HARARE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Africa is experiencing one of its most peaceful and stable periods in its history, the African Union(AU) has said.
AU chairperson Jakaya Kikwete said in a statement marking Africa Day that there were fewer hotspots in Africa now than a few decades ago, New Zian reported on Wednesday

"Besides Darfur and Somalia, there are not many violent conflict situations of much concern," he said.
"There is greater political stability and peace reigns in most parts of the continent. Africa's situation is getting better by the day," he added. Kikwete said in the Comoros, the authorities of the central government had been restored, while in Burundi and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation was getting better despite the slow progress and some challenges.

He urged the United Nations and AU to hasten the deployment of peacekeeping troops in Darfur and Somalia to enable the countries to return to normalcy.
At the same time, he said, parties had already been urged to talk rather than fight to save their countries from ruin. "With regard to Zimbabwe, the AU will continue to work with the main actors to ensure that the run-off election is peaceful and free and fair as the main election was."

President Robert Mugabe of Zanu-PF battles it out with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangiraiin the June 27 run-off.
Meanwhile, the AU has said the continent should continue to speak with one voice to ensure that it is heard. Kikwete said cooperation amongst African countries would also make the continent strong and be able to tackle any pressing issues together.

The AU was formed in 1963 to champion African development and growth.

From news.xinhuanet.com