ADDIS ABABA (AFP) – Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika has been chosen to assume the rotating presidency of the African Union, Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi, the body's outgoing president, said Sunday.

"My brother president of the republic of Malawi will replace me and take over," Kadhafi said at the opening day of a three-day summit in Addis Ababa.

Kadhafi's presidency of the body has been marked by his efforts to promote his vision of a "United States of Africa" -- a project that has made little progress during his 12 months in charge.

The veteran Libyan leader said he would continue to push his dream of a fully integrated continent.

"There is no need for any title, I'll remain in the front struggling," he added.