Mahamat implores nations to emulate Namibia
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has urged countries on the continent to follow Namibia's example and ensure a seamless transition of power during the year of elections.
With more than 80 countries, encompassing over half the world's population, scheduled to hold elections this year, the outcomes could be pivotal for democracy. On the African continent alone, there are 18 elections planned for the year.
Mahamat, speaking at the state memorial service for the late president Hage Geingob on Saturday, said Namibians are in the best position to appreciate Geingob's accomplishments for Namibia.
A model to follow
He cited the smooth transition of power following Geingob's death, with President Nangolo Mbumba being sworn in on the same day, 4 February, without any difficulties.
“The passing of the baton and the peaceful transfer of power following your passing confirm, if any further confirmation were needed, the strength of the institutions and the anchoring of democracy in this beautiful country, the Namibian House that you helped build," Mahamat said of Geingob.
"A model that we hope and pray will become a reality on the rest of the continent, particularly now when anti-constitutional changes of government are flourishing," he added to a loud round of applause.
Geingob's commitment praised
He said Geingob’s humility, integrity and commitment to Namibia and to Africa's great causes – unity, integration, peace, and prosperity – are what touched him the most.
Mahamat said Geingob helped draw up Agenda 2063, the African Union’s development agenda, which was always a blueprint for him.
“During my two visits to Namibia as chairperson of the African Union Commission, where you formally received me as head of state, the African Union flag and anthem that you imposed on Namibia’s public life symbolised your unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism,” he said, adding that Geingob carried Swapo's flag high in Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Concerned about continental violence
Recently, during the opening of the 42nd extraordinary assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) heads of state and government in Uganda, Mahamat said the situation between Somalia and Ethiopia is of great concern to the AU and should not leave any African indifferent.
“The current tensions between the brotherly nations of Somalia and Ethiopia compound an already difficult time for the region, where, despite our collective efforts, the Al Shabaab threat remains high in Somalia and the destructive war in Sudan continues unabated,” he said.
Mahamat said the respect for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of all member states is a sacrosanct principle of the union.
Another key principle he highlighted is the commitment to the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and consensual arrangements between member states.
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With more than 80 countries, encompassing over half the world's population, scheduled to hold elections this year, the outcomes could be pivotal for democracy. On the African continent alone, there are 18 elections planned for the year.
Mahamat, speaking at the state memorial service for the late president Hage Geingob on Saturday, said Namibians are in the best position to appreciate Geingob's accomplishments for Namibia.
A model to follow
He cited the smooth transition of power following Geingob's death, with President Nangolo Mbumba being sworn in on the same day, 4 February, without any difficulties.
“The passing of the baton and the peaceful transfer of power following your passing confirm, if any further confirmation were needed, the strength of the institutions and the anchoring of democracy in this beautiful country, the Namibian House that you helped build," Mahamat said of Geingob.
"A model that we hope and pray will become a reality on the rest of the continent, particularly now when anti-constitutional changes of government are flourishing," he added to a loud round of applause.
Geingob's commitment praised
He said Geingob’s humility, integrity and commitment to Namibia and to Africa's great causes – unity, integration, peace, and prosperity – are what touched him the most.
Mahamat said Geingob helped draw up Agenda 2063, the African Union’s development agenda, which was always a blueprint for him.
“During my two visits to Namibia as chairperson of the African Union Commission, where you formally received me as head of state, the African Union flag and anthem that you imposed on Namibia’s public life symbolised your unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism,” he said, adding that Geingob carried Swapo's flag high in Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Concerned about continental violence
Recently, during the opening of the 42nd extraordinary assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) heads of state and government in Uganda, Mahamat said the situation between Somalia and Ethiopia is of great concern to the AU and should not leave any African indifferent.
“The current tensions between the brotherly nations of Somalia and Ethiopia compound an already difficult time for the region, where, despite our collective efforts, the Al Shabaab threat remains high in Somalia and the destructive war in Sudan continues unabated,” he said.
Mahamat said the respect for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of all member states is a sacrosanct principle of the union.
Another key principle he highlighted is the commitment to the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and consensual arrangements between member states.
- [email protected]
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