By Osoro Nyawangah, ADDIS ABABA Ethiopia
At the 37th African Union Summit, a statue of Julius Nyerere is unveiled, honoring his legacy of peace, security, and unity.
Commissioner of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Mohammed Ould Ghazouani and Heads of Government and State of various African countries have attended the launching event.
Julius Kambarage Nyerere was a renowned anti-colonial activist, a leading pan-Africanist and peace builder who campaigned for Tanganyikan independence from the British Empire.
He governed Tanganyika as prime minister from 1961 to 1962 and then as president from 1962 to 1964, after which he led its successor state, Tanzania, as president from 1964 to 1985.
Leaders address regional challenges as they stand in the shadow of African history.
In the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a momentous occasion unfolds at the 37th African Union Summit.
Here, leaders from across the continent gather not just for deliberation on pressing issues of peace, security, and regional integration but also to commemorate a figure synonymous with African unity and liberation—Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's founding father.
On this day, February 18, 2024, a statue in his honor is unveiled, casting a long shadow both literally and metaphorically at the Julius Nyerere Peace and Security Building.
The air in Addis Ababa is charged with a palpable sense of history as attendees witness the unveiling of the statue of Julius Nyerere.
This ceremony, recommended by Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe during the 35th SADC Summit in 2015, is not just a tribute to a man but a testament to the ideals he championed.
Nyerere, remembered for his pivotal role in the liberation of Southern African countries and his steadfast pursuit of peace and security across Africa, now joins the ranks of other African luminaries like Kwame Nkrumah and Emperor Haile Selassie, whose statues have also graced the African Union's grounds.
While the unveiling of Nyerere's statue is a highlight, the 37th African Union Summit is a crucible of discussions aiming to tackle some of the continent's most intractable challenges.
The summit's agenda, underscored by themes of peace, security, and regional integration, seeks to address the undercurrents of tension, notably between Ethiopia and Somalia, that threaten the continent's aspirations for unity and development.
In the corridors of power, where the future of Africa is being debated, the ethos of Nyerere's legacy—a vision for an Africa united in its diversity and strong in its collective resolve—resonates more than ever.
As the summit progresses, it becomes clear that the challenges facing Africa are as complex as they are varied.
Yet, the spirit of unity and determination that defines this gathering of African leaders suggests a path forward.
The statue of Julius Nyerere, now standing tall at the Julius Nyerere Peace and Security Building, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the sacrifices made towards achieving peace and security in Africa.
It underscores the African Union's commitment to these ideals, as articulated during its founding, and reinforces the importance of continued collaboration among African nations in pursuit of a shared vision for the continent.
In conclusion, the 37th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa not only addressed the immediate concerns of peace, security, and regional integration but also paid homage to one of Africa's greatest sons, Julius Nyerere.
His newly unveiled statue is a symbol of the enduring legacy of his contributions to the continent's liberation and unity.
As the summit closed, the leaders left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the past but firmly focused on the future, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead with unity and resolve.
This event marks another chapter in Africa's ongoing story of struggle, resilience, and hope for a better tomorrow.
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