ADDIS ABABA, Feb 2: Libyan leader Moamer Qadhafi vowed on Monday to push for the creation of a “United States of Africa”, as he was elected head of a continent-wide bloc that has shown a reluctance to back his objective.

Qadhafi was elected in a closed-door vote by the 53-nation African Union during its summit in the Ethiopian capital.

“I hope my term will be a time of serious work and not just words,” the 66-year-old said in his inaugural speech.

“I shall continue to insist that our sovereign countries work to achieve the United States of Africa,” he said, admitting that African leaders were “not near to a settlement” on the issue. “We are still independent states.”

“It is your decision to respond to the call for unity, to push Africa forward towards the United States of Africa.” Qadhafi is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, having taken power in a coup at the age of 29 in 1969.

A natural showman known for his flamboyant attire, he has succeeded in getting traditional African leaders to bestow on him the title “King of Kings” as part of his new role.—AFP