Mozambique and Portugal evaluate EUTM-MOZ
The Mozambican government has launched a week in Maputo beginning on Monday, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the creation of the now defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which is celebrated on 25 May. The ceremonies in Mozambique will take place in the port city Nacala, in the northern Nampula province, and will be led by President Filipe Nyusi.
The OAU was the forerunner to the African Union, created during the Durban Summit in South Africa in 2002.
This year’s celebrations take place under the motto “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Way for Africa’s Transformation.”
Speaking in relation to the event, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Jose Pacheco said that the choice of the theme is due to the fact that the heads of state and government of the organisation want to renew the commitment in the prevention and fight against corruption.
“The decision also comes from the recognition that corruption is a phenomenon that constitutes an obstacle to the development of our countries and to the harmonious implementation of the development agenda of our continent that is systematised in Vision 2063,” he said.
He explained that the transformation of the OAU into African Union is not a mere change of name because ends in itself the vision, policies and strategies of development of Africa adopting new objectives and perspectives.
“While the main objectives of the OAU included a holistic effort to totally liberate the African continent from colonial rule and oppressive regimes…the AU assumes as a driver of the qualitative leap that is given to the process of economic and social and sustainable development” he explained.
The minister stressed that this vision, oriented to development, will only be possible through transparent governance and sustainable management of the natural resources available to the continent.
He stressed that the celebrations should provide an opportunity for the whole of society to become involved in the debates around this challenge as a way of seeking solutions that could mitigate the effects of corruption on the development of Africans.
“The organisation is aware that in combating corruption, it will be ensuring for the construction of an increasingly united, prosperous and peaceful Africa in which its citizens are an active voice in the face of the main challenges of the global universal development agenda. Our commitment to the fight against corruption is essential to ensure a prosperous future and full of opportunities for the present and future generations” he added.
The OAU was founded on 25 May 1963 in Ethiopia to defend and emancipate the African continent from the yoke of colonialism.
In 1972, the United Nations established the 25th of May, as Africa Day or Africa Liberation Day.
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