Today is African Union Day. The day, President Hage Geingob says, is a day to celebrate Africa's unity and progress, born from the legacy of the Organisation of African Unity, established on May 25, 1963.
He also affirmed Namibia's unwavering commitment to the AU and its mission to promote peace, security, and development on the continent. The President stressed that the mandate of the OAU was transactional and succeeded in the mission to liberate Africa. Therefore, the Day of the African Union signifies a profound commitment to the ideals of unity, regional integration, and progress among African nations.
Dr. Geingob, in a statement, said that alongside AU member states, Namibia stands united in celebration of the continent's rich history, diverse cultures, and shared dreams for a better future. This celebration not only honours the past but also reaffirms Namibia's commitment to building a brighter future. He underscored that the First Wave of African leaders, Founding Fathers, and extraordinary personalities led the valiant fight for an independent African continent.
During the second wave of African leadership during the Cold War period, Africa experienced reversals, military coups, and the rise of one-party states, some of which managed to achieve progress.
He says the mandate of the African Union is transformational, and therefore the third wave of African leaders, who aspire to come to leadership through democratic elections and respect for processes, systems, and institutions, are conscious that the journey towards a prosperous and united Africa requires collective efforts.
The Namibian leader noted a trend of undemocratic reversals with the recent rise in coups and unconstitutional forms of government, which he says they have been consistent in condemning as a regional organisation and African leaders under the African Union. Geingob says the continent can only achieve its true potential when guns are silenced. Africans, the Namibian Head of State says, are encouraged by a noted increase in intra-African trade and investment and the fostering of economic cooperation among member states.
He further hailed the formation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying this presents considerable opportunities for accelerating intra-African trade and realising Agenda 2063, "the Africa We Want".
The fight against climate change remains one of the urgent challenges facing the continent, and President Geingob says Namibia is committed to playing its part in the development of Africa and the decarbonisation of the planet through its Green Hydrogen programme.