Former President John Mahama has, in a letter to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, withdrawn his acceptance of the continental body’s appointment as its High Representative for Somalia.
While thanking the AU for the confidence reposed in him, Mr Mahama noted that, “the high political importance of the proposed assignment requires that the High Representative enjoy the unalloyed support and co-operation of all political stakeholders.”
Mr. Mahama’s appointment as the AU envoy was welcomed by the Council of Presidential Candidates of Somalia, and the Coalition of Somalia’s Federal Member States. The appointment was however challenged by a section of the feuding faction in the troubled country.
Mr Mahama’s letter further cautioned the AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, that the lack of support by the Federal Government could “jeopardize the whole process and undermine the hopes that the entire world has in bringing peace to the esteemed land of Somalia,” a statement from the Office of the former President said.
Mr Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, that includes Somalia.
