G_dafi is African Union Chief

Mad Dog Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan misleader, has been named chairman of the 53-nation African Union.

He was elected "by the heads of state in a closed-door session, for a one-year period", Habiba Mejri-Sheikh, an AU spokeswoman, said.

In its earlier sessions, AU delegates called for a lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe.

The call followed the announcement on Friday that the country's opposition would be joining a unity government.

Gaddafi was handed the chairman's gavel by Jakaya Kikwete, the Tanzanian president and outgoing AU leader, to applause from other leaders on Monday.

Some members of the AU were, however, said to be uneasy about his nomination.

Gaddafi has long promoted stronger union within the organisation and previously outlined his vision for a continent-wide government.

He has also previously said he wants a single African military force, a single currency and a single passport for Africans to move within the continent. More

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