By: Wegayehu Muluneh.
The sun rises over the iconic African Union headquarters, casting its golden light on the vibrant flags of every member nation. The city of Addis Ababa hums with anticipation, buzzing with delegates, journalists, and citizens eager to witness the 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union.
Every two years, the heart of Africa beats in Addis Ababa following AU’s assembly. Leaders from across the continent, representing 55 diverse nations, gather under the banner of the African Union. Why? Because within these walls lies the essence of a dream - a dream of unity, of prosperity, of silenced guns, and a continent rising in unison.
Every two years the sons and daughters of Africa, proudly stand at the African Union headquarters not simply as heads of state, but as inheritors of a legacy. A legacy forged in the flames of colonialism, tempered in the crucible of struggle, and ignited by the unyielding fire of Pan-Africanism.
The African Union is more than an organization; it's a living spirit. A spirit born from the ashes of division, fueled by the unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow. It's about silencing the guns of conflict, embracing the richness of cultures, and building a future where every African can thrive.
Heads of state huddle around a table, faces grim as they discuss the continent's challenges. Poverty, climate change, corruption, and insecurity cast long shadows over their deliberations.
The road ahead is fraught with obstacles, but amidst the challenges, glimmers of hope shine through. From innovative agricultural practices to burgeoning tech startups, Africa is teeming with untapped potential. The key lies in collaboration, in pooling resources and expertise, and in fostering a spirit of self-reliance.
Heads of state of African nations, Ministers of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of member states, and delegates gather in Addis Ababa not just only to pass resolutions, but with a renewed commitment. A commitment to silence the guns and build a continent where peace reigns. A commitment to invest in the people, their health, their education, and their livelihoods. A commitment to embrace Africa’s diversity as the continent's strength, and to forge a common destiny where no nation is left behind.
As the sun sets over Addis Ababa, the leaders emerge from the Assembly Hall, faces resolute, eyes filled with a shared vision. They have come together, not just as representatives of their nations, but as Africans united in a common purpose. The dream of a brighter future lives on, fueled by the spirit of the African Union.
The journey is long, the challenges immense, but the spirit of Africa remains undimmed. For in the heart of Addis Ababa, the embers of Pan-Africanism glow, waiting to be fanned into a flame that will illuminate the entire continent. And as the heads of state return to their nations, they carry with them not just the resolutions of the Ordinary Session, but the shared responsibility to write a new chapter in the story of Africa - a chapter filled with hope, unity, and progress.
The African Union (AU) has a wide range of agendas aimed at transforming the continent into a "global powerhouse of the future." These agendas are multifaceted and encompass various aspects of social, economic, and political development.
One of the key areas that the African Union brings into a round table discussion is economic Development and Boosting intra-African trade. The AU is actively promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to eliminate trade barriers and boost trade within the continent. This aims to strengthen Africa's position in the global market and unlock economic opportunities.
Next, Industrialization and value addition a prioritized areas of the Union. The AU wants to move away from reliance on raw materials and promote value addition through manufacturing and processing. This would spur further economic growth and create jobs.
In addition, Sustainable development and resource management remained on the agenda of the Union in all heads of state assembly. The AU advocates for sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity. This includes promoting renewable energy, combating climate change, and fostering conservation practices.
Furthermore, Peace and Security and Silencing the guns are among the top agendas of the Union. The AU's ambitious goal is to end all wars, conflicts, and violence on the continent by 2063. This involves mediation efforts, conflict resolution initiatives, and promoting good governance to address the root causes of instability.
Besides Combating terrorism and extremism the AU is working to counter terrorism and violent extremism across the continent. This includes intelligence sharing, capacity building for security forces, and addressing issues like youth radicalization.
Above all, the AU upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, confers and works on Education and skills development, strives on health issues and well-being, Gender equality, and women's empowerment among others.
These are just some of the key agendas the AU is pursuing. It's important to note that the organization faces significant challenges in achieving these goals, including poverty, inequality, political instability, and environmental degradation. However, the AU's commitment to these agendas reflects its vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa.
To wrap up, the 37th ordinary session of the assembly of the AU and the 44th ordinary session of the executive council is scheduled to take place from 17 to 18 February in the African capital Addis Ababa. EBC World will produce developing stories right after the end of the assembly and will share with you key areas of discussion by the union and resolutions passed by heads of state.