Agenda 2063 aspires for a peaceful, united and prosperous Africa. In this context, South Africa has taken over as Chair of the African Union. This occurs 18 years since Comrade Thabo Mbeki was inaugurated as the first Chairman of the African Union in 2002 (previously known as the Organisation of African Unity). The ANC, as South Africa’s governing party, welcomes the challenge of marshalling our African forces towards the noble goal of Agenda 2063. We hope that through renewed solidarity, the Silencing of Guns, increased cooperation at the organisational, people to people levels, Africa will emerge from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and united.
The Pandemic has revealed the glaring disparities which the current system has imposed on the majority of our African masses, while the continent is richly endowed in Petroleum, Gas, Gold, Diamonds, Iron Ore, Copper, Coal, Timber, Cobalt and Uranium. Despite these immense riches, many of our people find themselves leaving the shores of their own countries in search of a better life.
The African National Congress reminds the world, and all peace-loving nations, that Africa’s people are resilient. The President of the African Union has started fostering cooperation for Africa to address the current challenge of the pandemic decisively. We support that clarion call. All progressive forces should work towards ensuring the rise of Africa and the defeat those who see Africa as a continent which will be hardest hit. It is imperative that governance institutions, and regional economic communities be strengthened through cooperation and mechanisms such as the African Peer Review Mechanism. Equally, it would be impossible to make any progress in improving the lot of our people if we do not resolve conflicts which divide nations and drive its citizens to destitution and migration.
We urge the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, together with projects which will make its implementation a reality as we work towards a prosperous and politically buoyant post COVID-19 period. African states must attend to the glaring socio-economic needs of our people, and we pledge solidarity with those who are still repressed and deprived of self-determination in Western Sahara and Palestine, particularly in the face of this debilitating pandemic. We echo the call by the United Nations General Secretary for all hostilities to cease as nations contend with this common pandemic.
The ANC celebrated Africa Day 2020 by looking at our continental response to the pandemic, the South African social welfare response, and Africa at a crossroads, as we consider scenarios post the Covid-19 pandemic. We urge Liberation Movements and progressive forces to persuade their governments to work towards the realisation of a united, safe and prosperous Africa. Viva Africa!
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Lindiwe Zulu : Chairperson : International Relations Sub-Committee
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