Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-02-19 22:30:00
A statue of the late founding father of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Julius Nyerere, has been unveiled at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The statue is a tribute to Nyerere’s contribution to the liberation of the African continent and his legacy of peace, security, and unity.
The Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union, was established in 1963. The unveiling ceremony of Nyerere’s statue was attended by several African leaders, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking a significant moment in the continent’s history.
H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the AU Commission, described the unveiling as a befitting honor for Nyerere, a giant of African history. He highlighted Nyerere’s pioneering role in the establishment of the OAU and his commitment to African unity that transcended national boundaries and interests.
Julius Nyerere was known for his pivotal role in the liberation of Southern African countries and his steadfast pursuit of peace and security across the continent. With the unveiling of his statue, Nyerere now joins the ranks of other African luminaries like Kwame Nkrumah and Emperor Haile Selassie, whose statues also stand at the African Union’s grounds in Ethiopia.
The idea to honor Nyerere with a statue was recommended by Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe during the 35th SADC Summit in 2015, reflecting the recognition of Nyerere’s significant contributions to African unity and liberation.
The unveiling of the statue is a symbolic gesture of acknowledging and honoring the leaders who have played a crucial role in shaping the African continent’s history and promoting unity and progress. It serves as a reminder of the values and principles that these leaders upheld and the legacy they left behind for future generations of Africans.
The ceremony was a momentous occasion that gathered African leaders and dignitaries, reinforcing the importance of honoring and commemorating the contributions of remarkable individuals like Julius Nyerere. The statue will stand as a tribute to Nyerere’s enduring impact on African history and his unwavering commitment to the continent’s progress and development.
In conclusion, the unveiling of Julius Nyerere’s statue at the African Union headquarters is a significant gesture that pays homage to a key figure in African history. It serves as a reminder of the values of unity, liberation, and peace that Nyerere stood for, and it symbolizes the continent’s reverence for its visionary leaders. The statue will continue to inspire and remind future generations of the ideals and principles that have shaped Africa’s journey towards unity and prosperity.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
