This freedom reflects the long history of African civilizations..."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Africa Union (AU) will commemorate its golden anniversary on May 25 through a theme of celebrating the freedom, said Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors in Indonesia Alice Mageza.

Mageza said at a press conference of the AU`s 50th anniversary here on Thursday that some significant points related to the freedom theme were issued, including political liberation, political freedom, economic emancipation, and socio-economic development of the people of Africa.

"We celebrate freedom in this year`s golden commemoration of the AU. This freedom reflects the long history of African civilizations as the cradle of mankind, and is at the heart of the formation and existence of the AU," she said.

Mageza who is also the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zimbabwe noted during its 50th anniversary, the AU is aimed at reviving the yearning for an African Renaissance through the spirit of freedom.

The African Renaissance`s objective is to rediscover African identity and chart its own course in all areas of human endeavor.

"Thus, in our golden commemoration, we are celebrating Africa`s heroes and heroines of the liberation struggles on the African continent and also paying tribute to the founders of the AU," she said.

To rediscover the African identity means also praising the unity and solidarity among the people and governments of Africa which involved the promoting of peace and security, preventing and ending conflicts as well as enhancing post-conflict reconstruction, she explained.

Regarding to promote the equal socio-economic development and prosperity in Africa, Mageza said the AU has been working on a comprehensive program for the economic integration of the continent under the auspices of the African Economic Community (AEC), including the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), Economic of the Maghreb States, East African Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern African States (Comesa), and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

However, Mageza noted there were also challenges and obstacles to achieve the AU`s goals, particularly on peace and political stability in Africa.

Therefore, the AU would continue to work to ensure that peace and political stability prevail and endure on the African continent by improving its early warning mechanism in order to prevent conflicts from occurring.

"The AU is fully aware that the political independence and freedoms enjoyed on the continent can never be taken for granted. Hence, we will take more efforts to promote peace and enhance political stability that synchronize with the spirit of African solidarity and unity," said Mageza.

The AU was established on May 25, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the AU`s Secretariat headquarter. The AU groups 54 African countries and its chairmanship is chosen by the AU`s assembly for one year period.
(T.A060/F001)

Reporter: A. Fitriyanti
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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