Benin’s Yayi Boni is AU’s new chairman

Posted on Monday 30 January 2012 - 09:03
Buya Jammeh, AfricaNews reporter in Dakar, Senegal

President Yayi Boni of Benin Republic has been elected chairperson of the African Union in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. President Yayi Boni elected Sunday at the 18th Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) took over the post from Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. He is expected to lead the continental body for a period of one year.

"I have no doubt that with your great leadership ,  you will conduct the work of our Union towards our agenda of peace and prosperity. I wish you all success in your efforts," Obiang added.

Yayi, an economist who took office six years ago in the small West African nation, said he accepted the post with humility for the "high responsibility."


"I wish to express my gratitude with respect and appreciation to the heads of state we are here for the confidence they have in my regard," Yayi said after the vote.


"We shall continue to work hand in glove to ensure that we consolidate all that we have achieved so far," he added.


‘The principle of rotation, the presidency of the Union was to return for the year 2012 in the western region, the AU stated in the press release.



http://www.africanews.com/site/Benins_Yayi_Boni_is_AUs_new_chairman/list_messages/41011

So, who's telling the truth: GEJ or SR?