19/02/2024
Speech of Chair of the African Union Commission H.E Mousa Faki on the occasion of unveiling the Statue of Mwalimu Nyerere at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Feb. 18, 2024.
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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)
Today, we gather on the margins of the Thirty-Seventh Ordinary Session to celebrate a momentous occasion, a milestone that serves as a testament to the sacrifices of our forebears and a lesson for generations to come.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to SADC for embarking upon this noble endeavour to honour our heroes and heroines who have shaped the Africa we envision – and want. Their ideologies, their sacrifices, and their unwavering dedication have paved the way for us to be here today.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the unveiling ceremony of one of Africa's most iconic figures, a statesman, and a son of our beloved soil - Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. The legacy of this remarkable leader extends far beyond the confines of this program. His life and work encapsulate the essence of exemplary leadership, profound wisdom, and selfless service to Africa.
The late President Julius Nyerere, a visionary who chose to be addressed as only "Mwalimu", meaning “teacher” in English, a title that reflects his roots as an educator before moving into the realm of politics. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the very essence of leadership, wisdom, and selflessness.
To encapsulate the multifaceted contributions of his extraordinary life and service to the African continent, I would like to highlight a few key aspects:
Firstly, Mwalimu Nyerere played a pivotal role in pioneering the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. This milestone event marked a significant trajectory in our relentless pursuit of African unity.
Mwalimu Nyerere's unwavering commitment to unity was evident in his steadfast efforts to rally nations towards a shared goal of collective well-being for the continent. His tireless efforts to educate and unite fellow Africans around this shared dream were unwavering. At the OAU summit in 1963, he eloquently captured the essence of this unity in his statement stating:
"Our continent is one, and we are all Africans. This organization symbolizes our determination to move forward together."
His commitment to African unity transcended boundaries, reflected in his stirring speech 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."
His dedication to this cause was unwavering, demonstrated by his unwavering support for liberation movements, such as the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). He provided a base for these movements, training, and hosting their activities against colonial forces. He further played a vital role in the formation of the Frontline States, a coalition of African nations united in their resistance against apartheid in South Africa. The formation of this alliance added immense strength to the collective efforts against racial oppression across the continent.
Under his leadership, the nation of 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.
The territory of Tanzania, such as Dar es Salaam was not only a safe haven for African liberation movements but also for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Latin American countries. Mwalimu's commitment to African independence and self-reliance was again exemplified by his establishment of the first-ever African Ideological School, providing an alternative strategy for the political liberation of Africa.
This resolute commitment to unity and self-determination continues to resonate within the African Union (AU) today, where we proudly uphold the values championed by Mwalimu Nyerere. These include our commitment to ensuring the welfare of Africans and the importance of fostering independent decisions, and the need to shape our future as African, with African solutions to African problems.
Many will remember that Mwalimu Nyerere was a champion of African culture, advocating for Swahili as a common language for communication among Africans. He believed that Swahili could transcend tribal and national boundaries, promoting understanding and unity across linguistic and cultural divides. Today, Swahili is one of the official languages of the AU, a testament to the enduring legacy of Mwalimu Nyerere's vision for our noble organisation.
The impact of Mwalimu Nyerere's contributions to Africa is immeasurable and cannot be captured within the confines of this program. His vision and dedication to unity, self-reliance, and cultural preservation continue to inspire and guide the continent today. As he so eloquently stated:
"Without unity, there is no future for Africa."
As we gather here today to celebrate the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, I would like to take a moment to remind you of the origins of the proposal for the peace and security building to be named after this great leader. It was the late President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia who first suggested this idea, and we honour his memory today as we rename the building to "Mwalimu Nyerere Political Affairs Peace and Security Building."
The late President Hage Geingob’s proposal aligns with the recent reform of the Union, which merged the two Departments of Peace and Security and Political Affairs. It is a testament to the AU’s commitment to streamlining our efforts and working together towards a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity for all Africans.
As we stand before the statue of Mwalimu Nyerere, let us remember the values and principles he stood for. This statue represents our shared African identity, our common purpose, and our unwavering commitment to a better, unified Africa. It is a tribute to the courage, resilience, and determination of our ancestors who fought tirelessly for the freedom, justice, and dignity that we all enjoy today.
And as we leave this ceremony, let us carry with us the spirit of unity and the determination to build a better future for ourselves and for future generations. Let us honour the sacrifices of our forefathers by continuing the work of Mwalimu Nyerere, and let us strive to create an Africa that he would be proud of.
Asante Sana.
