The African Union summit is starting today in the Ethiopian capital under the theme, “boosting intra-African trade”.
The summit is expected to discuss current situations in Africa, especially in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia and Mali.President Salva Kiir Mayardit left for Addis Ababa yesterday to head South Sudan’s delegation to the summit.
The heads of state are expected to choose a new chairman for the AU Peace and Security Council.
Dr Jean Ping saw his mandate extended during last summit when leaders were not able to elect his successor.
The presidents of South Sudan and Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Omar al Bashir, should meet at the sidelines of the summit to discuss issues that are blocking post-independence negotiations between the two countries.