Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on Saturday on African countries to exert efforts to achieve the aspirations of nations towards a prosperous and stable continent. In a televised speech in celebration of Africa Day, Sisi asked the continent's countries to hold on to their unity to accomplish the dream of their founding fathers of a thriving continent. Saturday marks 56 years since the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which was established in Ethiopia's Addis Ababa. The OAU was replaced by the African Union in 2002. "We have to seek towards developing our human resources and rehabilitate the youth of the continent to keep pace with the developments of the era and fulfil their missions in leading the future of Africa," Sisi said. He cited the importance of a continued boost for the role of African women as a "beating heart" for societies and a guiding light to transform them economically, calling also for a boosting of cultural ties between nations as a consolidation of African identity and to raise the principles of African solidarity. Sisi also mentioned the continent's drive to achieve sustainable development through an ambitious plan, Agenda 2063. "Day by day, our joint efforts become more effective to find resolutions for conflicts and problems faced by our nations for decades, which has precluded accomplishing the dreams of nations," he said. Sisi is chairing the African Union this year; Egypt has pledged to focus on issues of peace and security during its chairing of the body, and to tackle reconstruction and development in post-conflict zones. Source: Ahram Online
