Six decades ago, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution.The Organization of African Unity (OAU) which was the manifestation of the pan – African vision for an Africa that was United, Free and in control of its own destiny.
The OAU was established on 25th May 1963 and the day was also declared as Africa Day to be commemorated each year across the world particularly in Africa. In 2002, the OAU was replaced by the African Union which continues to work to deliver the vision of heroes of Africa’s liberation for an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
The main objectives of the OAU were to rid the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonization and apartheid and to promote unity and solidarity amongst African States. Coordinating and intensifying cooperation for development, safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and promoting international cooperation are also its objectives.
The founding fathers of OAU recognized that freedom, equality, justice and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples. And there was a need to promote understanding among Africa’s peoples and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national differences.
The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centered on African socialism and promoted African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage.
Cognizant of the above fact; Binyam Hailemelekot, Sociologist told The Ethiopian Herald the foundation of the former OAU and the current AU coupled with commemorating Africa day is of paramount importance for all Africans. Independence is a major prerequisite for a given society to live with freedom.
As to him, colonialism by its self is a very difficult psychological problem for every individual worldwide. Therefore celebrating Africa Day on the contrary is a medicine for many Africans that were affected by colonialism. One of the purposes of the foundation of AU was to eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa, he asserted.
He further commented that the current society in all parts of the continent can adopt its own culture without any influence from others. Hence, celebrating the day can be considered as celebrating our birth date. As each child needs family support until it becomes strong enough to earn its life, Africa may also need support from developed countries, he noted.
Binyam additionally appreciates AU as it is promoting sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies apart from ensuring the effective participation of women in decision-making. And the Africa Day is a golden opportunity to promote continental independence for Africa coupled with signifying its identity and unity, he added.
According to the document from AUs website, The African Union (AU) was officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, following a decision on September 1999 by its predecessor, the OAU to create a new continental organization to build on its work. The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
The AU is guided by its vision of “An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
Africa is on the march towards a more prosperous future in which all its citizens, young, old, male, female, rural, urban, of all creeds and backgrounds are empowered to realize their full potential, live with satisfaction and pride about their continent. A future with healthy and well educated people living in robust and developed economies Indeed, this is a progressive march towards the “Africa we want” as envisioned in Agenda 2063.
The African union (AU) is now in full swing driving Agenda 2063 to realize the African peoples aspirations. Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 particularly talks of “an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African People, especially its women, youth and caring for children”, the document revealed.
The Ethiopian Herald May 23/2020
BY HIZKEL HAILU
