Later in 2002, Durban, South Africa, the OAU became the African Union (AU).

This year, the Africa Day is being celebrated under the theme: “Towards A United, Peaceful and Prosperous Africa”, in which the element of a peaceful Africa is expected to be reflected, in line with the first strategic pillar of the African Union Commission dubbed “Peace and Security”, which is one of the four pillars of the AUC Strategic Plan, 2009-2012.

As the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Jean Ping, once recalled, the continent is heading towards a more advanced democracy which is sometimes difficult to achieve; hence, there exist many examples of success stories like in the case of Ghana where the elections were conducted peacefully.

This, the Chairperson said, is proof that Africa is not only about war and conflicts.  The architecture of peace therefore clearly depicts that peace can be consolidated when there is unity and prosperity.

A press statement by the AU said activities marking the Africa Day celebration on May 25, will take place at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A bazaar of African objects and cultural identity will be organized today. To crown the occasion, a cocktail made up of a variety of the different African meals will be served to the public.

In a goodwill message to All Africans, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission called on the continent to ensure that the historic significance and importance of the creation of the Organization of African Unity on 25 May 1963 remain engraved in the memory of one and all.

Read the full text of the Chairperson’s message