Africa Celebrates Democracy And Golden Jubilee

Africa Celebrates Democracy And Golden Jubilee
Funke Atohengbe, Pretoria

The Pan African Parliament has commemorated the 50 years of independence of 17 African countries in Midrand, South Africa, with a call on the continent to use the opportunity to institute a culture of respect for democracy, good governance and human rights while maintaining the rule of law .

Former Tanzanian President, Ali Hassan Mwinyi paid tribute to African leaders who led liberation Movements and activities across the continent.

Mr. Mwinyi praised the liberationists for their determination and commitments that led to freeing the continent from colonial domination.

He said that as the 17 African nations mark 50 years of independence, Africa must use the occasions to institute a culture of respect for democracy, good governance and human rights while maintaining the rule of law.

These, Mwinyi said, were the challenges that must be vividly addressed by the African Union and its organs.

The former Tanzanian leader said the continent also needs to tackle the issue of Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara .

He urged the Pan -African Parliament to take up the tasks of ensuring that these challenges were properly dealt with, for the benefit of the continent.

The chairperson of the Southern Africa Caucus, Mrs Elizabeth Chitika-Molo called for the urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, for it to achieve its global mandate.

The Third Ordinary Session of the Second Pan- African Parliament is discussing Democracy and Good Governance, Gender issues, Peace and Security.

Yinka