Africa Day 2023: 60th Anniversary for African Union and predecessor OAU

On May 25th the African Union celebrated her 60th anniversary at the headquarters in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Photo Credits: African Union

Deputy Ambassdor of South Sudan, Michael Malual Dut, and pastor Torp. Photo Credits: Oslokirken

The Africa Day is marked to commemorate the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25th, 1963. OAU was re-established as AU in 2002. At the Embassy of Tunisia in Oslo. Tunisia´s Embassy in Oslo hosted the celebration. — The 60th anniversary for AU and OAU was celebrated with many Africans living in Norway, African diplomats, and representatives of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, media leaders, and a pastor family among the guests, says the pastor of Oslokirken, Jan-Aage Torp.

The African Union has 55 member states.

Tunisia’s ambassador, Mrs. Amel Ben Younes, gave an informative speech about the African diversity, and really challenged us to fight for peaceful co-existence, says Pastor Jan-Aage Torp to Norge IDAG.

Ghana´s Ambassador Jennifer Lartey with the pastor family Torp. Photo Credits: Oslokirken

— There was food from some 10 African nations, and singing, music and dance.

— We loved it, says Aina Torp who, in addition to being married to Jan-Aage, is a pastor in Oslokirken. 
— Our daughter Selma danced and clapped and hummed along..

AU celebrated the Africa Day at the Headquarters in Addis Abeba

In the opening speech during the celebration at the headquarters in Addis Abeba, the head of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki, said that May 25th is a very important day in the history of Africa.

— On May 25th we honor the vision of a united Africa which has laid the foundation for the African renaissance and the socio-economic and political development on the continent, said Faki.

He stated that one of the characteristics of African countries is the ability to cope with adversity and overcome difficulties.
— We were able - despite alarming forecasts - to persevere in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic. Not only that, we seized the opportunity and reassessed our health strategy with concerted action from our Heads of State and Government. This became an example of what is possible to achieve in the face of adversity.

In closing, Faki said he wanted to make an «appeal on this solemn day»:
— Let us first trust ourselves. The solidarity of our friends and partners will be added. Long live Africa and long live friendship between peoples!

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell sent his congratulations on the occasion of Africa Day via Twitter.
— Today we celebrate the 60th anniversary of OAU. Since 1963, great progress has been made, and the EU continues to stand with the AU to achieve new goals. Happy Africa Day 2023!, Borrell tweeted along with a video greeting.