- The current Foreign Affairs Minister of Gabon, Jean Ping, has been elected the head of the
African Union Commission, replacing Alpha Oumar Konaré.
Konaré - the former Malian President - held the post since 2003. His mandate expired on 30
October last year. Mr Konaré did not seek for re-election during the 10th African Union heads of state and government summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ping had defeated three other candidates, including Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika, Zambia's Ambassador to United States of America. He polled 31 votes to become the AU Commission Chairperson.
Ping's election was held shortly after the presentation of a critical report on the operation of the continental body's commission.
The outgoing commission head had earlier asked heads of state and government summit to strengthen the power of the commission and its chairman.
Heads of state and government are mandated to elect the AU commissioners, including the chair and vice chairperson.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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