The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called for the realization of Africa’s continental development aspirations.
In a message from the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the OAU, now AU, under the theme “Our Africa, Our Future”, on Friday, Faki stressed the need to exert concerted efforts to realise the aspirations of the founding fathers of the OAU as well as the current continental ambitions of the AU.
“Sixty years later, we celebrate the creative genius of the founding fathers who, in their Pan-Africanist spirit, laid the foundation for an Africa to be built,” Faki said in a recorded message.
He stated that the celebration of the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to
recognise the role and contributions of the founders of the continental organisation 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.
Faki also stressed the need to fight the common continental challenges that are affecting the continent such as corruption, inter-community conflicts, as well as recent waves of unconstitutional changes of government among others.
“Despite the difficulties of all kinds, Africa remains characterized by its great capacity for resilience,” Faki said.
The Comorian President, Azali Assoumani, who echoed the sentiment as he called on Africans from all walks of life to join hands toward the betterment of Africa as well as the realization of common continental development aspirations.
The AU observes May 25 for the celebration of the achievements of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union (AU), which was founded on May 25, 1963.
MG/GIK/APA