During the eighth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, held in Addis-Abeba (Ethiopia) on 29th January 2007, was decided the appointment for a period of three years of the following African Personalities to serve as members of the Panel of the Wise:

- Salim Ahmed Salim, former Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (East Africa),

- Brigalia Bam, Chairperson of the Independant Electoral Commission of South Africa (Southern Africa),

- Ahmed Ben Bella, former Presidnet of Algeria (North Africa),

- Elisabeth K. Pognon, President of the Constitutional Court of Benin (West Africa), and

- Miguel Trovaoda, former President of Sao Tomé and Principé (Central Africa).

The creation of the Panel of the Wise has been provided by article 11 of the Protocol relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) in order to support the efforts of that organ and those of the Chairperson of the Commission of the Union, particularly in the area of conflict prevention. The Panel of the Wise has been conceived as an advisory body to the Peace and Security Council and the Chairperson of the Commission on all isues pertaining to the promotion, and maintenance of peace, security and stability in Africa.

However, the Chairperson of the Commission was requested to take all necessary steps for the speedy operationalization of the Panel of the Wise, including the finalization of the modalities for the functioning of the Paenl and the elaboration of a work programmes.

After the creation of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the Union and the effective beginning of its activities, the appoitment of the members of the Panel of the Wise represents a step forward towards setting up a complete, and we hope, efficient Council. However, the effective and efficient establishment of the Continental Early Warning System, the African Standby Force and the Special Fund, that have been conceived as supporting bodies to the work of the PSC, still remains a great challenge for establishing the institutional basis of the African Union.