Bravo! Addis, the diplomatic hub of Africa and the seat of numerous reputable international organizations, has attested its capacity and competence to be a diplomatic hub of the African continent.
Attended by leaders of AU member countries, representatives of international organizations, and numerous other invited guests, the 37th African Union (AU) Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Governments was peacefully and resolutely concluded.
The grand Summit, in which influential utterances on which the future of Africa highly relies are deliberately cited and methodically elucidated, has peacefully been completed. Hadn’t it been capital’s well organized, streamlined and systematically amalgamated efforts of security forces, the Summit wouldn’t have been accomplished as grippingly and serenely as possible.
The capital clearly told leaders as it is home to peaceful citizenry respecting one another, guests and nation’s leaders’ counterparts. That is why they felt at home.
Yes, Addis Ababa successfully wrapped up the Summit and did see its guest off as appealingly and amicably as possible. This vividly portrays that Ethiopia is a great nation that can host such a colossal gathering quietly band efficiently. True, taking the role strong and resilient institutions play in driving change and prosperity wheel well into account, Africa has to embark on having independent, viable and sturdy institutions thereby becoming continent of its vision.
Owning nonviolent and determined cities like Addis Ababa and a capable nation like Ethiopia, but not limited to, the continent is expected to work more to confidently enlist itself to the category of the developed world as it lacks nothing except coordination and unity.
Being wrapped up with a strong commitment and firm determination of leaders so as to address the continent’s abundant challenges, the Summit prioritized key areas and solidified international diplomacy.
The leaders discussed a range of continental topics, such as peace and security, AU’s reform initiatives, quality and accessibility of education, and the implementation of Agenda 2063’s first phase ten-year plan. In so doing, leaders have clearly sketched the fate of the continent, indeed. What is left hereafter is developing film commitment to properly translated promises and stage pleadings into practical actions.
Without a shadow of doubt, a stronger African presence on the international arena is of paramount importance in helping the continent advocate for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council with a view to ensuring reformed and equitable global peace architecture and attainable trek forward.
Needless to state, finding solutions to a range of problems and the multiple challenges from which the continent has been suffering would undeniably help the African continent declare economic and even political independence, and such a bold move requires joint action through viable organizations like AU.
Interestingly, the African leaders identified peace, stability, human rights, good governance, and sustainable development as thematic fronts and discussed them peacefully and thoroughly seated at their second home, Addis Ababa.
Of course, having a continent that takes hold of its own destiny in a strong dynamic on the international scene is not merely an option, but it has to be a compulsory move since Africa highly demands committed, visionary and hardworking leaders.
It is also well recognized that Addis is the third diplomatic city and seat of many international organizations, embassies, unions and other presumed entities that make international and continental leaders stay an ever-remembered one.
In sum, the AU Summit ended with action plans, renewed calls for unity and fraternity thereby helping the continent tackle myriads of challenges to be a well-to-do continent in the years to come. Truly speaking, Ethiopia once again deserves a wholehearted gratitude for its capacity and determination to peacefully and gracefully conclude the 37th leaders’ Summit through which ideas that can be drivers of change are intensely hoisted.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2024
