Marking the African Union (AU) Day, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for a renewed commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and continental unity.
Celebrated every year on Sept. 9, this year’s 24th anniversary commemorated the historic Sirte Declaration of 1999, in Libya, in which African leaders took the decision to establish the African Union to accelerate integration and strengthen Africa’s voice globally.
The annual African Union Day serves as an avenue to celebrate some landmark achievements of the union, and an opportunity to reflect on the major challenges faced by the continent and the successes of the continental bloc.
In a press statement issued late Wednesday, the AUC chief emphasized that the priorities of the AU are heavily centered around accelerating economic integration, advancing peace and security, and reinforcing Africa’s global voice.
Youssouf also highlighted that this year’s commemoration arrives shortly after the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a significant African-led initiative, adopting a non-binding resolution that encourages the use of the Equal Earth cartographic projection in maps worldwide to replace the Mercator projection.
“A map may change how the world sees Africa, but Africa’s destiny will ultimately be shaped by how Africans see themselves. The time has come to see Africa in its true size, its true strength and its true potential,” he said. “Africa is not seeking a larger place in the world; Africa is reclaiming its rightful place in the world. Our task is to translate this renewed confidence into unity, prosperity, peace and influence.”
The chairperson underscored that Africa’s remarkable progress must also be measured by the tangible quality of life enjoyed by its people, pointing directly to the AU’s 2026 focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation for citizens.
He called upon member states, regional economic communities, private sector actors, civil society organizations, women, and the youth to persistently collaborate toward building an integrated, self-confident African continent fully capable of independently shaping its own future destiny.
Though the historic declaration was formally signed in 1999, the Pan-African bloc was officially launched during the Durban Summit in 2002 in South Africa. It succeeded the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to boost economic cooperation, continental unity, and peace across the entire African region. (Xinhua/GSF)