Festive and outstanding celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the OAU / AU at the Millennium Hall

Addis-Ababa, 25th May 2013 – The fiftieth anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union was celebrated on 25 May 2913 in great pump amidst African rhythms, songs and drums; folkloric dances reminiscent of African tradition and history. The event at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, left all Africans, invited guest and personalities present at the occasion full of excitement and with a feeling of fulfillment.
After the debate on Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance at AU Headquarters, involving former African Heads of State and the youths, the AU Chairperson, Mr. HaileMariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the AUC Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, dignitaries from the different continents and the Diaspora, representatives of international institutions, and the African civil society, were resolved to contribute in their respective capacity to the 2063 agenda of the Union..

The colorful animation at the festivities showcased African cultural diversity, punctuated with some poems, choreographies portraying the journey from the gloomy days of slavery, colonialism, conflict situations around the continent until the awakening of Africa today and future prospects.
Meanwhile, one of the founders of the OAU, the former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, shared his views and experience on the creation of the OAU. The President of Uganda, Mr. Yoweri Museveni underscored the need for political unity as a key factor for African integration.
Regional Economic Communities (RECs), described as the pillars for regional integration were also on the spotlight during the ceremony. Their messages were conveyed through some Presidents including President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, President Idriss Deby of Chad, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d'Ivoire, respectively for the IGAD, CEN-SAD and ECCAS.
The presentation of the Pan-African declaration was another key moment of the celebration of the AOU-AU jubilee that will comprise among others, commemorative activities organised throughout the year until May 25, 2014.