Following the election for the Office of Chairperson of the African Union Commission, won by Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, President James Michel has conveyed the heartfelt congratulations of the Seychelles Government and people to President Zuma and the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa.

“The election of Dr. Zuma is a great moment for all of Africa, and Seychelles is proud, as a SADC country to have supported South Africa’s candidate”, President Michel has stated.

The election of Dr. Zuma was finalised late in the evening of 15th August with four rounds of voting before Dr. Zuma’s election was confirmed.

President Michel has also sent a message of appreciation to Dr. Jean Ping, the outgoing Chairman of the Commission, for his outstanding contribution to African development, peace and prosperity during his term of office and has expressed confidence that he will continue to be an exceptional advocate for Africa.

The Seychelles delegation has also conveyed its warmest congratulations to Mr. Erastus Mwencha, proposed by Kenya, who has been re-elected unopposed and unanimously as the Vice-Chair of the Commission.

It is to be noted, that the Executive Council of the Summit (The Council of Ministers), will now proceed to the election of the various commissioners of the Union.  Seychelles had presented the candidature of Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd for the post of Commissioner of Social Affairs, however the Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs has explained, that for personal reasons, Ambassador Lloyd’s has withdrawn her candidature.