The chairperson of the AU, Alpha Omar Konare, leaves his post at the AU today with a lot of praise from the international community.
Konare, a former president of Mali, steps aside to allow former Foreign Minister of Gabon Jean Ping, to take over. Konare, a true believer in African integration will continue to strive for forging a stronger integration of the African countries.
In a grand farewell dinner at the National Palace on Saturday hosted by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and attended by ministers and representatives of the international community in Addis Ababa, Konare's vision and strong leadership of AU was honoured. The Prime Minister in his speech said Konare had increased the credibility of the AU making AU the first port of call for any African issue. He further said Konare had set AU on a new course of partnership with the rest of the world and that Konare had "fought tooth and nail" to defend Africa's interest.
Konare in his response modestly said ha had but done his duty. He said the "future is for Africa" and that it is not possible to turn the tide on that issue. He urged the African countries to continue the struggle for development. Konare also acknowledged Ethiopia's host nation role for the AU and revealed that a new host nation agreement has just been signed.