Diplomatist Magazine Africa Day Special 2018 | Page 5

T
oday, as we celebrate the 55th Commemoration
of the Establishment of the African Union, it is an
appropriate time to refl ect on how far we have come
on the journey of moving the African continent towards unity.
The continent has come a long way since the Organisation
of African Unity (OAU) was replaced by the African Union
(AU), with a view to fast-tracking African Unity.
This day is a momentous day when the sons and daughters
of Africa rejoice the unmatched courage that, as citizens
of Africa, we continue to exhibit in surmounting the huge
challenges that fate continues to throw in our path.
Needless to say, Africa is on the march towards a more
fl ourishing future in which all its citizens - young, old,
male, female, rural, urban, individuals of all creeds and
backgrounds - are empowered to realise their full potential,
and live with contentment and pride. We aspire for a future
with healthy, well-educated people living in robust and
developed economies.
I’m happy to take into account that for the year 2018,
the African Union (AU) has chosen a theme centred on
'Combating Corruption – A Sustainable Path to Africa’s
Transformation'.
Corruption is an endemic affecting people’s daily lives.
From poor infrastructure, unequal access to healthcare and
medicine, crime, and violence, to political choices distorted by
money and greed, corruption continues to serve as a deterrent
towards Africa’s development.
Despite the many challenges that the continent faces, the
opportunities are immense and the potential is tremendous. We
need to focus on the enhanced pursuit of these opportunities
with a view to realising the continents’ full potential for
unity, increased trade, better infrastructure and connectivity,
and political integration in order to realise the dreams of the
continent’s founding fathers.
I would like to wish that the African continent regains its
peace and stability so that it can utilise its rich resources and
capitalise on its immense potential, and evolve into a truly
emerging continent for the benefi t of the African peoples.
Needless to say, Africa and India have shared a common
aspiration for development, harmony, and social justice.
As we Africans strive to overcome challenges to peace and
development, the continent needs strong support from all its
friends like India, which is one of the reliable development
partners of Africa.
On Africa Day, let us reaffi rm our commitment to work
earnestly to participating with our true and trusted partners to
realise our aspiration for prosperity, democracy, and peace.
Long live the African Union!
Long live our hugely important cooperation, and deep and
signifi cant strategic dialogue!
The opening of 18 new Indian Missions in Africa says
it all.
H.E. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam
Dean of African Group Heads of Mission
Ambassador of the Republic of Eritrea to India
2018 • Africa Day Special • 1