The African Union Commission (AUC) has issued a public warning disowning an event allegedly aimed at recruiting young Africans for ambassadorial roles.
In a statement released through its Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, the AUC clarified that the summit and its associated Country Ambassador application form were illegitimate.
The Commission further stated that no such application was developed, approved, or disseminated through any of the AUC’s official websites or social media platforms.
"The African Union Commission categorically states that it has not organised the purported Summit and neither has this form, the website, and their contents been developed, approved, or disseminated by the African Union," AUC's statement read.
Notably, AUC's warning came after a number of professionals and students reported coming across online advertisements inviting them to apply for "Country ambassador" roles for the 'summit'.
The flagged application form entices unsuspecting users with a lead question that states, “Do you have what it takes to represent the AU Strategic Objectives (CESA AU 25–34) in your country?”
It goes on to state that selected ambassadors would be tasked with promoting the AU's 12 strategic objectives, engaging stakeholders, mobilising schools, and helping to plan the summit.
The same form promises several benefits to successful applicants, including an official certificate of appointment, a continental ambassador recognition certificate (upon meeting targets), and the opportunity to attend the summit fully sponsored, including air tickets and accommodation.
The post further alleged that the summit would be held annually in different African cities over the next decade, while promising ambassadorships to individuals who achieve their set goals.
However, the AU dismissed the claims, advising stakeholders in Kenya and across Africa to avoid interactions with the unauthorised platform, which requires one to share personal details.
"We advise all stakeholders, including youth, educators, and prospective applicants, to exercise extreme caution and refrain from sharing personal information or engaging with unauthorised platforms misrepresenting themselves as being associated with the African Union," the statement went on.
AU, while distancing itself from the event, also warned that unauthorised use of its name, logo, or any references to its staff constituted a violation of its intellectual property and institutional integrity.
