Addis Ababa — Former Malian President Alpha Ouma Konare, who has served as chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC) since 2003, handed over power to Jean Ping, former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Gabon yesterday at the headquarters of the Union.

Ping was elected February this year during the last assembly of the African Union, the 10th AU Summit here in Addis Ababa. The current Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Tanzanian President, Jakaya Morisho Kikwete, accompanied by Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, chaired the handing over ceremony.

During the occasion Konare wished sense of Pan-Africanism and confidence for the new leaders in achieving the set mission and vision of the Union. He pointed out that the implementation of good governance, democracy, non-indifference, gender equality, peace and striving for the United States of Africa should be respected by the incoming leaders. Jean Ping has also promised to make an effort for the mission, vision and dreams of the continent. Giving a farewell banquet for the outgoing chairperson and other members of the outgoing commission on Saturday, Meles said Konare played a significant role to promote AU's cause and protect its interest.

"We owe the outgoing commission and its chairperson a profound sense of gratitude because they did remarkably under difficult circumstances."