Addis Ababa - Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Saturday in Addis Ababa called for the strengthening, determination and resilience of all African countries to promote the unity of the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), the Ethiopian Prime Minister said this stems from the fact that the world is characterized by rapid changes and multiple challenges, as well as a crossroads of uncertainty.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister added that the theme of this year's Assembly calls on all to heal the scars of historical injustices and overcome the lingering traumas that have long hindered Africa's progress, stressing that the demand for reparations is not about charity or financial aid, but a call for justice.
Abiy Ahmed Ali said Africans are simply seeking to restore the dignity of millions of people, to heal the deep scars of poverty, inequality and discrimination, and to put an end to the systemic exploitation of Africa's wealth, resources and opportunities.
The situation, the Premier said, also calls for a transformative process that acknowledges past harms and takes bold steps to right the wrongs done to societies across the continent, adding that most importantly, the call for reparations requires not just words but concrete actions to affirm the equal value of every human being.
According to Abiy Ahmed Ali, by promoting solidarity among all African nations and embracing a common destiny, "we can pool our resources and talents to unleash the full potential of our continent".
The official stressed that conflict resolution, diplomacy and peace-building must remain at the heart of African countries' efforts, and advocated African solutions to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Abiy Ahmed Ali urged African nations to preserve their political, scientific, economic and artistic achievements and to promote strategic initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, tools to boost intra-African trade in order to reduce external dependence and achieve self-sufficiency.
The Prime Minister emphasized that with Africa's large and dynamic youth, abundant natural resources and growing technological innovation, the continent has all the means to ensure sustainable growth.
Abiy Ahmed Ali said the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI, offers unprecedented opportunities to transform Africa's economies.
The summit confirmed Angolan leader João Lourenço as chairman of the African Union. SR/ART/DAN/AMP
