For the past five plus decades, located in the heart of Addis Ababa city, the African Hall has stood as a symbol of unity, pride and resistance. No doubt, this iconic building has no doubt served as a beacon for those seeking a sense of belonging, fostering a community that celebrates the rich diversity of African culture. Today, every African from all walks of life witnesses that the African Hall has become a cornerstone of Pan-Africanism.
According to historical records, the African Hall was founded in the early 20th century by a group of visionary leaders who sought to create a space where the voices and experiences of Africans could be celebrated and uplifted. Originally established as a cultural center, the hall quickly evolved into a hub for political activism, intellectual discourse, and artistic expression.
Through the decades, the African Hall has weathered storms of oppression and colonization, emerging as a steadfast sanctuary for those who seek to honor their heritage and challenge systems of injustice. It has become a place of pilgrimage for Pan-Africanists from around the world, drawn to its walls imbued with the spirit of resilience and solidarity.
Moreover, the African Hall holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us in the struggle for liberation and equality. It stands as a testament to the power of community and collaboration, offering a space where individuals can come together to celebrate their shared history and envision a brighter future.
More importantly, the African Hall has played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Pan-Africanism, offering a space where ideas can flourish and alliances can be forged.
Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and UN Secretary-General António Guterres inaugurated the African Hall.
Originally inaugurated in 1961 by Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall is the birthplace of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and has witnessed numerous pivotal moments in Africa’s history.
After years of intensive renovation, Africa Hall, the iconic birthplace of the Organization of African Unity, was inaugurated yesterday. The venue reflects on Africa’s past and present; with a focus on a sustainable future.
The renovation amplifies its cultural significance as a heritage with tourism potential for Ethiopia, beyond one of the state-of-the-art conference venues with modern facilities, a visitors’ center, a permanent exhibition, and a cinema room for screenings and public events, while respecting the architectural and artistic vision of the ‘60s.
The new visitors’ center will welcome the public to learn about Africa›s history, the African Union, and the United Nations.
The renovation offers a 360° upgrade: from updating conferencing equipment to complying with current fire hazard requirements and building codes.
It also includes accessibility for people with disabilities, lighting, waterproofing ceilings, and restoring original furnishing.
Accordingly, the Africa Hall is a prestigious landmark where the continent’s history is shaped and returned.
Meanwhile, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete said that the renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions Ethiopia for greater tourism growth given its Pan-African legacy and rich history.
During the inaugural ceremony, the UNECA Chief expressed a special gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia for the gift of Africa Hall in 1961, which became the starting point of an African renaissance.
According to him, the Africa Hall is emblematic of Africa’s past struggles and triumphs when the OAU Charter was signed right here in 1963 – a signal for a new beginning, he said, adding that “Now, more than ever, it makes a sound economic sense to invest in sectors like tourism that harness our history, culture, and heritage to mobilize resources for national and continental development.”
He mentioned some of the world’s iconic landmarks such as China’s Great Wall, America’s Statue of Liberty, France’s Eiffel Tower, and India’s Taj Mahal, providing practical examples of how history and culture can draw millions of visitors annually, and also contributing to shared prosperity.
And Africa, too, with over 130 world heritage sites, has its rich history waiting to be shared with the world, he underlined.
For him, given Ethiopia’s Pan-African legacy and rich history, a renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions the country for greater tourism growth, while celebrating Africa’s collective history and future.
Gatete also underlined that it is time for more Africans and visitors from around the world to discover Africa’s stories here at Africa Hall.
“Furthermore, through initiatives like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and visa relaxation policies, we can honor our founding fathers’ vision of an integrated Africa by enhancing intra-African travel and creating a vibrant tourism market,” he said.
Efforts have been made to meticulously preserve the materials from the original 1961 construction, blending the past with the present to create a rejuvenated space that reflects Africa’s proud heritage.
The hall now stands as a modernized facility, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, a visitors’ center, and a permanent exhibition space and conference hall to host high-level meetings, while maintaining its architectural and historical significance.
One of the standout features is the open design of its chamber – an intentional homage to Emperor Haile Selassie, who believed that critical discussions should not be held behind closed doors.
“Sixty years ago, visionary leaders gathered in this very hall to lay the foundation for African unity by signing the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, he stated underlining that “When the next generation gathers here in the decades to come, it is only right that they should be inspired by the efforts we make today to advance the cause of Africa’s transformation.”
Emphasizing the newly inaugurated iconic African Hall, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the Hall is where Africa came together to give life to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU) times were very different.
Guterres added that the Hall is a bridge between Africa’s past and future, honoring shared struggles and achievements while embracing common aspirations.
For him, the African Hall has been a symbol of the continent’s collective aspirations, a testament to its resilience, and a beacon of hope for entire generations for more than 60 years.
In sum, the African Hall is a place where history is made, voices are amplified, and revolutions are born. Let us continue to cherish and support the African Hall, ensuring that its legacy remains strong for generations to come.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER 2024
