Pretoria – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, says she is satisfied with the state of readiness for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).
Addressing the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dlamini Zuma said just like in May 1963, the eyes of the continent and the world are focused on the activities and deliberations of the continent’s foremost governance body.
“Like in 1963 when the founding states took their first steps into political independence, in 2013 we see Africa taking off towards peace and prosperity.
“Through these celebrations, we will reclaim the African narrative as we reflect on the past, assess our present state and plan our future,” said Dlamini Zuma.
She acknowledged the efforts of member states of the AU in organising commemorative activities in their respective countries through the year-long anniversary celebration of the OAU/AU.
Global reflection and debates were on-going under the themes of the 21st AU Summit: Pan Africanism and African Renaissance, and Africa 2063 vision: Across the Continent and the Diaspora.
Dlamini Zuma said debates by Africans from all walks reaffirmed Pan Africanism as a guide to action and the foundation for Africa’s Renaissance.
“As we reflect on the 50th Anniversary Proclamation, we must be mindful of the inputs from our people… We must be mindful of our people’s expectations that we should emerge from this summit, as our founders did in 1963, with a mission that will unite Africa and set her on the path to peace and prosperity.”
She also expressed optimism that Africa’s natural resources, its unused arable land and water, its potential for energy generation and its long coastlines, rich in marine resources, would be used to achieve the 2063 agenda.
Mapping Africa’s future
The opening ceremony of the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council took place in the presence of the Chairperson of the Executive Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Erastus Mwencha; UN Undersecretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Carlos Lopes; AUC Commissioners; representatives of the Diplomatic Corps; AUC staff and various invited guests.
The Executive Council will discuss and provide a framework for the Proclamation on the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU and the implementation of the Africa 2063 vision.
The draft proclamation comprises inputs from civil society, including the youth assembly, business forum, women, African editors, and academicians.
It frames the African Union’s key objectives for the next five decades around the themes of African identity and renaissance. This includes the integration agenda; the agenda for social and economic development and prosperity; peace and security; democratic governance; self-reliance and Africa’s place in the world.
“In each of these areas, the proclamation must spell out the continental mission and strategic objectives for the next 50 years in a bid to help Africa to comprehensively deal with the challenges ahead,” Dlamini Zuma said.
Tedros congratulated AU member states for the celebration of the 50th anniversary, saying it was a significant milestone and a historic occasion to honour African heroines and heroes, while placing Africa at the forefront of world affairs.
He underlined that the commemoration of the OAU/AU jubilee was important in charting the way to a prosperous and peaceful Africa. He hoped that the new generation of Pan Africans would achieve the dreams of the founding fathers through African renaissance.
He also called on his peers to meet at a more appropriate time and reflect on how to contribute to the agenda 2063. He invited the ministers for a retreat in Bahidar outside of Addis Ababa, where they can exchange views and produce constructive input to the vision.
Tedros further reminded the ministers on the items on their agenda, including the draft proclamation of the 50th OAU/AU anniversary to be adopted during the 21st AU Summit scheduled for 26 and 27 May 2013. – SAnews.gov.za
