Statement by H.E Kwesi Quartey Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Occasion Of the Inauguration of the Memorial Wall to Mark the Celebration of the 63rd Africa Day Celebration

May 25, 2019

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THEME 19: “THE YEAR OF REFUGEES, RETURN, RETURNEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS’ TOWARD DURABLE SOLUTIONSFORCED DISPLACEMENT IN AFRICA”

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019
MWALIMU NYERERE HALL
ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA

Today, we are gather here at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere building to memorialize and commend those who have fallen in the line of active duty in defence of the value of our continent, Africa. This remembrance is aptly taking place in a building dedicated to one of the major fighters for the liberation of the continent from colonialism and restoring the dignity of the people of Africa. So this is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we now enjoy on this continent are not free.

In John 15: 13, the bible says: ‘Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ To honour the ultimate sacrifice of love from our service members we must offer the greatest tribute we have: a vow to serve our continent and our fellow man and to always be vigilant to preserve our scared freedoms.

These brave African we are commemorating today are the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISON) which is an active, regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations. The forces which was established in 2007, had the main goal of restoring the integrity of the Somali State and put the reins of power back into the hands of the legitimate Somali government.

These mission have been largely achieved as AMISOM, working with Somali government forces have taken control over Mogadishu from the Al-shabaab and have extended control over Somali government to other part of the country. They are working with government forces to further secure and consolidate the main supply routes between Mogadishu and major towns in the country.

Since the deployment of AMISON, Somali has conducted two presidential elections and life is returning back to normal. These are indications that the sacrifices of these brave African soldiers were not in vain. Africa holds your sacrifices in very high esteem and will never forget.

May the gallant souls rest in peace.