11 Jun 2025

Africa Day is not only a celebration of unity but also a reminder of the milestone achievements made through African Union (AU) programmes. 

Organised through a partnership between the Ministry of International Relations and the African diplomatic community, the collaboration signified a renewed commitment to advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063 and achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Acting Minister for International Relations, Moeti Mohwasa in his address on June 10. 

The Three Dikgosi Monument was abuzz with activity as several African nations gathered to celebrate Africa Day, an annual event observed on May 25.  The festivities featured dance, diverse cuisines, beverages and vibrant traditional attire, with participating countries including the host, South Africa, Angola, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Algeria.  As Africa continues to confront global challenges, Botswana marked the occasion with a call for unity and justice. 

The event provided a platform to reflect on Africa’s past struggles and future aspirations. Mohwasa expressed hope that the partnership marked the beginning of a sustained relationship that will strengthen efforts toward shared development and continental progress. He said the event themed: Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparationshe called on the continent to confront the legacies of historical injustices such as colonisation, slavery and systemic exploitation. Mohwasa stressed that addressing these issues was both a moral and legal imperative rooted in Africa’s core values of dignity, equity and respect for justice. 

Tracing Africa’s ongoing struggle for justice, he referenced key milestones such as the 1993 Abuja Proclamation, the 2023 Accra Proclamation, and recent decisions from the AU Assembly, including Decision 884 of 2024. These efforts, he said, recognised  the profound violations of human rights through colonisation, slavery and discrimination. He said that resolutions by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly on reparations and the Diaspora, further affirm the continent’s commitment to justice, healing and reconciliation. 

He reaffirmed the country’s support for the AU’s establishment of a Committee of Experts on Reparations, tasked with developing a unified African position on reparatory programmes and partnerships with the African Diaspora across Latin America, North America, Europe, and the UK. He announced ongoing efforts, including the development of a comprehensive Diaspora Policy in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). ENDS