News Digest

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe elected chairman of the African Union

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe was named as chairman of the African Union on Friday. The 90-year-old was elected by his fellow heads of state to replace Mauritania’s Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz in the role, which rotates between the the continent’s five regions. Africa’s longest-serving leader is viewed with respect by many of the continent after he led Zimbabwe to independence, however he is subject to travel bans in the European Union and the United States.

By electing me to preside over this august body, with full knowledge of the onerous responsibility that lies ahead, I humbly accept your collective decision.

Robert Mugabe

He was given a rare invitation to an EU-Africa summit in Brussels last year, but boycotted after his wife was refused a visa. When he initially took power he was seen as promoting reconciliation, but controversial land reforms which forced out white farmers from 2000 onwards drew ire in the West. Since then, he has increasing been accused of human rights abuses and vote-rigging as his ZANU-PF party has clung on to power.