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(LUSAKATIMES) KK calls on AU to unite

KK calls on AU to unite
TIME PUBLISHED - Sunday, July 15, 2012, 7:45 pm

First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda has called for a United African Union if the spirit of Pan-Africanism which the organisation has stood for over the years is to be kept alive. Dr Kaunda says the new generation of leaders on the continent should be united to advance the AU’s interests.

He was speaking in an interview with ZANIS on arrival on Saturday night at Bole International airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dr Kaunda is in Addis Ababa at the invitation of the Forum for Former African heads of state and government, commonly known as the African forum.

Dr Kaunda says the AU needs to ensure unity and solidarity to make the organisation stronger. He was received at Bole international Airport by Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda, Commerce, Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga, Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Francis Simenda and some senior government officials.

Dr Kaunda will on Sunday witness the Official opening of the 19th AU summit in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Meanwhile,the 19th African Union summit officially opened today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with AU Chairperson Boni Yayi warning of the continental body’s looming split if leaders again fail to elect the AU Commission Chairperson.

QFM’s David Bweupe that President Michael Sata is being represented at the summit by Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda who will cast the Zambian vote when elections are held later this evening.

Speaking during the official opening of the 19th AU Summit of heads of State and Government, AU Chairperson and Benin President Boni Yayi reminded his fellow leaders to be weary of the challenges facing the continent especially in the area of leadership.

Mr Yayi said African leaders have no right this time around to fail to elect the AU Commission Chairperson and the eight Commissioners. He stated that the African people will put to test the ability of their leaders to elect a new commission.

President Yayi warned that another failure to elect the AU Commission Chairperson will split the continental body and tarnish its image. He urged the leaders gathered in the Ethiopian capital to put aside their individual interests as they elect the new AU commission.

ZNBC

Labels: AU, KENNETH KAUNDA, PANAFRICANISM

posted by MrK @ 6:18 AM