The African Union (AU) has appointed Mohamed Idris Farah as its special envoy to Madagascar, tasked with fostering inclusive dialogue and steering efforts toward the restoration of constitutional order in the island nation.
The announcement, made by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Monday, followed decisions adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its 1305th and 1306th meetings held in mid-October.
Farah, currently senior advisor to Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, brings over a decade of diplomatic experience, including his tenure as Djibouti’s Permanent Representative to the AU and as Dean of African Ambassadors.
He also served as advisor to the AU High-Level Panel on the Ethiopian peace process for the Tigray region from 2022 to 2023.
His mandate in Madagascar includes engaging with government officials, youth leaders, civil society organisations and regional actors to promote consensus-building and peaceful resolution.
The AU Commission expressed full confidence in Farah’s ability to coordinate efforts and called on all Malagasy stakeholders to cooperate with the special envoy.
Madagascar political crisis deepened in mid-October after the army took over power following weeks of anti-government protests that had begun on 25 September.
President Andry Rajoelina was forced to flee the country, with the army appointing Colonel Michael Randrianirina as interim leader.
JN/APA