The organisation was transformed into the African Union on July 9, 2002 in Durban, South Africa, but the holiday continues to be celebrated on May 25. This year’s theme focused on the importance of addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, that it is important. It must be noted that across the continent, Africa faces stark development challenges, including food insecurity and increasing malnutrition. These are amplified by global crises; include COVID-19 and climate change.
Having observed the celebrations of Africa Day for some years, it is very unfortunate that the commemorations are characterised by muted celebrations and many ordinary Africans are not even aware of the symbolic meaning of this commemoration. However, it is very common for the celebrations to be marked by Pan African rhetorical and oratory speeches with speakers often quoting the forefathers of Pan-Africanism such as the likes of Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and a host of others. What is very interesting is that most of these oratory Pan-African speeches are always delivered by some crop of African leaders who practically have no interest in the ideals of Pan-Africanism. The speeches are usually nothing but public relations exercises that have nothing to do with the plight of millions of Africans who are suffering from extreme hunger and poverty.
