The African Union has marked Africa Day with celebrations at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Leaders hailed progress that the continent has made since the formation of the organization, but the AU commission’s chairman admitted that corruption has a direct link to poor governance which is stifling development.
Citizens from different parts of the continent arrived at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, donned in traditional attire. It is a day to show the beauty of the culture of the continent and celebrate unity but also an opportunity to recognise what the Organization of African Unity set as a strong foundation for Africans to enjoy sovereignty and independence.
“Despite the global downturn several African countries are among the world’s fastest growing economies, the fight against climate change has reached new heights. Food production and food safety, the judicious use of our natural resources and industrialisation are also receiving serious attention, “says former Chairpersonof the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat.
As part of the celebrations the African Union organised a debate where citizens discussed the impact of corruption in the continent. A recent study by UN Economic Commission for Africa shows that over 70 billion dollars is lost by the continent through illicit financial flows. “The large volume of resources that are being lost to corrupt activities is unsustainable, and will impair the achievements of our shared vision. We must jointly address this problem,” says the Representative of Congo to the AU Lazare Makayat-Safouesse.
Representative of Nigeria to the AU Bankole Adeoye says; “It is no wonder that many of our concrete plans and programmes indeed I add regional and continental programmes are relegated for short term benefits by corrupt individuals. Corruption is not only limited to those in public sector but cuts across all facets of African society.”
The AU adopted the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, in 2003. While some members have not even signed it, 17 are yet to ratify it. Its supporters say the fight is for all.
“To be effective and successful every citizen and social group, including the youth, religious groups and community leaders as well as the civil society groups should be involved,” says Ethiopia State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirut Zemene.
The Chairperson of the African Union, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who is in Ethiopia on an official visit, was expected to speak at the event but could not. This Africa Day was also a chance for member states to remind each other of the importance of some key projects like the continental Free Trade Area and Single African Air Transport Market.
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— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 25, 2018
Coletta Wanjohi
