ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 4 — African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has appointed Mohamed Idris Farah, senior advisor to Djibouti’s minister of foreign affairs and international relations, as a special envoy to Madagascar.
Farah would bring to the new post a wealth of cognitive expertise and experience, playing a significant role in promoting conflict prevention and resolution, preventive diplomacy, transformative mediation, and dialogue, according to an AU statement issued on Monday.
The appointment is part of the roadmap set up by the AU Peace and Security Council, following its meetings on Oct. 14 and 15, which reviewed the ongoing political situation in Madagascar.
According to the AU, Farah’s mandate encompasses the intensification of engagements with governmental authorities, youth leaders, civil society, regional actors and organizations, as well as all relevant stakeholders, with a view to fostering inclusive dialogue, building consensus, and promoting mutual understanding towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis and the swift restoration of constitutional order in the island nation.
With his extensive professional experience, profound understanding of the regional dynamics, and deep knowledge of the inner functioning of the AU system, the chairperson expressed confidence in the capability of Farah to contribute to the effective delivery and coordination of the AU efforts towards addressing the current political situation in the country, the statement said.
Youssouf also expressed full support for Farah in the execution of his mission and called upon all Malagasy stakeholders, regional actors, and partners to collaborate with the special envoy.
Protests erupted in Madagascar in late September, initially triggered by widespread power and water shortages, some of which turned violent and escalated into calls for the country’s president to resign.
Malagasy military officer Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as the country’s new president in mid-October. (Xinhua)
