27 May 2013
It was a day filled more with song and dance than with speeches as Africans gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the African Union (AU) and its forerunner, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The many milestones in the continental body’s history were celebrated across Africa, but Ethiopia was a fitting stage for the main golden jubilee. It was here that the OAU was born in 1963, giving hope to many African countries which at the time were still battling against colonialism and apartheid.
Interspersed with short messages of support from leaders including former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the audience was treated to a programme of African traditional performances and cultural items.
The spectacular show was put together by South African choreographer Somizi Mhlongo.
A 10-minute video paid tribute to the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who died last year. Zenawi has been widely praised as the person who led Ethiopia’s transformation from a poverty-stricken country to one of the fastest growing economies in the region.
Guests in attendance included heads of state, former presidents, diplomats and foreign representatives. South African President Jacob Zuma was present, accompanied by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
On the streets, people waved their flags and painted their cars with African flags, while AU member country flags were displayed outside hotels and bars.
Inside the huge hall where the celebrations were held, speakers stressed the need for unity and intensified efforts to render the continent free from poverty, conflict and disease.
“We pledge to free our continent from malnutrition, unemployment, poverty and disease,” said AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. “Let us march towards a continent that is at peace with itself,” she said, urging Africans to be part of the solutions to the continent’s problems.
The two-day AU Heads of State summit, which started on Sunday, is set to approve the so-called Vision 2063 strategy, which seeks to achieve an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa by the year 2063.
“Unemployment and poverty are still the main challenges confronting our continent, and with the 2063 vision in mind, we call on our people to ensure we rise to attain that vision,” said Dlamini Zuma.
Kaunda challenged those at the helm of the continent’s politics to emulate the vision of past leaders, who founded the OAU as a vehicle to end the continent’s dependence on foreign powers.
“We must be able to resolve conflicts that occur on our continent and deal with them amicably where they occur. The continent has made some strides, but for Africa to prosper, we have to solve our current problems. You are Africa’s hope.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn reminded his counterparts that the anniversary should not be a “self-congratulatory” platform but a moment to reflect on the successes of the past while at the same time looking for ways to respond to the challenges of the day.
“We should approach these challenges with confidence knowing that we can succeed like those who came before us,” he said.
South African President Jacob Zuma reminded Africa’s leaders that efforts had to be intensified to reform the governing global order.
“While we rightfully celebrate the 50th anniversary, we are cognisant of the challenges we face. The road ahead to attain peace, stability and prosperity on the African continent for all her peoples is still arduous.
“This calls on all leaders of the continent to sharpen their resolve and through the African Union, raise our collective voices, and confront the challenges presented by the current global dispensation.”
Source: SAnews.gov.za
