Two new Permanent Representatives to the African Union, today, separately presented their credentials to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Prof. Alpha Oumar Konare.

They are the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Senegal to the African Union, Ambassador Amadou Kebe, and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Somalia to the African Union, Ambassador Abdikarim Farah. Receiving the credential of Mr. Kebe, Prof. Konare congratulated the government and people of Senegal for appointing someone already knowledgeable with the work of the African Union Commission, and said that effective representation of Member States was fundamental to the success of the Commission.

Mr. Kebe, on his part, assured Prof. Konare of his disposition to closely work with him and his collaborators at the AU Commission in order to achieve the Union’s set objectives.

Ambassador Amadou Kebe served as the OAU/AU Resident Representative to the United Nations in New York for six years. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Somalia to the African Union, later-on presented his credentials to Prof. Konare. Prof. Konare welcomed the recent positive developments in Somalia regarding the establishment of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) and reiterated the African Union’s disposition towards assisting the people of Somalia in resolving their remaining challenges through dialogue.

He said that the African Union will continue to support Somali peoples’ efforts towards consolidating peace, security and stability. In this regard, Ambassador Farah assured Prof. Konare that his government and people have resolved not to fight anymore but rather, will disarm by themselves. Addis Ababa, 31 March 2005