Morocco's King, Mohammed VI, has addressed the African Union for the first time, saying the kingdom's readmission into the continental body is not intended to divide it, but that the country’s membership will benefit Africa.

According to Ceoafrica, several countries, led by South Africa, Algeria and Zimbabwe, have expressed concern about Morocco re-joining the AU without recognising the independence of Western Sahara, whose debate they lost at the annual summit of heads of state.

King Mohammed VI during his address at the African Union which readmitted Morocco after more than 32 years it left said that “It is a beautiful day when one returns home after too long an absence, Africa is my continent and my home; I am finally home and I am happy to see you.

“I missed you all”.

He was welcomed back into the AU by Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame and others.