“There is no doubt that Africa is now able to tell to the world that her time has come and that in unity Africa will move forward a long awaited renaissance in today’s globalised world.”

Seychelles’ founding President James Mancham made this statement after taking part in activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

In a statement issued yesterday morning to the international press, Mr Mancham said he felt highly privileged to have shared in this great event where the positive atmosphere prevailed at all times.

Mr Mancham was among a selected group of former Presidents who was invited by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, chairperson of the AU, to join the heads of state who were taking part in a special anniversary of OAU/AU Summit.

Mr Mancham was welcome on his arrival at the Bole international airport in Addis Ababa on Saturday May 25 by Seychelles’ Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam and Seychelles’ Ambassador to Ethiopia and the AU Joseph Nourrice, both of whom formed part of the Seychelles delegation to the celebration.

The Seychelles delegation was led by President James Michel who delivered a well-applauded address of congratulation message at the opening of the celebration.

Mr Mancham joined President Michel at a special luncheon hosted by Dr Zuma in the reception hall of the newly completed impressive headquarters of the AU – a gift from the government and people of China to the African continent.  

On Saturday evening, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Ato Hailamariam Desalegn hosted a dinner at the Sheraton Addis Hotel.  In between social reception Mr Mancham met and had discussions with a whole range of former heads of state who included former President Kufuor of Ghana, former president General Rawlings of Ghana, former Nigerian head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, former president Chissano of Mozambique and serving presidents Zuma of South Africa and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam.

Forrás: www.nation.sc