By Michel Cousins.
Tunis, 5 October 2016:
Following the resignation of the African Union’s special envoy to Libya, the head of the AU Commission has appointed Tunisian diplomat Wahida Ayari to the job.
Mondher Rezgui resigned in July but Mrs Ayari was only appointed by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the beginning of the month as her special representative and head of the African Union Liaison Office in Libya (AULOL).
Currently a deputy director in the Tunisian foreign ministry where she also served as deputy director for relations with the AU, she takes up the post immediately.
Dlamini-Zuma says she is confident that the appointment “will enhance the critical role the AULOL is currently playing in supporting the political and security developments in Libya, and the AU’s overall objective of restoring lasting peace and stability in the country”, according to an AU statement.
She also thanked Rezgui for his service and dedication “in advancing AU’s efforts for a successful democratic transition in Libya”.
In his farewell letter, while stating that he was convinced of “having accomplished my duty to the extent of the available resources”, he said that he left “with a sour regret of not seeing Libya overcoming durably its present multi-dimensional crisis, restoring peace, stability, security and serenity; and embarking resolutely on the path of reconstruction.”
