(MENAFN) A special gathering was convened at the African Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday to commemorate Africa Day.

The occasion honored the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which has since evolved into the African Union (AU).

During the event, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of this year’s theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

He reflected on the “crimes committed during the period of slavery and colonization against tens of millions of Africans,” highlighting the historical injustices endured by the continent’s people.

Youssouf acknowledged that “justice and reparations remain long overdue,” but stressed that “Africa will not be held hostage by the pain of its past.”

He noted that the continent continues to endure hardship while pushing forward in its pursuit of liberation from conflict, poverty, and warfare.

According to him, Africa is progressively creating a future rooted in harmony, economic advancement, and regional unity.

He underlined the continent’s major strengths, including its expanding youthful population, fertile agricultural land, abundance of natural resources, and potential in clean energy.

With demographic projections suggesting Africa’s population will surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, Youssouf described the continent not only as a land of future promise but also as a central driver of worldwide change.

In closing, Youssouf declared, “It is our duty as Africans, to safeguard our resources and prioritize value addition through transformative initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Africa must no longer be an afterthought in global geopolitics.”

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