eyeradio

The African Union has appointed a Senegalese national, Binta Diop, as Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security.

Mrs Diop is the Executive Director and founder of Femmes Africa Solidarité.

She began her international career in human rights three decades ago as Program Coordinator of the International Commission of Jurists.

The announcement of her appointment was made by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, during the opening of the 22^nd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State in Addis Ababa, yesterday.

Ms Dlamini-Zuma said Mrs Diop’s appointment will help promote the cause of women and children on the continent and beyond, especially in countries hardest hit by conflict such as South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

“Of course our hearts go out to the peoples of the Central African Republic and South Sudan who face devastating conflicts in these countries, especially women and children who are the main victims of these conflicts. We have to work together to ensure that we effect lasting peace and security in these countries and others as part of our efforts to silence the guns on the continent. It is in this context that I am pleased to announce the appointment of a Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, Mrs. Binta Diop, to ensure that the voices of women and the vulnerable are heard much more clearly in peace building and in conflict resolution,” she said.

The Heads of State also elected the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, as new chairman of the AU for a one-year term.