Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 16 March 2017: The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission H. E. Moussa Faki Mahamat has congratulated the newly elected President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr. Ahmad, who is President of the Madagascar Football Association.

Mr. Ahmad won the CAF Presidential Elections against Issa Hayatou, by 33-20, during the 39th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on 16 March 2017, in the Nelson Mandela Hall, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The AU Commission Chairperson takes the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing President of CAF, Mr. Issa Hayatou for his meritorious and dedicated services to the development of Football in the continent. He lauds his contribution to elevate the status of African Football to international standards, increasing the number of Africa Teams in World Cup finals as well as for playing a pivotal role in having Africa to host one of the best-ever organized FIFA World Cup, which was hosted in South Africa.

At the opening ceremony of the Assembly, AU Commission Chairperson recalled the historic relationship that exists between the AU Commission and CAF. He noted that both the AU and CAF share values of Pan-Africanism, highlighting the role of CAF in the liberation struggle.

The AU and CAF signed an MOU in 2012, though their relationship goes beyond the MoU, and embodies the aspirations of Agenda 2063. The AU-CAF collaboration has been instrumental in advancing key social causes such as Campaigns to Kick Polio out, Make Peace Happen, eradicate Malaria, HIV/Aids, Fight Against Ebola and End Child Marriage campaigns.

Sports continue to unite the continent and embody the aspirations 2 and 5 of Agenda 2063, which speak to an integrated Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics as it reaches more people on a continental, regional and local level.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission hopes that the relationship of the AU Commission and CAF will continue growing in the benefit of the African continent.