Zimbabwe President becomes African Union Chairman

Monjola Sotubo 13:45 - 30 January 2015

Mugabe’s appointment was announced at the ongoing heads of state summit at the AU's headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has been named as the new Chairman of the African Union (AU).

“African resources should belong to Africa and to no one else, except to those we invite as friends. Friends we shall have, yes, but imperialists and colonialists no more,” Mugabe said in his acceptance speech.

The 90-year-old President, who has ruled his country since its independence in 1980, takes over from Mauritania's President Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz.

The position of AU Chairman has also been held by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.