Obasanjo appointed AU High Representative

Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa.

Obasanjo who was previously appointed by United Nation Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to led mediations in the Great Lakes region of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was appointed by the Chairperson of the African Union Moussa Faki Mahamat on Thursday.

Mr Mahamat said the appointment of Obasanjo is  aimed at promoting peace, security and stability in the 'volatile' Horn of Africa 

" This decision is part of the African Union’s drive to promote peace, security, stability and political dialogue all over the Horn of Africa region," Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, said in a statement 

“Specifically, the High Representative will intensify engagements with all relevant political actors and stakeholders in the region towards entrenching durable peace and stability within the Horn of Africa.”

The Chairperson of the AU Commission  appreciated Obasanjo for accepting the new role stating “this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the continental bloc.”

“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,” the statement added.

Among issues that await Obasanjo's mediation include the nine-month Tigray conflict that has gripped Ethiopia.