Ping kneels before Quattara to 'beg' for votesBy LUGENZI KABALE in Addis Ababa | Saturday, July 14  2012 at  15:35

Ecowas Chairman who is also Côte d'Ivoire President Allasane Quattara (L), AU Commission President Jean Ping (M) and the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Lamamra Rantane share ideas prior to the opening of the blocs Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Saturday. LUGENZI KABALE|AFRICA REVIEW 

The incumbent African Union (AU) Commission chairman Jean Ping surprised many on Friday when he knelt before the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) Chairman Allassane Quattara during the opening session of the blocs Peace and Security Council session.

Mr Ping was given an opportunity to give his address to the PSC opening session after the AU Chairman who is also Benin President Boni Yayi and upon ending address on his way to his chair he shook President Quattara’s hand while kneeling in what is said to be a sign of appreciating the Ivorian leader’s role in spearheading his AU head re-election campaign.

Mr Ping is facing a competitive campaign onslaught from South African former top diplomat, Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma.

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