From, APA:-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The African Union (AU) Commission announced on Thursday in Addis Ababa the selection of 26 African personalities to promote the 2010 Year of Peace and Security in Africa, which was began in January, an AU statement said here.

The Peace ambassadors chosen to promote this peace and security initiative are Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Frederick de Klerk, Salim Ahmed Salim, Amara Essy, Alpha Oumar Konare, Edem Kodjo, Henri Lopes, Dr. Graça Machel, Bethuel Kiplagat, Dr. Luisa Diogo, Dr. Mo Ibrahim and Prof. Wangari Maathai.

The others are Manu Dibango, Sadok Sassi, Angelique Kidjo, Paulina Chiziane, Maria Mutola, Paul Tergat, Michael Essien, Oliver Mtukudzi, Waris Dirie, Abedi Pele, Teshaynesh Hewak Teka Legesse, Rabah Madjer, Youssou N’Dour and Salif Keita.

On 31 August 2009 in Tripoli during a special session on Conflict resolution in Africa, the AU heads of state and government declared 2010 the Year of Peace and Security on the continent.

Following this decision, the chairperson of the AU Commission Jean Ping put in place a High Level Advisory Council and also appointed Peace Ambassadors to facilitate the mobilization of required resources and political support, as well as assist in the implementation of specific activities.

During the AU Summit held in Addis Ababa in January 2010, all 53 African heads of state and government reaffirmed their commitment to the Tripoli Declaration and the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa.

The overarching message for The Year of Peace and Security in Africa is “Make Peace Happen”.