African Ambassador’s Group, Washington, Host 2017 Africa Day Celebration

AU Permanent Rep to the US (Front, Center in Gold) with African Ambassadors Group
Photo by George Bright Abu (The Afrikan Post)

Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC
May 25, 2017 (AU Day)

Story by Frederick Nnoma-Addison

The African Diplomatic Corps in Washington, under the leadership of its current Dean, Ambassador Serge Mombouli, of the Republic of Congo, today hosted a gala dinner to commemorate the 54^th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of the African Union (OAU). Over 250 dignitaries from the diplomatic, government, civil society, and business communities attended the colorful and hearty ceremony. The theme for the celebration was Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth, and the event was organized under the co-chairmanship of the Ambassador’s of South Africa and Mozambique; H.E. Mninwa Mahlangu and H.E. Carlos dos Santos, respectively.

The African Union (AU), the successor organization, was established in 2002 by the nations of the former OAU, to promote economic, social, and political integration, and a stronger commitment to democratic principles. Chad’s Moussa Faki is the current Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The event was marked with music and dancing, speeches, inspirational videos about Africa’s past and promising future, and congratulatory remarks and messages from corporate sponsors. Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao, African Union Permanent Representative to the United States, delivered remarks on behalf of the AU Chief, H.E. Moussa Fakki. The speech highlighted the AU’s Agenda 2063 which has a 7-point focus:

1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
2. An integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance.
3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
4. A peaceful and secure Africa.
5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics.
6. An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.
7. Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and political partner.

The Management of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Platinum Sponsors: Caterpillar, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Sasol, South African Airways, and South African Tourism, and Silver Sponsors: AETNA, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Ethiopian Airways, Sahouri Insurance, all expressed their gratitude for participating in the historic celebration. Sahel Band and Angolan star performer / percussionist, Vivalda Dula, entertained the guests to African music and dance.

Happy AU Day !!!