THE African Union has inaugurated its newly built headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The $200m (N3.2 billion) project was funded by China as a gift to the AU, as Beijing continues to strengthen its influence in Africa.
In
front of African leaders, including President Jonathan, a huge golden
key was handed over and the 100m high building officially opened.The tower overlooks a vast conference centre where African heads of state are expected to meet for years to come.
The new building hosted its first AU summit today.
China’s most senior political adviser, Jia Qinglin, attended the opening of the new headquarters.
“The
towering complex speaks volumes about our friendship with the African
people, and testifies of our strong resolve to support African
development,” AFP quotes him as having said.
The AU chairman and President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, said the complex is “a reflection of the new Africa,” the agency reports.
The new AU building dominates the skyline of Addis Ababa.
Most of the materials used, according to reports, were imported from China with furnishings paid for by Beijing.
Construction began in January 2009, involving 1,200 Chinese and Ethiopian workers.
The project coordinator, Fantalum Michael, says the new structure signifies China’s growing friendship with
Africa.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayThe new building hosted its first AU summit today.
China’s most senior political adviser, Jia Qinglin, attended the opening of the new headquarters.
“The
towering complex speaks volumes about our friendship with the African
people, and testifies of our strong resolve to support African
development,” AFP quotes him as having said.The AU chairman and President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, said the complex is “a reflection of the new Africa,” the agency reports.
The new AU building dominates the skyline of Addis Ababa.
Most of the materials used, according to reports, were imported from China with furnishings paid for by Beijing.
Construction began in January 2009, involving 1,200 Chinese and Ethiopian workers.
The project coordinator, Fantalum Michael, says the new structure signifies China’s growing friendship with
Africa.
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This is a beautiful edifies. I can just imagine how much it would have been built for if it was a project by the Nigerian government.
ReplyDeleteIf that Abuja National stadium could have been built with N40-60 billion, which is more than 25 times the cost of this UN house.
More grease to the hands of honest leaders.
May God bless Nigeria.