“ I solemnly undertake to exercise in all loyalty, discretion and conscience, the functions and responsibilities entrusted to me as Chairperson of the African Union Commission and to discharge my functions and to regulate my conduct with only the interests of the Union in view, and not to seek or accept instructions from the Government of any Member State or authority external to the Union”. It is on this high note that Moussa Faki Mahamat, who was re-elected for a second term of office as the Chairperson of the AU Commission and Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, newly elected as the first woman to occupy the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, took their oath of office on 7 February 2021.

The swearing-in ceremony took place during the 34th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, virtual meeting, holding under the auspices of the newly elected Chair of the Union, H.E. Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The two high officials to pilot the affairs of the AU Commission have committed to serve the continental organization faithfully and with dedication. They have promised to do the best in their ability, to preserve, protect and defend the ideals of the founding fathers of the OAU now the AU, as well as its Constitutive Act in a bid to promote unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States.

Worth noting that, the Chairperson of the Commission is the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU and the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer. He is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his duties. While the Deputy Chairperson assists the Chairperson in the execution of his functions for the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.

Learn more on the vision of the newly elected officials of the AUC and their plan of action for the next four years of their mandate, on the AU Website: www.au.int

For further information please contact:

Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou| Head of Information Division | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 (0) 911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org |