No. 196

African Union opens new $200m HQ

The African Union (AU) has inaugurated its newly built headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The entire $200m (£127m) 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 a huge golden key was handed over and the 100m high building was officially opened.

The tower overlooks a vast conference centre where African heads of state are expected to meet for years to come.

Their first AU summit in the building will take place on Sunday.

China's most senior political adviser, Jia Qinglin, attended the opening of the new headquarters.

"The towering complex speaks volumes about our friendship to the African people, and testifies to our strong resolve to support African development," he said, according to AFP.

The new AU building dominates the skyline of Addis Ababa and is the city's tallest building.

Read more |  BBC News, 29.01.12

Download the MITN iPhone app
Add us on Facebook
Made in the Now Three Sixty Five