ADDIS ABABA, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Joao Lourenco has announced the appointment of Evariste Ndayishimiye, president of Burundi, as his special envoy for the Sahel region.
Ndayishimiye will spearhead the AU's high-level diplomatic support and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the prevailing security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel, the AU announced in a statement on Thursday.
The special envoy's mandate covers intensifying engagements with the governmental authorities, opinion leaders, regional actors and organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to foster dialogue, build consensus, and promote comprehensive strategies towards durable peace and stability within the Sahel region.
Ndayishimiye brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of resolute commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration and cooperation, the statement noted.
Lourenco, also the Angolan president, expressed confidence in the Burundian president's ability to advance the union's vision through his distinguished leadership and deep understanding of the continent's complex dynamics, according to the statement. ■
