CAF, AU sign agreement on football advocacy
Ugo Okoro, Abuja

The Commission of African Union and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Saturday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to use the universal appeal of football as a platform to advocate and promote social change in Africa.

One of such initiatives is 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 towards the AU’s efforts in 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 AUtowards alleviating the suffering of the victims of the drought in the Horn of Africa,”said Dr. 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.

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 during the signing ceremony, the South African Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Lucas Radebe, said his Government was ready to work closely
with the AU and CAF during the upcoming 29th edition of the Orange Africa Cup Nations, to be held in South Africa in 2013.

“As the host, South Africa welcomes thisinitiative and will provide support where necessary to ensure its success,” he stated.

The upcoming Orange Africa Cup Nations coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OAU. 2013 has been declared ‘’the Year of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance.’’