AU Appoints Former President Pierre Buyoya Head of AFISMA Forces in Mali

Addis Ababa

On January 30, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini‐Zuma appointed former President of Burundi, Pierre Buyoya, current AU High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, as her Special Representative and Head of the African‐led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).

The appointment of former President Buyoya is part of the current efforts by the AU and ECOWAS to put in place, with the support of the United Nations, the required command and control arrangements that would facilitate the effective deployment and operations of AFISMA. The two Commissions work together, with the UN and other stakeholders, within the framework of the Mali Integrated Task Force (MITF), to provide the required strategic guidance for AFISMA and establish the appropriate structures for its effective management, including the Mission Headquarters.

Former President Buyoya, who has extensive political, diplomatic, and military experience, will greatly assist in ensuring the effectiveness of AFISMA and mobilizing much‐needed African and international support for the success of the African efforts in Mali. He will be based in Bamako.