Challenges for the African union: Keynote Presentation by Abdul Mohammed

Abstract

Keynote Presentation by Abdul Mohammed on the symposium "Challenges for the African Union" organized by Inter Africa Group and Justice Africa. Mr. Mohammed, on his remarks highlighted that, This Symposium is possible only because of the African Development Forum, which begins tomorrow. The ADF is a remarkable event, which has greatly enriched the level of debate and the quality of consensus making in Africa today, and we are pleased that this Symposium is so closely connected with it. Unity in Africa has a deep historical resonance: it was the goal of the fathers of independence and has remained the basic aspiration of African citizens across the continent. The challenge we face is the practical application of these principles. Partnerships with civil society organizations should be an integral part of the pan-African unification strategy, and not an afterthought. Regional peace and security is an essential foundation for the Union. Without it, our energies are wasted.