Americans would be hard put to even know that “Africa Day,” is celebrated on May 25 to mark the founding of the Organization of African Unity, 63 years ago this year. Africa is largely ignored in the U.S., and attacked by the Trump administration. It is time for that to change. The majority of nations around the world recognize, and appreciate, that Africa is on the move, as its nations cooperate to develop and to play an important role in shaping the world order.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, summed up this commitment in his remarks for the occasion. The “historic milestone” of the founding of the predecessor to today’s African Union “continues to inspire our collective pursuit of unity, liberation, dignity, and development.”
Africa Day is also “a recognition of Africa’s growing role in shaping global affairs. Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu—`I am because we are’—our continent continues to champion solidarity, cooperation, and shared humanity in an increasingly uncertain world,” he said. “Over the past year, Africa’s voice has continued to gain prominence on the global stage.” We now participate in global economic decision-making and contribute “to international solutions on peace, climate, food security, trade, health, and sustainable development.”
“The youth of this continent are a powerhouse that the rest of the world looks upon with admiration,” he added, according to Ethiopia’s ENA news agency.
