25 May 2009 / 46th anniversary of a united and strong Africa
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 26, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The headquarters of the African Union Commission today, Monday 25 May 2009, was all in pump and colorful depictions of the African continent which was celebrating the 46th Anniversary of the Africa Day.
The Day was observed this year under the theme: “Towards A United, Peaceful and Prosperous Africa”. In his message on the occasion of the Africa Day celebration, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping said “The Continent can and should therefore look to its future with confidence and, above all, forge ahead to give concrete expression to the dream that has charted its collective course towards the advent of an Africa that is united and strong, and able to influence the course of international events; an Africa that is free from want and free from fear!”.
Addressing invited guests during the celebration at the AU headquarters, Mrs. Julia Dolly Joiner, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union, said, a message in commemoration of the Day on the joint commitment of all Africans towards the destiny their continent will be circulated all over Africa. “The unity, peace and prosperity are in the hands of the Africans themselves”, she noted, adding that today, Africa is again taking the opportunity to ensure that the world continues to recognize the strides taken towards integration and development, for lasting peace and prosperity for her people.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union, Leader Muammar Kadhafi, the Ambassador of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mr. Ali Awidane, stressed on the need to consolidate peace within the continent. He highlighted the important works of the Founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which he said, needs to be continued by this generation and future generations.
On the same note, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, underscored the need for Member States to work and in hand as “integration is the only African solution that can bring about peace, and socio-political development” , he said only Africans themselves can decide on their future. To that effect, he called on Africans to embrace the spirit of “Ubuntu” that is development with human face.
Taking the floor next, the President of the Brendhurst, Foundation, specialized in the creation of riches, economic integration of the poor and sustainable development, Mr. Nicky Oppenheimer, presented five important ways in which Africa can face the global African crisis. He said, peace and prosperity would be difficult to attain in an environment where there is no sustainable economic development.
Meanwhile, the guest of honour of the ceremony, Mr. Seyoum Mesfin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, pointed out that Africans has no other alternative than to harness unity and reinforce its solidarity. Highlighting the African Union’s effort in the maintenance of peace and stability within the continent, the Ministers saluted the presence of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). He also lauded the deployment of troops by Uganda and Burundi, saying that “this is demonstration of true Pan –Africanism through practices and commitment”.
The day was marked by several cultural activities reminiscent of Africa, in commemoration of May 25. Participants at the ceremony including the staff of the African Union Commission, ate assorted African dishes and listen to a variety of African music. All these colorful activities reaffirmed the determination of Africans to unite for peace and prosperity.
SOURCE
African Union Commission (AUC)
