AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION ORGANIZES A DEBATE ON THE PANAFRICANISM AND THE AFRICAN INTEGRATION

Addis Ababa, 10th May 2013- A group of African scholars, experts, researchers and students discussed Pan Africanism and African Integration in a debate dubbed "Friday of the Commission", which held its first session in 2013, on Friday 10th May 2013, at the African Union's Plenary Hall Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Organized by the Economic Affairs Department in cooperation with Communications and Information Directorate, the discussion was held under the theme "PANAFRICANISM AT THE SERVICE OF AFRICAN INTEGRATION: A MYTH OR REALITY?” It was inspired by the continental celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU, and aimed to answer a number of questions on Pan-Africanism and African integration, i.e. whether Pan-Africansim as a philosophy or school of thought has been understood and implemented by African leaders, and if Pan-Africanism can still serve as a source of inspiration for decision makers of the continent today.

Chairing the conference-debate, Dr. René N'guettia Kouassi, Director of Economic Affairs of the AUC noted that this edition of Friday of the Commission is being held at a time when Africa is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of formation of the Organization of the African Unity.

Professor Francoise Ndengwe, Chairman of African Advisory Board, highlighted in his presentation entitled “Are we serious about pan-africanism today? An economic policy viewpoint”, the main achievements with regards African integration economically starting from Abuja treaty in 1991. He expressed the importance of establishing and developing international institutions such as the African Central Bank, African Monetary Fund, and African Investment Fund which give Africa a voice on the global platform. He further emphasised on the need for trust between the African countries as a basis for regional integration.

Professor Daryl Monroe Poe, a specialist of Pan-Africanism explained in his presentation on Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s take on Pan-Africanism and his vision for a continental union. He further explained the immediate challenges Africa faces. He called for the creation of a Pan-African personality, nationalism, and economics among Africans.

Friday of the Commission is a trimestrial event, which serves as a forum of debates on issues related to the socio-economic, political and cultural development of the African continent.

Participants at the debate include: staff of the AU Commission, African and non-African diplomats, members of the Permanent Representatives Committee, staff of international institutions in Addis Ababa, academics and university students.