African Heads of States At the AU Building in Addis Ababa
Sixty years ago today, May 25th 1963, the African continent celebrate the 1st anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union.
It was on this day that 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia along with leaders from African liberation movements to craft a way forward for Africa’s complete independence from imperialism, colonialism and apartheid.
The outcome of the meeting was the creation of Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The OAU was formed as a manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnised in the OAU Charter which was adopted on May 25 #AfricaDay, 1963.
The celebration of the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the role and contribution of the founders of the continental organization and many other Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora who have contributed greatly to the political liberation of the continent, and equally, to the socio-economic emancipation of Africa.
It is an opportunity to share the information, knowledge and best practices of the past and to encourage each other to take on the vision of the AU, as well as to drive the realization of the “Africa We Want”, under Agenda 2063.
It is also an opportune moment for the African Union to reflect on the spirit of pan-Africanism, which connects the past to the present and to the continent’s aspirations for the future.
Yesterday May 25,2023 invited participants who gathering at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa called for unity have as they celebrated the 60th anniversary celebrations for the continent-wide organization that preceded the African Union (AU).
Featured agenda items included opening statements by: H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC); H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the Union (AU) for 2023; a session to honour the OAU founders; a group photograph; planting of trees to mark the 60th anniversary; exhibitions; and lunch, featuring dishes from the five regions of Africa, followed by entertainment.
The commemorative event brought together, among others, representatives from AU Member States; the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC); the African Union Commission, AU Organs and AU specialized agencies; Regional Economic Communities (RECs); women and youth representatives; civil society organisations; development partners; UN agencies; diaspora representatives; invited guests; media representatives, and staff members of the AU and their families
Call For Unity
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored that unity is “no more a catchphrase but a means of survival” in an increasingly complex world.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed Abiy, appealing for unity and to “uphold the bonds that frame our destiny.”
In his address, Abiy argued for the need of an African permanent seat at the UN Security Council and proportionate representation at the G7 and G20. Ramaphosa urged for improved governance across the continent amid the conflict in Sudan as well as previous coups in Chad, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
“We use Africa Day to reaffirm the importance of consolidating democracy and consolidating good governance across Africa,” Ramaphosa said.
UN Secretary-General’s Message
United Nation (UN) Secretary General, António Guterres said, “We mark Africa Day at a time when cooperation and solidarity to advance the continent’s future is more needed than ever.”
He said Africa’s dynamism is unstoppable; its potential is breathtaking, from the vibrancy of its huge number of young people to the possibilities of free trade.
The African Union he indicated has designated 2023 the year of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). When fully established, the world’s largest single market could lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035, driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063.
“I look forward to African governments continuing to seize the opportunities presented by the continent’s natural, human, and entrepreneurial richness, by working to increase private investment and raise resources at home.
And I urge the international community to stand with Africa. Currently, historic and economic injustices hamper its progress.”
The UN Secretary General said multiple crises – from COVID to climate and conflict – continue to cause great suffering across the continent.
African countries are underrepresented in global governance institutions, from the Security Council to the Bretton Woods System, and denied the debt relief and concessional funding they need, he said.
“Africa deserves peace, justice and international solidarity.
The continent should be represented at the highest level of the international financial system. Multilateral Development Banks should transform their business models and leverage funds to attract massive private finance at reasonable cost to developing countries.”
He urged developed countries to provide the support they have promised for action on climate change, and go further.
“And we must support efforts to silence the guns across the continent.
The UN will continue to be a proud partner in advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights for the people of Africa.
With international cooperation and solidarity, this can be Africa’s century,” he added.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri with additional facts from AU