Karima Brown removed as moderator at AU debate
Political analyst Karima Brown has spoken of her disappointment - after she was removed as a moderator at the historic African Union (AU) debate in Ethiopia.
Candidates vying to replace Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as AU Commission chairperson faced off in a public debate in Addis Ababa.
Brown, however, says she was told at the last minute that her services were no longer needed.
"The African Union paid for my trip to come to Addis Ababa. They paid for the hotel. They paid the honorarium, so I don't understand why the organisation would go to such expensive and great lengths to ask me to come and be part of moderating what was meant to be a first historic event," says Brown.
This was the first debate of its kind.
It was organised by the AU, but the actual decision on who will lead the union will be made by African heads of state in January 2017.
Brown questioned the reason for the decision to remove her.
"All I know is that our questions on human rights particularly those of the LGBTI community and our intention to ask questions on the ICC raised eyebrows. Clearly professional journalism wasn't sought for this debate. Instead a carefully sanitised series of sweetheart questions were sought. I am afraid to say that all the talk about openness, transparency and deepening democracy is nothing but hot air. The AU is afraid of genuine scrutiny. What a shame and what an own goal. Cry my beloved Africa," Brown posted on social media.