Chad's President Deby takes over as African Union chairman
Chad’s President Idriss Deby has replaced Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe to become the new chairman of the African Union.
Upon taking over the role on Saturday, the 63-year-old Deby expressed concern about the challenges he would face as president of the AU, although he said he is honored to be entrusted with the mission.
“I accept this task with pleasure, but with a little agony as the responsibility you entrust in me is heavy and fraught with challenges,” Deby said in a speech at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia, calling on leaders of Africa to unite in the face of the problems.
“We cannot make progress and talk of development if part of our body is sick,” Deby said, adding, “Through diplomacy or by force... we must put an end to these tragedies of our time.”
The new AU chairman said the continental body should reclaim its role as the main actor in solving the crises in Africa, adding, “Everything that we are doing now will be in vain and without purpose if we allow Africa to go through these perpetual crises: South Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Burundi, the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin.”
The 63-year-old, who came to power in December 1990 in Chad after a war that ousted the government of Hissene Habre, is currently viewed as the longest ruling leader in Africa.
He replaces the continent’s oldest ruler, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, who promised to help Deby in the new ceremonial role.
“Whatever support you want from me, I will still be there, until God says come, then I'll go and join the others,” said the 91-year-old Mugabe, adding, “But as long as I am still alive, I will still have the punch.”
AU’s chairmanship is a one-year term which rotates among various regions of the continent with Chad in north-central Africa area assuming the post this time.
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