AU AND CAF SIGN MOU FORMALISING THEIR PARTNERSHIP FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN AFRICA THROUGH FOOTBALL
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 16, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Commission of African Union and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), today, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to use the universal appeal of football as a platform to advocate and promote social change in Africa,throughsuch initiatives as the“Make Peace Happen Campaign”.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, which took place on the sidelines of the 19th Ordinary Session of the Assemblyof Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the AUCommission, Dr. Jean Ping,thanked CAF for its continued solidarity and commitment tosupporting the AU's efforts in conflict resolution and peace‐building on the continent, within the framework of the Make Peace Happen Campaign.
“In Libreville, earlier this year, CAF donated US $200,000 to the AUtowards alleviating the suffering of the victims of the drought in the Horn of Africa,”said Dr. Ping. “I also had the pleasure of joining Presidents Ali Bongo Ondimbaof Gabon, Thomas YayiBoni of Benin and TheodoroObiangNguemaMbasogoof Equatorial Guinea, at the finals of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations,to take the 'Make Peace Happen' message to football fans around the continent,”he recalled.
On his part, the President of CAF, Issa Hayatou, reiterated CAF's continued commitment to supporting the AU's activities aimed at securing peace and stability on the continent. “We are delighted to be here at the AU headquarters,to formalize our longstanding and cordial relationship,” he said.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the South African Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeffrey Tamsanqa Radebe, said his Government was ready to work closely with the AU and CAF during the upcoming 29th edition of the Orange Africa Cup Nations, to be held in South Africa in 2013.“As the host, South Africa welcomes this initiative and will provide support where necessary to ensure its success,” he stated.