The Chairman of the African Union, AU, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has appointed former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his High Representative for the Horn of Africa region.

Mahamat said Obasanjo’s appointment was part of the AU’s drive to promote peace, security, stability and political dialogue across the Horn of Africa.

A statement by the AU indicated that the former Nigerian President will intensify engagements with all relevant political actors and stakeholders in the region towards entrenching durable peace and stability within the Horn of Africa.

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The AU said, “The Chairperson of the Commission is most grateful to President Olusegun Obasanjo for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union.

The former Nigerian Leader brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of keen commitment to the lofty ideals of Pan-Africanism and regional integration and cooperation, as well as a deep knowledge of the current situation in the Horn of Africa