Africa: Statement By H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission At the Unveiling Ceremony of the Statue of the Late Julius Nyerere

Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Chairperson of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,

Excellency, Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Excellency, Elias Magosi, SADC Executive Secretary,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Habari ya asubuhi (good morning)

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this ceremony for one of Africa’s most iconic figures, – Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. The legacy of this remarkable leader encapsulates the essence of Pan Africanism, profound wisdom, and service to Africa.

Mwalimu played a key pioneering role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, a milestone event in our pursuit of African unity. The journey continues.

At the inaugural OAU summit in 1963, Mwalimu said, and I quote:

“Our continent is one, and we are all Africans. This organization symbolizes our determination to move forward together.”

His commitment to African unity went beyond national boundaries and national interest, as reflected in his words to the Tanzanian Parliament in 1970:

“We must stand by our brothers fighting for freedom in Southern Africa. Their struggle is our struggle, and their victory is our victory.”

Under his leadership, Tanzania became a sanctuary for liberation movements across the continent. The Organization of the African Unity Liberation Committee found its headquarters in Tanzania until the dismantling of the Apartheid system in South Africa in 1994.