The African Union (AU) has appointed several prominent figures, such as the South African Desmond Tutu and Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour, as ambassadors of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa who will promote peace on the African continent.

The Nobel Peace winner Desmond Tutu, political activist Wangari Maathai and the businessman Mo Ibrahim, whose foundation rewards good governance, have been appointed as advisors to support a programme of peace and security launched the last year by the AU, said a statement from the organisation.

Other targeted individuals include singers Youssou N'Dour and Salif Keita of Mali and the Ghanaian football player Michael Essien of Chelsea, were named "Ambassadors of Peace" by the President of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping.

"Advisors and Ambassadors will support the efforts of the commission to resolve conflicts and promote peace on the continent," the statement said. “In order for the Year of Peace and Security to be successful, it is important that Africans take ownership and direct, as well as participate in the implementation of its program,”