AU to celebrate Golden Jubilee

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ENA) – Golden Jubilee of the African Union (AU) will be celebrated with various assortments for six months beginning from next January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Chief Advisor with the Ministry, Professor Mekonnen Hadis said here Friday that the event will take place as per the decision of the 16th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in January 2011.

Prof. Mekonnen said the national organizing committee and the secretariat office set up for celebration of the event are striving towards success of celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the AU. Embassies of different African countries based here, the Addis Ababa City Administration, members of the business community, scholars, women and youth are taking part in the activities being carried out towards the same purpose, he said.

Prof. Mekonnen on the occasion called on the media to promote contribution of African leaders towards establishment of the OAU and its progress during the last 50 years . Celebration of the Golden Jubilee will be concluded in May 25, 2013.

The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa. The decision to transform the OAU into the AU was announced at the final summit meeting of the OAU in July 2001. The OAU was originally established to promote unity, solidarity and international cooperation among the newly independent African states. The OAU served its mission and became AU to address the current needs of the continent.

The Heads of State and Government of the Assembly of the African Union met for the inaugural session of the African Union in Durban, South Africa on July 10, 2002.