Tema-Ghana, Feb. 23, CDA Consult – Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) has stressed the need to accelerate with determination the economic integration project, by operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He noted that “over the past three years, global economic growth has lost momentum and inflation is rising higher rates…. faced with such a situation, it is imperative that our Member States decide, with determination, in their economic and development choices.
“The activation of various mechanisms of internal resilience, intra-African solidarity, rapid implementation of African financial institutions, all supported by virtuous governance seems in my view to be the way to salvation”.
Mr. Mahamat stated at the opening of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) at the 36th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia address which has been made available to the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) in Tema.
He stated that the 36th AU Summit is taking place at a time when the international context is marked by worrying uncertainties, fuelled by geopolitical conflicts, and fragmented economic governance, with unforeseeable consequences for Africa.
The AU Commission Chairperson stressed on the need for Pan-Africanism of the Member State and to avoid “the paradigm in which we see, arms folded, the house of the neighbour burned and do nothing about it.
“This paradigm is a form of collective resignation of conscience that has nothing to do with our culture and even less with our civilization, both of which are based on mutual aid. The shocking example of these realities is given today by the countries confronted with terrorism, which fight, often alone in general indifference”.
Mr. Mahamat questioned: “Where is our Pan-Africanism? Where is our solidarity? Where is our brotherhood…?
He, however, expressed regrets about the recent resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government, accentuating political instability and the weakening of States.
These, he said, have led to violent extremism, terrorism, inherent conflicts, and in electoral processes, inter-community conflicts, and climate change.
The AU Commission Chairperson, however, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in “Silencing the Guns” in the continent over the decade as the Union has invested itself fully in the resolution and mitigation of several crises.
Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, thanked African countries for their continuous support and contribution to help find a lasting solution to the peace efforts in Ethiopia.
He emphasized the principle for African solution to African problems calling on Member States to show solidarity with one another in times of crisis.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister announced that Ethiopia is proud to leverage its exportation of goods to other countries with the view to mitigate the problems of hunger in the continent, stressing “One-third of the hungry people in the world are in Africa”.
Prime Minister Abiy also acknowledged the fact that because Africa is now leading as a key player in the international scene, it is normal that it be recognized with at least a permanent seat in the UN General Assembly Security Council.
He also reiterated the need for the AU to have a continental Media House as Africa needs to tell its own story rather than relying on external media.
