Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), has called for a collective commitment by African leaders, institutions, and citizens to embrace and share a common vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 13th African Union High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Accra, the Chairman in a speech read on his behalf by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, emphasized that Africa’s transformation succeed without a united sense of purpose.
“It is necessary that the vision for a prosperous, democratic, and peaceful Africa is shared,” he stated
The Commission Chairman said, “We must continue to aspire for a united, dignified, globally influential Africa. As we gather today, the fundamental truth is that justice, including reparative justice, peace, and stability, must be the cardinal principles, the cornerstones of our transformation.”
The High-Level Dialogue, convened under the African Governance Architecture and Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA), is serving as a continental platform for dialogue on this year’s theme: Justice, Rights, Reparations and State Building.
Participants include AU member states, regional bodies, civil society, youth groups, and global partners.
Mr. Youssouf reminded participants of Africa’s long journey from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU), describing the evolution as “a defining milestone in our history.”
He stated that the AU continued to work towards a future where peace and democracy were central pillars of progress.
He underscored that the path to continental transformation must be anchored in justice and historical clarity, saying “for the looting of our cultural resources, we must define and redefine that our culture matters.”
“The legacy of slavery must not only be remembered but used to shape our collective future,” Mr Youssouf stressed.
He praised the AU’s youth and gender forums, held ahead of the main dialogue, for their energy and clarity.
“We must raise the bar through intergenerational, inclusive action. Transformative change is possible. The Africa we want is within reach, an Africa anchored on democracy, justice, shared humanity, and global peace,” the AU Chairperson said in his call for collective responsibility.
President John Dramani Mahama stressed the need for inclusive and people-driven state building.
He said, “We must shape a future where African agency, sovereignty, and dignity are restored and respected. A future where state building is informed by our context, shaped by our people, and owned by our communities.”
The President called for immediate action beyond speeches, and that “This dialogue cannot afford to become another ceremonial event filled with lofty speeches but void of action. Our young people are watching. They demand fairness and opportunity, not charity.”
The African Union has affirmed that the 2025 theme on justice and reparations will extend beyond a single year, with the formal declaration of 2026 to 2036 as the Decade of Reparations.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, described the Dialogue as a vital space to push forward Africa’s agenda for inclusive development.
The Foreign Minister said, “This gathering reflects the AU’s steadfast commitment to placing the rights and welfare of individuals at the heart of governance on our continent.”
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