26 May 2022

 The discovery of the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, by Botswana scientists has proven beyond doubt that ‘Africans are equally capable of participating in causes that aim to find global solutions’.

 The pandemic has given Africa an opportunity to be inward looking for solutions and it is a step in the right direction, says Minister of State President Mr Kabo Morwaeng.

Officiating during 59th Africa Day commemoration in Gaborone  Wednesday, he said as the Africa Union (AU) continued with its stand on principles of self-determination, freedom and political independence, it should also determine the extent to which  members had lived up to the values.

“Africa Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s achievements and challenges thus far as well as to celebrate our strong and diverse cultural heritage as we map the way forward towards the Africa we want,” said Mr Morwaeng. He called for support for countries that were denied full actualisation of political independence and freedom. 

“Regrettably, we still have countries on the continent that have not attained their political independence and self- determination such as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic,” he said adding that the anomaly should be rectified.

African group heads of mission in Botswana, Dr Beatriz Morais, who is also Angolan ambassador, said the day’s theme, centred around malnutrition and food  insecurity, represented a critical milestone due to the impact tof COVID-19 in the economic and social spheres globally.

It was therefore necessary to make a sound political commitment at the highest level, she said explaining that the move would ensure children’s survival, growth and active participation in building bridges towards a prosperous future.

Mozambique’s high commissioner and dean of the diplomatic corps, Mr Domingos Fernandes said the day was an occasion for all Africans to renew their commitment to AU ideals  and to build an accelerated momentum for the promotion of Pan-African values, peace, stability and economic development for the well-being of the African people.

“This celebration is also an opportunity to reflect on our past and honour our African unity and dignity as well as to renew the AU’s respect for our ancestors who pioneered the Pan-African movement by honouring and perpetuating their legacy,” Mr Fernandes said.

He said the choice of theme was recognition of the need to make efforts to prioritise nutrition through implementation of priorities outlined in the 2022 Action Plan; Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and the Malabo 5 Declaration.

“The organisation intends to consolidate and reaffirm the ongoing importance of nutrition, especially child nutrition, as an important pillar in the development of Africa’s human capital, social and economic transformation,” said Mr Fernandes. Ends