Libreville, 11 February 2012: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) today made a donation of US $200,000 to the African Union (AU) towards alleviating the plight of the victims of the recent drought and famine in the Horn of Africa. The cheque hand?over ceremony took place during a press conference organized on the margins of the 28th edition of the Africa Cup Nations, in Libreville, Gabon.

The ceremony was attended by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Jean Ping, and the President of CAF, Issa Hayatou. Also present were AU Peace Ambassador Rabah Madjer, CAF Secretary?General Hicham El Amrani and CAF Director of Communication Habuba Suleiman.

The donation by CAF is in response to the call made by the AU during the pledging conference it organized in Addis Ababa, on 25 August 2011, to mobilize resources for the victims of drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Jean Ping thanked CAF for its generosity. “Today’s gesture is highly symbolic. When Africans are in need, our continent and its people should be the first to step in and assist. Through this donation, CAF is demonstrating a true and exemplary commitment to the values of solidarity that are at the very heart of our Union. Only through enhanced African solidarity and mutual support can we overcome the challenges facing our continent”, he said. The Chairperson expressed his conviction that CAF’s commitment and sense of duty would no doubt contribute to a greater mobilization within Africa, to alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflict and humanitarian disasters.

On his part, Mr. Hicham El Amrani indicated that, beyond this donation, CAF would also engage its corporate sponsors to join in the campaign for the promotion of peace in Africa. In this respect, and as a further demonstration of CAF’s commitment to the partnership with the AU, the ‘Flame of Peace’ will be lighted during the closing ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations, which reaches its climax tomorrow, at the Angondjé Stadium, in Libreville. The Flame of Peace symbolises the commitment of African peoples and governments to Make Peace Happen on the continent.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Issa Hayatou reiterated CAF’s continued commitment to supporting the AU’s efforts towards the promotion of lasting peace, security and stability on the continent.

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