UN calls on all nations to support Africa-led solutions to African problems

The United Nations has joined in the celebration of Africa Day on May 25, 2018, which marks the 55th anniversary of the founding of the African Union.

Secretary-General António Guterres called on all countries of the world to support Africa-led solutions to African problems for a peaceful and prosperous Africa.

“Africa is increasingly driving its own future. I believe in Africa-led solutions to African problems. The United Nations is fully committed to supporting Africa’s efforts for social and economic progress on the continent,” he tweeted on Friday.

Guterres also said in a statement that: “Africa is increasingly driving its own future … On this Africa Day, I urge all nations to support a peaceful, prosperous Africa. What is good for Africa is good for the world.”

He also acknowledged Africa’s progress in entrepreneurship, education and decline in child mortality. “More women are serving in parliaments, and economic growth in several countries is greater than in other parts of the world,” he said.

He called for the promotion of peace and sustainable development which are a part of the guiding vision for Africa’s development in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“To promote peace, the United Nations will continue to support prevention. We must collectively strengthen our ability to detect and defuse crises before they escalate and sharpen our tools for addressing their causes.

“The United Nations will also work to support the African Union’s commitment to “silence the guns” by 2020 and promote the indispensable role of women and youth in conflict prevention and peacebuilding,” the statement added.

Africa Day is being observed by many countries as a holiday while major events are being held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat will deliver speeches in Addis Ababa.

A high level debate on the AU theme of the year “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation” will be held, followed by An African Bazaar to showcase African cultural diversity in various aspects.

The Organisation of African Unity – now AU – was created on May 25, 1963, to fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as help Africa and its diaspora progress.