The member states of African descent should reflect on building a strong and united continent by prioritizing regional and continental integration, President Yoweri Museveni has said.
“The Ugandan government has actively participated in regional organizations such as [the] East African Community and African Union, which have been crucial in advancing the African agenda,” he adds.
In a message conveyed by a senior presidential advisor on diaspora affairs Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Museveni said that Uganda has taken significant steps in strengthening her ties, with other African nations and the international community holistically. ;
According to a press release, the event was in Los Angeles at a gathering organized to mark Africa Day on May 25, 2023.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) (May 25, 1963). It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world. The OAU, which later metamorphosed into the African Union, was founded to promote self-government, respect for territorial boundaries and social progress throughout the African ocntinent.
This year, Africa Day was marked under the theme: The Africa We Want. The theme highlights Africa’s journey towards achieving socio-economic and political development while shaping a positive narrative for the future.
The President also shared Uganda’s approach to promoting Pan-Africanism, revealing the need for unity among all individual African countries, in working toward uplifting and building a better continent, pointing to the vital role he said has been played by the diaspora community.
Museveni also revealed plans by Uganda to open a general consulate in Los Angeles, to bolster ties for mutual benefit with the growing economy.
Realising development potential
At the same event, the Senior Advisor of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, Deneyse Kirkpatrick, emphasized the need for African countries to work collectively to establish frameworks for the benefit of all, which she said would lead to the full realisation of Africa’s development potential.
She also highlighted the need for Africans, especially the youth, to embrace the importance of preserving traditional values, heritage and work towards prosperity.
“There is little value in ensuring the survival of our nation if our traditions do not survive with it. And there is a grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment,” Kirkpatrick said.
Meanwhile, Thandile Babalwa, the Consular General of South Africa, stressed the necessity of significant investments in freedom, infrastructure, education and other strategic goals if Africa is to realise its goals. She underscored the potential of such investments to accelerate continental integration and foster Africa’s overall development.
“With the continent continually making business environment reforms, the outlook for investing in Africa is much more exciting now than in the past,” Babalwa said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Source: msn.com