African Union Celebrates 50 Years

{{African nations this week mark the 50th year since the founding of the African Union organization that spearheaded efforts to liberate Africa from colonial masters. Now leaders want to map out the next 50 years of political and economic integration.}}

Heads of state and government have begun arriving in the capital Addis Ababa for the celebrations.

Konjit Sinegiorgis was a young diplomat tasked with distributing documents to the assembled heads of state when the founding congress of the Organization of African Unity was held in May 1963. Sinegiorgis said the OAU “brilliantly” accomplished its primary task.

“Its primary mandate was to liberate Africa from the shackles of colonialism and apartheid. I think in that regard it has done brilliantly,” said Konjit, now Ethiopia’s ambassador to the African Union, the successor to the OAU.

The weeklong 50-year celebrations culminate Saturday in the Ethiopian capital where African leaders will be joined by foreign dignitaries including United States Secretary of State John Kerry.

African leaders will also consider Agenda 2063, a blueprint they say will bring socio-economic and political transformation to the continent.

{Organization of African Unity founding Leaders in 1963}

{African Union Headquarters today}