The University of Namibia (UNAM) recently hosted a remarkable event to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the African Union (AU). The Hage Geingob campus was abuzz with activity as ambassadors residing in Namibia arrived in a convoy of cars, each proudly displaying their country’s flag. The event, organised in collaboration with the African Group of Ambassadors residing in Namibia and the Ministry of International Relations & Cooperation (MIRCO), took the form of a public lecture under the theme “The African Union history, the present and the future!”
The primary objective of the event was to foster a deep understanding of the AU’s history, examine its current status and envision its future trajectory. H.E. Ms Thenjiwe Mtintso, the South African Ambassador to Namibia, who served as the director of proceedings, emphasised the significance of hosting such an event: “It is crucial for Africans to engage in inter-generational dialogues about our past, present and future, led by the AU and younger Africans.”
During her opening address, Ambassador Mtintso also highlighted the pivotal role women played in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the AU.
Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, the seasoned diplomat and former Special Adviser to the Minister of International Relations & Cooperation and who witnessed Namibia’s admittance into the AU, provided an overview of the African Union. He shared his experiences during Namibia’s struggle for independence and the fight against apartheid.
While acknowledging the progress made, Ambassador Kalomoh emphasized that there is still much work to be done. He drew attention to ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as the exploitation of Africa’s resources. “We must acknowledge that we are misgoverning our countries and national resources,” he said. “We are complicit in the exploitation of our resources by foreign businesses. We must strive for genuine African unity.”
The Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia and Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Honourable Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, delivered a speech underscoring the importance of African unity and its impact on the future generations. She commended the efforts made by African countries, particularly highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA). Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the need for more projects like AfCFTA to be undertaken by African nations.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the African Union, its relevance and the vision behind Agenda 2063. The panel comprised Ms Adauche Okore, a UNAM student, Dr Joseph Ndinoshiho, the UNAM Librarian, and Dr John Stytler, the former Presidential Economic Advisor.
The OAU was established on 25 May 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with 32 signatory governments. Its primary objectives were to end colonial rule within Africa and promote political and economic integration among African states. Namibia joined the OAU as an official member in 1990 following its independence. On 09 July 2002, the OAU transformed into the African Union, building upon the same aims and principles.
The commemorative event at UNAM served as a platform for reflection, celebration and dialogue, bringing together representatives from various African nations to honour the African Union’s remarkable journey over the past 60 years. As the AU charts its course for the future, it is crucial for Africans to continue working towards genuine unity, ensuring a prosperous and integrated Africa for generations to come.
Original story by: Etietop Akpabio
