The African Union has announced that Mo Ibrahim is one of 26 prominent Africans chosen to promote the 2010 Year of Peace and Security in Africa.

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.

Foundation Board member Salim Ahmed Salim and Foundation Prize Committee member Dr. Graça Machel have also been selected.

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

See more details at the 2010 Make Peace Happen website