Addis Ababa, 27 April 2018: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, learnt with deep sorrow the demise, on 26 April 2018, of Professor Adebayo Adedeji, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) from 1975 to 1991.

During his outstanding service at the helm of UNECA, Professor Adedeji was a peerless champion for regional integration. He rendered remarkable advice to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in the preparation and adoption of the 1991 Abuja Treaty on the African Economic Community (AEC). The signing of the Continental Free Trade Area Agreement on 21 March 2018 had its genesis in the pioneering groundwork of Prof. Adedeji and others.

Professor Adedeji was instrumental in the establishment of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), which is today one of the pillars of African regional integration, in line with the aspirations contained in Agenda 2063.

The African Union shall always remember Professor Adedeji’s leading contribution as the Chairperson of the High-Level Panel on the Audit of the African Union,which he piloted in 2007. The work of the Panel was a key reference document for the report on the African Union institutional reform.

The Chairperson of the Commission presents his heartfelt condolences to the family of Professor Adebayo Adedeji, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as to the many colleagues he interacted with during his very rich and fulfilling career.

May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!