Just like any annual event here comes the annual summit of Heads of State and government of African Union Member States. For the residents of Addis Ababa the event occurs with its own memorable incidents. For example roads are closed to allow free and suitable passage for the dignitaries, all the media talking about the event setting aside many of the other issues, among others.
The residents and the country have witnessed this for the past many decades the union has been conferring annually. Indeed the event is more than a mere event that steps in the routine of the people. It is something that the people long for as they consider it a contribution to bring the continent together.
The 33rd African Union Summit will commence tomorrow and stay open for two days. Leaders that participate in the summit are arriving in the city as usual as the city also finalized its usual hospitality. Just as the time brings new challenges and opportunities, the city itself makes more sophisticated preparation to effectively accommodate the summit.
Ethiopia in general also makes all the necessary preparation both to play a meaningful role in the successful operation of the union, as well as hosting the summit effectively as part of the whole effort to realizing a strong and prosperous continent.
Africa is facing two different scenarios at the moment. First is the growing accession of member states in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). On the other hand the continent is also undergoing a high level of conflicts in different corners. Hence it is high time the leaders work strenuously towards realizing the continents goal of launching the much anticipated continental market by alleviating the security threat that is likely to impede the continents progress.
AfCFTA’s goal is to establish a single market for goods and services across 54 countries, allow the free movement of business travellers and investments, and create a continental customs union to streamline trade – and attract long-term investment. The agreement is seen critical for growth and job creation for Africa and its 1.27 billion people.
Concerning the security related loopholes AUC Chairperson Faki Mahamat said in his opening remarks this week “building a strong Africa is threatened by security challenges.” This problem indeed nullifies all the Successes of the union to achieved by realizing the launching of AfCFTA and thereby bringing about integration of the continent.
So, the 33rd AU summit is taking place at a time the member states have to deal with the two scenarios. From the outset Ethiopia has been contributing to the unity of Africa. Along with other Africans, the leaders of Ethiopia in different times have done their best to contribute to the strengthening of the union and unity of the continent.
Ethiopia will further continue with its commitment to the unity of the continent with its premier’s timey philosophy of Medemer. It is an initiative with which Ethiopia renews its strong commitment to the unity and prosperity of the continent. The leaders of the member states should also take the summit as an opportune moment to uphold the premier’s initiative and contribute its share in building bright future for the continent.
The Ethiopian Herald, February 8/2020
