The Government of Japan offers its congratulations upon the election of Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat as the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) in the election held on January 30 (same day local time) at the 28th AU Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Government of Japan wishes to pay tribute to the achievements and leadership of H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the current AU Chairperson, and to express gratitude for contributions made by the AU Commission as a co-organizer of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process to the success of TICAD VI last August, the first TICAD summit held in Africa.

The Government of Japan will continue to support the efforts of the AU, which embody Africa's ownership, and to cooperate closely with the new leadership of the AU Commission.

Note 1: The African Union
The world's largest regional organization, with a membership of 55 African countries and regions. Formed in July 2002 by the reorganization of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU; established in May 1963) in order to strengthen efforts to achieve greater political and economic integration in Africa, and prevent and resolve conflict in Africa. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The AU Commission is its secretariat. The AU Commission has been one of the co-organizers of TICAD since 2010.

Note 2: Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the new Chairperson of AU Commission
Born on June 21, 1960 (age 56). Nationality: Republic of Chad. Currently Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration (2008-). Has held the offices of Prime Minister; President of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council; among others. Visited Japan in 2013 on the occasion of TICAD V.