The 38th session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union has gone underway in Ethiopia with calls for more commitment in promoting peace and fostering development across the continent and persistent requests for justice and reparation for Africans and people of African descent.
The opening ceremony was attended by leaders from the 55 AU member states and leaders of some regional bodies as well as the Secretary General of the UN.
The Prime Minister Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute represented President Paul Biya at the event which also witnessed the installation of a new chairperson of the African Union.
Five speeches were read during the opening ceremony in the Nelson Mandela hall which was filled with Heads of State and also by delegates from the 55 AU countries delegates and guests.
The speeches mainly called for Africans to show more commitment in reducing conflicts and in using homegrown solutions to impulse development.
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, the first to speak, invited Africans to rise beyond the divisions imposed by colonialism affirming that only true solidarity can help the continent unlock its full potential.
Abiy Ahmed also insisted on the need to make reparations for Africans and people of African for the prejudices caused by the slave trade.
The outgoing chair of the AU commission, Moussa Fakir Mahamat speaking for the last time as AU chair after 2 mandates which spanned 8 years, rejoiced over strides made in promoting democracy, health and socioeconomic development but invited AU leaders to show more commitment in empowering the different organs of the AU to effect meaningful change.
The UN secretary general Antonio Gutierrez for his part, buried his head in shame over the fact that the effects of colonialism still prevent Africa from having a permanent representation at the security council.
He promised to continue pushing for this but also for the payment of reparation for injustices suffered by Africans and people of Africa. descent. He said the UN stands shoulder to shoulder with the AU in promoting security, democracy and the rule of law.
The President of Palestine; Mahmoud Abbas invited to the event, thanked the African Union for demonstrating its support to his country in the face of untold suffering and the silence of many.
Finally the chairperson of the AU Mauritania. president; Mohamed Ould Ghazouani presented a balance sheet of his stewardship.
A new bureau for the AU was put in place during the ceremony with Angolan president Joa Laurenzo assuming chairmanship..
The AU theme for 2025 justice for Africans and people of African descent was also presented during the ceremony.
Deliberations at the 38th assembly of AU heads of state and government continue till tomorrow and highly awaited, is the election of a new chairperson of the AU commission.
Christian Che Atam
