ADDIS ABABA - The Commission of the African Union and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use the universal appeal of football as a platform to advocate and promote social change in Africa, through such 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 Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Jean Ping, thanked CAF for its continued solidarity and commitment to supporting 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 AU towards alleviating the suffering of the victims of the drought in the Horn of Africa,” said Ping.

“I also had the pleasure of joining presidents Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, Thomas Yayi Boni of Benin and Theodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of 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. Also speaking at the event, the South African Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Lucas Radebe, said the South African government was ready to work closely with the AU and CAF during the upcoming 29th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of 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,” Radebe said. The upcoming Orange Africa Cup of Nations coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OAU. The year 2013 has been declared the ‘Year of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance.’’