Hey Brothers and Sisters:
A time to reflect on Pan-Africanist ideals of the former OAU leaders:
Nkrumah, Padmore, DuBois, Sekou Toure, Kwame Toure, and others, we can
actually say they laid a great foundation, and now we are beginning to build
the pillars.
This is a rejuvenation of African Minds, Thought, Philosphy, Understanding,
History, Identity, and our rightful place in the World.
Long live the African Revolution, It is not over until it's over. Let's see
what our African Union is to do....and what they cannot do, let us not
criticize but join in, and try to make a positive difference. Because we
know what we are capable of doing, and not doing....so lets do it!
"Africa for the Africans at home and Abroad"
Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey
"I am sick and tired of being sick and tired"
Madame Fannie Lou Hammer
Check-Out the Forwarding from my dear friends from TransAfrica Forum News!
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2002 5:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject:
TransAfrica Forum News
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Statement on the Establishment of the African Union
On July 9, 2002, fifty-three African heads of state formed the African Union
(AU). The new organization replaces the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU),
and is designed to accelerate the integration of the African continent. The
Constitutive Act of the African Union states that the new body is committed
to focusing on growth and development, democracy, and peace.
TransAfrica Forum applauds the formation of the AU. We also take this
opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of OAU, in its role to liberate
the continent from colonial-rule, and segregated-rule in southern Africa.
At this moment it is essential to reflect on the Pan-Africanist ideals and
visions of Kwame Nkrumah, and the other founders of the OAU. Their goal was
to unite the African continent politically and economically on its own
terms.
The transformation of the OAU to the AU on July 9, 2002 marked an important
milestone in Africa’s history. This occasion will be meaningless to the
people of Africa and the African Diaspora if the AU does not address the
daily needs and aspirations of the citizens on the continent. One of the AU
’s chief elements for economic development in Africa is articulated in the
New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). NEPAD is the official
initiative to promote Africa’s growth and development. Civic organizations
in Africa have expressed serious concerns about NEPAD. These concerns
include the fact that NEPAD was not formulated with the participation of the
African people, but rather reflected the views of the elites, corporate
interest, and the international financial institutions. The leadership is
seemingly appealing more to external interests and demands with little
regard to internal initiatives past and present.
As the African Union embarks on its long journey to integrate Africa
economically and politically, it will be critical that it addresses these
issues seriously: HIV/AIDS, debt cancellation, democratization, sustainable
development, and economic integration. Serious commitment to these
endeavors will ensure the achievement of total economic and political
independence for Africa which TransAfrica Forum has supported throughout its
history.
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Copyright 2002 by TransAfrica Forum
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