The 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU pays tribute to Pan-Africanists: MoFA

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2012 (WIC) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs  said that the 50th founding anniversary of OAU/AU will offer a unique opportunity to pay special tribute to the generation of Pan-Africanists. 

The AU will mark its 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the OAU next year,” the statement indicated, adding that the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established with the cardinal objective of promoting the unity, solidarity and cooperation of African States to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa.

In a statement it   sent to WIC, AU emphasized that the OAU has not only contributed to the total liberation of Africa from the vestiges of colonialism and apartheid but also has provided a unique framework for Africa's collective action since its inception.

“In light of the changing global order and the need to accelerate Africa's integration, member States felt it was necessary to transform the OAU into the African Union,” the statement added.

The African Union is playing a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting our continent and raising Africa's profile on the world stage, WIC learnt.
The statement also underlined that the OAU laid a solid foundation for the unity and solidarity of Africa.

“It will be a time to reflect on Africa's journey over the last five decades and celebrate the unique role played by the OAU in the liberation of Africa from the yoke of colonialism and Apartheid as well as its invaluable contribution towards the objective of achieving unity in our continent,” according to  the statement.

The statement also indicated that now it is  time to look forward with great hope and optimism for the fulfillment of Africa's aspiration for peace, democracy, development and unity; thereby, reaffirm the collective determination of member States for the realization of Africa's renaissance.
According the statement, the 16th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held from 30-31 January 2011, decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the OAU/AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 2013.

It is also indicated that the 18th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, which was held from 29-30 January 2012, also declared 2013 as the Year of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.

The Assembly encouraged member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to organize various events in close coordination with the African Union Commission to celebrate the Year of Pan-Africanism and enhance the awareness of the new generation of Africans about the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.
According the statement, the celebration of the 50th Anniversary has a special significance for Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian government has established a National Organizing Committee (NOC), composed of all the relevant stakeholders including ministries, state owned enterprises, Chambers of Commerce, Labor Union and a number of other professional associations, tasked with the responsibility of organizing the celebration event.

The National Organizing Committee has so far held eight sessions and has managed to lay down the ground work for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary.