African Independence and the Role of OAU: Prime Minister Meles in Congo and Gabon
Seventeen countries in Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Cote ďIvoire, DRC, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, and Togo) won independence 50 years ago. The continental Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which played a critical role in the independence struggle, will celebrate its own Golden Jubilee on 25th May 2013. This is indeed a very appropriate moment for African states and for the present continental organisation to take a moment to scrutinise and evaluate the successes achieved and the drawbacks still faced by Africa in fully realising the aspirations of the founding fathers of the OAU.
When it was established in 1963, by 33 independent States, the primary objective of the OAU was to achieve the complete independence of the remaining States which were under the yoke of colonialism and apartheid. While these noble objectives have been achieved, the related vision of a peaceful and prosperous Africa is yet to be realised. As Kwame Nkrumah said nearly fifty years ago: “Never before have a people had within their grasp so great an opportunity for developing a continent endowed with so much wealth. Together, by mutual help [the independent states of Africa] can achieve much…. But the economic development of the continent must be planned and pursued as a whole…Africans have, indeed, begun to think continentally. They realise that they have much in common, both in their past history, in their present problems and in their future hopes….The greatest contribution that Africa can make to the peace of the world is to avoid all the dangers inherent in disunity, by creating a political union which will also by its success, stand as an example to a divided world.” His words still have resonance in a continent that even today is significantly affected by civil wars that continue to seriously undermine the economic development and the ultimate integration of the continent. African countries, while celebrating 50 years of independence, now have an opportunity to evaluate both the failures and the successes of the past half century. It will allow us to chart a more effective approach to addressing the critical challenges we continue to face in poverty and underdevelopment.
The process of liberation which started in the 1950s remains unfinished. Indeed, Africa's independence cannot be fully realised in the absence of the eradication of poverty and conflict. Africa's complete independence ultimately depends on its economic independence. It is indeed within Africa's power to bring about development and eradicate poverty. As Nkrumah said "...we have in Africa the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty, and scarcity in the midst of abundance." As we are approaching the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the OAU, African countries have a unique opportunity, and a very real need, to prepare themselves for commitment to more sustained and vigorous activities to end the conflicts and the poverty that still ravage our continent.
This week, of course, has seen the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Independence Day of both the Republic of Congo and of the Republic of Gabon. At the invitations respectively of President Sassou Neguesso of Congo and of President Ali Bongo of Gabon, Prime Minister Meles headed a high level delegation which included Foreign Minister Seyoum as well as other officials on an official visit to both Brazzaville and Libreville from 14th to 17th August. During his stay in Congo and Gabon, Prime Minister Meles was received by the Presidents of both countries. Their talks were held in a cordial atmosphere of the understanding, and friendship which characterises the deep rooted relations existing between our countries. The leaders exchanged information on the evolution of the economic, political and social situation in their respective countries and regions. They agreed on the importance of continuing close consultation at various levels in order to enhance bilateral cooperation and harmonise policies on regional and international matters of mutual concern with a view to reducing marginalisation from current global and local realities and encouraging the promotion of mutual benefits. The need for African countries to redouble cooperation was underlined during the discussions. In this respect, all three emphasised their responsibility to strengthen the African Union to enable it to fulfil the original aspirations of the OAU and now of the African Union.
Ethiopia, of course, shares a common interest with Gabon and with the Republic of Congo in making sure that the traditions, objectives and principles of Pan-Africanism continue and are sustained. It greatly appreciates the efforts of Gabon and Congo in this direction. Ethiopia believes that advancing these principles helps Africa speak with a single voice in multilateral forums and strengthens its ability to advance Africa’s interests successfully. All members of the AU have a common obligation to ensure the AU continues to discharge its duties in accordance with the Constitutive Act and its principles. Ethiopia, like Gabon and Congo, believes in the responsibilities and duties necessary to guarantee that the African Union will fulfil the aspirations of the people of Africa. And, like them, it also agrees that the African Union should continue to play a central role in bringing peace and stability to the continent.
President Neguesso and Prime Minister Meles also underlined the importance of climate change as one of great challenges of our time. They emphasised the strong political will necessary to urgently fight climate change in accordance with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two leaders recognised the crucial role of reducing deforestation and forest degradation, and the need to enhance the removal of greenhouse gases by increasing forest cover. They agreed on the importance of providing positive incentives for such action through the mobilisation of financial resources from developed countries.
On the sidelines of these two visits, Foreign Minister Seyoum held discussions on bilateral matters with his Congolese and Gabonese counterparts. While the Ministers expressed their satisfaction at the excellent relations prevailing at the political level, they underlined the importance of accelerating economic contacts and activities. The Foreign Ministers further underscored the mutual benefit that their countries can draw from deepening of bilateral ties. The Foreign Ministers of Ethiopia and Congo signed an agreement on General Cooperation and Bilateral Consultation between their respective ministries. The Foreign Ministers of Ethiopia and Gabon also signed a similar agreement on General Cooperation and Bilateral Consultation, and an agreement to abolish visas for the holders of diplomatic and service passports.