Addis Ababa - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has urged local countries to use sport to foster peace in the African continent suffering civil strife in some parts.
She gave the recommendation as she hailed the fine performances by some local countries at the just-ended 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
She sent special congratulations to Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, Burundi, Niger, Egypt, Tunisia and Nigeria who won a total of 43 medals, which includes 9 gold, 17 silver, and 17 bronze.
“Sports are wonderful vehicle for peace, unity, acceptance and harmony,” said Dlamini Zuma.
A number of countries that brought home medals are enduring such problems as terrorism and civil war.
In spite of the challenges faced by their countries, Dlamini-Zuma said the African teams and athletes displayed good sportsmanship and African unity at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. “The African Union supports great sportsmanship and positive competition.”
ANA