20100719
africanews

Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour is among 14 eminent African figures proposed as "Ambassadors of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa," according to a statement by the African Union.

Last August, heads of state and governments of the African Union, at a meeting in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, during the special session on the review and resolution of conflicts on the continent, declared 2010 the Year of Peace and Security.

N’Dour and 13 others drawn from diverse fields of interest across all regions of the continent have been chosen as among "eminent African personalities in the field of business, arts, sports and culture to support the AU in implementing the program of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa."

“In order for the Year of Peace and Security to be successful, it is important that Africans take ownership and direct, as well as participate in the implementation of its program,” said AU Commission chair, Jean Ping.

“It is therefore an honor and privilege for us to have personalities of your continental and global stature being part of this historical initiative.”

The targeted individuals, which also include legendary soccer star, Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew and his younger compatriot, Michael Essien, and Malian music star Salif Keita, are expected to provide support to the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa.

Accordingly, designated ambassadors will be called to help "mobilize popular support for the implementation of the Programme of the Year of Peace and Security, which includes working with the AU to organize a day without violence in September 21, proclaimed as ‘Peace Day’.

This is aimed at facilitating the implementation of humanitarian operations to disseminate key messages on the same question of peace and security.

“The successes and courage you have demonstrated in your own fields of endeavor will serve as inspiration to all of us, as we collectively tackle the challenge our continent faces today: The Quest for Permanent Peace and Security,” Ping told the designated ambassadors present at the occasion in Addis Ababa.