BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – Acting Deputy Prime Minister Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe met the African Union (AU) Humanitarian Assessment Mission delegation.
The delegation was led by the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the African Union and United Nations Commission for Africa, His Excellency Ayele Lire Jijamo.
They further presented a cheque of USD $150 000.00 (E 2 643 150 Million) as a solidarity gesture towards the cause from the AU Humanitarian Affairs Fund.
Chief Ndlaluhlaza said they were grateful for the gesture as it will go a long way in facilitating peace in the country.
“We appreciate this so much and we will see to it is used wisely,” said the Chief.
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).
In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, The Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnised in the OAU Charter in which the founding fathers recognised that freedom, equality, justice and dignity.
These were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples and that there was a need to promote understanding among Africa’s peoples and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national Differences.
The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centred on African socialism and promoted African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage.
