Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the future direction of the AU

Indeed it was a number of firsts for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.She is the first english speaking chairman and the first from one of the big nations,south Africa. her deputy Kenyan Erastus Mwencha is also anglophone.The AU born from the ashes of the OAU has always been dominated by franchophones.

However she stressed the need for unity saying "My election should not be seen as a personal victory but it should be seen as a victory for the African continent in general," she told reporters before flying back to South Africa."We (will) continue to work in a way that tries to build consensus."

A six month deadlock over the chairmanship of the AU has left its scars as has the view by some that South Africa used pressure to get its candidate elected. As the AU declared its willingness to send troops to DRC Congo and faced conflict in Somalia,Sudan and possibly Mali the need for a more effective and decisive AU was generally acknowledged.  There is a sense of relief  that the decision has been made but some concern as to where the AU will go next and the effect that South Africa the leading economic power  on the continent on its direction . The countries of North Africa will also be closely interested in these new developments.