There daytime world ofAfrica celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the agreements of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), on May 25, 1963. Its commemoration is intended to recall the fight for the liberation, unity and socio-economic development of the continent.
Every year, it now calls on African states and the populations of different countries to mobilize around a theme on the African Union (AU) agenda.
However, the tradition of observing the day has not taken hold in the same way across Africa and its diaspora. It is only a public holiday in a few countries such as Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Namibia, Zambia, Mali, Mauritania, Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In several countries and particularly in Senegal until now, the commemoration is barely observed.
Call to President Bassirou Diakhar Diomaye Faye
Senegal now wants to be pan-African and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has committed to the Senegalese people to work for “true sub-regional and African integration”.
The proclamation of May 25, Africa Day, as an official holiday in Senegal, would be an indication of this pan-African commitment.
This will be a way of raising awareness among the Senegalese of the fight for Pan-African unity and gradually familiarizing them with the programs of the African Union.
It will also be a signal to other African countries, the African diaspora throughout the world and to all States of the world of our commitment to the unity of Africa and to Pan-Africanism.
The commemoration of the day each year through official and popular events on the theme chosen by the African Union must therefore now be essential in Senegal.
The new government of Senegal, of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko installed barely two months ago, certainly has not had time to prepare for the celebration of Africa Day this year 2024.
A speech by the President of the Republic on the theme chosen by the African Union, “educating the African of the 21st century, building resilient education systems for training for life, more inclusive and more appropriate” could however make it possible to signal the Senegal’s commitment to now be part of the AU action program for the achievement of continental unity.
