Africa Day Reflections: Confronting Challenges a...

Africa Day Reflections: Confronting Challenges and Charting a Path to "The Africa We Want"

Audrey Galawu- Assistant Editor

As the African continent marked Africa Day on May 25, 2022, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, delivered a poignant message that balanced celebration with introspection.

His statement, rich in historical reflection and urgent calls to action, underscored the significance of Africa Day not only as a commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now the AU, but also as a moment to assess the continent’s progress and persistent challenges.

May 25, the date that gave birth to the OAU in 1963, remains a powerful symbol of unity and purpose for Africans across the globe. Faki recalled how the transformation of the OAU into the AU was a strategic shift aimed at better confronting the complexities of a changing geopolitical landscape.

However, he cautioned that the dream of a united, prosperous Africa remains under threat from multiple fronts—some new, others long-standing.

Among the most pressing issues cited were terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes like human and arms trafficking, which have diverted critical resources away from essential sectors such as health and education.

Compounding these challenges are poor governance, corruption, inter-community conflicts, and unconstitutional changes in government, all of which continue to hamper sustainable development.

The Chairperson also lamented the enduring crises of youth unemployment and the marginalization of women, noting that these groups are no longer willing to be "passive spectators" in the shaping of their destinies.

Economic struggles exacerbated by debt, climate change, and energy instability were further compounded by external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both of which exposed the structural fragility of African economies.

In response, the AU has initiated key reforms and strategies, including the Institutional Reform process launched in 2016 and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African trade and integration.

The union’s swift and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic—marked by vaccine production on the continent—was hailed as a significant achievement and a testament to Africa’s resilience when united.

Addressing the food and nutrition crisis, the Chairperson highlighted the 2022 theme: “Building resilience in food and nutrition security on the African Continent: Strengthening agri-food systems and health and social production systems to accelerate socio-economic and human capital development.” This reflects the AU's commitment to sustainable development through holistic and inclusive approaches.

Faki acknowledged that despite numerous efforts, results have not always met expectations. However, he expressed confidence that Africa is on the right track—provided the continent remains committed to self-critique, honest assessment, and effective implementation of its treaties and strategies.

As Africa Day celebrations took place across the continent and in the diaspora, the Chairperson’s message served as a sobering reminder that beyond the festivities, Africans must remain steadfast in their pursuit of the collective vision: “The Africa We Want.”