Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sophia Kumkana
Published on 2024-02-19 06:19:13
President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the importance of complementing political liberation with economic transformation for the future security of African countries. She made this statement during the unveiling of the statue of Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Nyerere, at the African Union (AU) office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ceremony, which took place on the sidelines of the 37th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government, was organized to discuss peace and security, education, and skills policies for the more than one billion citizens of the member countries. The meeting also honored Nyerere’s contribution to the liberation of Southern African countries and his promotion of peace and security in Africa.
President Samia highlighted the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in ensuring the prosperity and dignity of the African people. She expressed hope that Nyerere’s memory would inspire present and future generations to pursue hope, love, and dignity for the African people.
The President extended her gratitude to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for undertaking the project and the AU for providing a place for Nyerere’s statue, alongside other great African colossal statesmen including Haile Selassie and Kwame Nkrumah. She recognized Nyerere’s contribution to African liberation, unity, and peace and manifested pride in Africa’s rich heritage.
President Samia quoted Nyerere’s words during the country’s Independence Day and emphasized the vision and devotion of Mwalimu to a free and peaceful Africa. She mentioned Nyerere’s support for Africa’s efforts, including peace, which remained unwavering even after leaving office.
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, honored Nyerere’s pioneering role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, a milestone event in the pursuit of African Unity. He highlighted Nyerere’s commitment to African Unity, which went beyond national boundaries and national interest.
President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, expressed his appreciation for those who initiated the early ideas to erect the statue in remembrance of one of the icons and founders of SADC. He acknowledged Nyerere as a dedicated freedom fighter who worked with the Presidents to enable Africans to sit as presidents and prime ministers of their countries.
SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, emphasized that the statue is a tribute to Nyerere as a visionary and inspiration of African revolution, an advocate, and freedom fighter across Africa. He highlighted the importance of the statue as a reminder to current and future generations of a leader who taught Africans to guard peace and security and fight for freedom in a selfless manner.
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