter, embark on extensive consultations with Member States and Regional Economic Communities.

The statement said the Panel was expected to conclude its work in November, and submit a report to the AU Assembly in January 2012.

NAN/Shakira/Williams