BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
Africa has a longpath to take to realize development, peace and democracy. But it has also a past that provides motivation, courage and wisdom along the way. Among many of its achievements so far, it is significant that the future generation to understand the long and difficult path it endured in the process of acheiving its independence.
In the events filled century, the 20th century, Africa witnessed its children igniting pan Africanism movements abroad, freedom fightings inside the continent spreading like wild fire and rising up of many charismatic leaders. However, the lack of cooperation was undermining or delaying their struggle to freedom, unity and development. Through the effort of charismatic leaders like Emperor Haileselassie I and Kwame Nkrumah, African leaders began cooperating with one another. Relentless activities of leaders encouraged more nations to exchange assistances and share experience to one other. But forming a common institution, a permanent place of meeting and a permanent body that facilitates their interaction was the most significant achievement of the time.
In 1961, the Africa Hall, a landmark building that helped many African leaders to assemble easily here in Addis Ababa is built. The Hall was conceived and donated by the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie to serve as headquarters for Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), with a vision of attracting the UN to Africa and uniting African Nations. During the inauguration ceremony Emperor Haile Selassie I emphasized the need for Africans to deliberate on their issues and impacts of the hall in African’s future.
“Only a few years ago meetings to revolving around African problems were held outside of Africa. And the fate of its peoples were decided by non Africans. Today, the traditional of Berlin and Algeciras has been repudiated. And it is thanks to the conference of Accra and now of Addis Ababa that the peoples of Africa can, at long last, deliberate on their own problems and future”.
Indeed, the Africa Hall is a historic monument as it is the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which is now the African Union (AU), and whose founding Charter was signed in the Hall in 1963. Africa Hall is also known to house emblematic pieces of African art including the 150 square meter-stained glass window designed by world famous Maitre Afewerk Tekle of Ethiopia. Cognizant of these facts, its current tenant United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) set to renovate this heritage and turn it to Start of the art conference venue and great museum of Africa. The United Nations General Assembly has approved a 57 million USD budget for the upkeep of Africa Hall.
In a groundbreaking ceremony held last week, Acting Executive Secretary of UNECA Antonio Pedero highlights far reaching benefits of the renovation project. The state of the art project, he said, makes Africa Hall a significant tourism destination, incorporating the rich history of the pan- African movement through a permanent exhibition, featuring professionally curated cultural, historical and natural heritage sites.
“ it will showcase great and notable works of pan-African artists, as well as serve as a hub for a variety of activities focused on showcasing Africa’s history, the achievements of the United Nations family and Ethiopia’s role in Africa’s modern history and culture. To this end, I would like to invite African member States to make use of the Africa Hall. It is your house!” Pedro said it was important for Africa to assert ownership of its culture and heritage, not only as a point of pride and a symbol of perseverance, but in the context of the continent’s economic growth and development, as informed by Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Present on the event, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission Monique Nsanzabaganwa (PhD) commends UNECA for its “precious initiative” and urged stakes to contribute share for realization of the project. “I call upon all of us to join and support, since it allows for preserving this marvelous symbol for our future generations, to remind them from where we come from, to show them the bravery and the wisdom of our fathers, and demonstrate the richness of our history and heritage.”
She underscored the signifcance of the project saying; “ “The African Union reiterates its support to the African Hall Project and is ready to play its role in the Project, aimed to ensure actual engagement with its Member States, looking at enriching the Project with memories and evidence of such a glorious past and also establishing linkages and synergies with our arts, culture and heritage initiatives and programmes.”
The ceremony extoled Ethiopia for its irreplacable role during the construction of the Africa Hall, the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its international diplomatic engagement since it was the only African nation in the the League of Nations. The State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, said that Addis Ababa was privileged to host the ECA Headquarters which houses the Africa Hall as well as the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union.
Accordingly, the ambassador also affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to multilateralism. “Ethiopia believes that to renovate the Africa Hall is a fitting tribute to the founding fathers of the OAU. It’s also a noble initiative to preserve our invaluable hheritage. While recommitting to work tirelessly for Africa’s integration unity and prosperity, we are grateful to the UNECA for its rrelentless effort to launch this project. The Ethiopian government as usual will work with the UNECA and all stakeholders for successful completion of this project.” Ambassador Tesfaye noted the iconic project should inspire current generations to overcome challenges as their predecessors did.
It is also a remarkable coincidence for the renovation of the Africa Hall to come in a time Ethiopia gave attention for renovating and developing tourist sites here in Addis Ababa. The refribushment of the national palace and Meskel square, construction of the Grand Abrehot Library, Entoto Natural Park and the just inaugurated Science and Art Museum are some of the progresses made to attract tourists. The Africa Hall, as Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, said will be “a special addition” to these range of projects Ethiopian undertaken. Ambassador Tesfaye emphasized tourism will be one aspect of Africa’s development.
More significantly, the renovation and opening of the Africa Hall will help young Africans to know their history and grow with inspiration, courage and knowledge that help the Africa progress.
The Ethiopian Herald October 22/2022
