(MENAFN) A special conference commemorating Africa Day was held at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, marking the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the AU.

During the event, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, addressed the audience under this year’s theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” He reflected on the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism, acknowledging the immense suffering of millions of Africans.

While recognizing that justice and reparations are still overdue, Youssouf emphasized that Africa refuses to be defined or constrained by its painful history. “Africa will not be held hostage by the pain of its past,” he declared. He noted the continent’s ongoing efforts to overcome conflict, underdevelopment, and war, and build a future centered on peace, prosperity, and integration.

Youssouf highlighted Africa’s strategic strengths, including its youthful and expanding population, fertile land, abundant mineral resources, and renewable energy capacity. With the population projected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, he described Africa as not only the continent of the future but a key driver of global transformation.

He stressed the importance of protecting African resources and increasing value through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, asserting that Africa must be a central player in global affairs, not an afterthought.

Africa Day, celebrated every year on May 25, marks the founding of the OAU in 1963 by 31 independent African nations. Now encompassing 55 member states, the AU aims to foster unity, uphold independence, settle disputes peacefully, and promote African-led development. Each year, the AU sets a theme relevant to the continent’s growth—this year focusing on justice and reparations for those impacted by colonialism and slavery.

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