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Today, the African continent will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union.

The celebration of the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the role and contribution of the founders of the continental organisation and many other Africans on the continent and in the diaspora who have contributed greatly to the political liberation of the continent, and equally, to the socio-economic emancipation of Africa.

According to the African Union press statement, the celebration is an opportunity to share the information, knowledge and best practices of the past and to encourage each other to take on the vision of the AU, as well as to drive the realization of the “Africa We Want”, under Agenda 2063. “It is also an opportune moment for the African Union to reflect on the spirit of Pan-Africanism, which connects the past to the present and to the continent’s aspirations for the future.

“The commemorative event will bring together, among others, representatives from AU member States; the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC); the African Union Commission, AU Organs and AU specialised agencies; Regional Economic Communities (RECs); women and youth representatives; civil society organisations; development partners; UN agencies; diaspora representatives; invited guests; media representatives, and staff members of the AU and their families,” read the statement.

Today, invited participants will gather at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while the rest of the continent will be able to join virtually.

Featured agenda items include opening statements by: Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat,  Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Dr Abiy Ahmed, and President of the Union of Comoros and chairperson of the Union (AU) for 2023, Azali Assoumani. On the agenda is also a session to honour the OAU founders; a group photograph; planting of trees to mark the 60th anniversary; exhibitions and lunch, featuring dishes from the five regions of Africa followed by entertainment.

It was on this date in 1963, that 32 heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia along with leaders from African liberation movements to craft a way forward for Africa’s complete independence from imperialism, colonialism and apartheid. 

The outcome of the meeting was the creation of Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

The OAU was formed as a manifestation of the Pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnised in the OAU Charter which was adopted on May 25 Africa Day 1963.