AU Summit observes minute silence in memory of Prof Mills, Meles Zenawi

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of two past African leaders at the ongoing 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Summit which started today January 27, 2013.

The Late President John Atta Mills of Ghana and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia died in the two-halves of 2012.

African Heads of State made the observation when AU Chairman and President of Benin Mr Thomas Yayi Boni officially announced the opening of the Summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Prof Mills died July 24, 2012 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra while Meles Zenawi died August 20, 2012 in a hospital abroad, but the country has not been mentioned.

The peaceful transfer of power that followed their deaths was, according to UN Boss Ban Ki-moon, a testament to the deepening of democratic norms and values in Africa.

The last time both leaders met while alive was when US President Barack Obama invited them to the 2012 G8 Summit held May 18-19, 2012 at Camp David near Washington.

By Ekow Quandzie