The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, delivered a speech on Saturday in Mogadishu to commemorate Africa Day on May 25. The event, sponsored by IBS Bank, highlighted Somalia’s significant contribution to the independence of numerous African nations and its pride in being a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which later evolved into the African Union (AU).
In his address, Minister Fiqi expressed Somalia’s deep gratitude to the countries contributing troops (TCCs) to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). He acknowledged their crucial efforts in combating terrorism and fostering security and stability.
The event saw the attendance of several key figures, including the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, H.E. Mr. Daud Aweis Jama, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Barre Mohamud, alongside some ambassadors from various African nations accredited to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Africa Day: “Africa as a whole is growing more important.”
World Africa Day is celebrated every 25 May as the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the forerunner of the African Union.
On this occasion, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is sending a message of friendship to the people and governments of Africa and highlighting the importance of relations with this continent.
After 61 years the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the forerunner of the African Union, in which has had observer status since 2006, the diplomat emphasises the potential of this region of the world as the world celebrates this World Africa Day. Switzerland wants to develop forward-looking relations based on mutual trust.
“Africa can celebrate the significant progress it has made in peacebuilding and development, and its new opportunities in the areas of trade, digitalisation, climate and migration partnerships,” Walt adds.
Africa Day Festival 25 -May – 2024
The bright colours and irresistible beats of Africa are coming to The Bases Wynyard Quarter (behind Silo Park) this month. Each year, the African Communities Forum Inc (ACOFI) coordinates Africa Day.
This event is aimed at bringing together Africans in Tamaki Makaurau, to showcase our diversity, share and celebrate our cultures with the wider communities.
As the population of the African communities continues to grow, we see the need for events such as this to continue especially for our future African Kiwis.
With a packed lineup of talented artists with strong connections to Africa, dance, markets and some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s tastiest food stalls. You won’t want to miss this chance to immerse in all things Africa.
Africa Day” emerged from the challenge faced by the countries of the African continent to confront decades of plunder and colonialism, and its symbolism began and continued from the images that the continent experienced in its struggle to draw its own identity.
Despite the long years since Europe began to impose its centrality on Africa, but the entitlement to African countries still exists and seems more dangerous seven decades after the emergence of the Organization of African Unity.
Historical scene
On May 25, 1963, the leaders of 30 out of 32 independent African countries signed the Constitutive Act of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.