The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, appointed, today, Ramtane Lamamra, of Algeria, as his High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa.

In this capacity, Mr. Lamamra, in close collaboration with all concerned stakeholders, will be assisting the Commission to galvanize support towards ending violence and sustaining peace on the continent. It should be recalled that the objective of Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 was adopted by the heads of State and Government in their 25 May 2013 Solemn Declaration marking the 50^th Anniversary of the OAU/AU. It is part of the flagship projects and programmes of Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for its long-term socio-economic and integrative transformation.

Mr. Lamamra brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of peace and security, including mediation and conflict prevention. “I wish to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Lamamra for having accepted this critical assignment. At a time when Africa is endeavoring to enhance its effort towards the promotion of sustainable peace and security, his skills will be of tremendous help to the Commission and an invaluable asset to the AU”, said the Chairperson.

Mr. Lamamra was Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Algeria, from 2013 to 2017, and AU Commissioner for Peace and Security from 2008 to 2013. He also served as Permanent Secretary of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005–2007), Ambassador to Portugal (2004–2005), Ambassador to the USA (1996–1999), Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in New York (1993–1996), Ambassador to Austria, and Permanent Representative to the UN Office, IAEA and UNIDO in Vienna (1992–1993). From 1989 to 1991, he was Ambassador to Ethiopia and to Djibouti, and Permanent Representative to the OAU and to the UNECA.