By CHIMPREPORTS
The African Union has paid tribute to one of Africa’s most revered figures by renaming a significant building after Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, announced this renaming during the unveiling ceremony of the statue dedicated to the late Julius Nyerere.
Mahamat underscored the profound impact of Nyerere’s leadership, stating that his legacy embodies the spirit of Pan Africanism, exceptional wisdom, and dedicated service to Africa. He highlighted Nyerere’s instrumental role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, emphasizing the milestone event in the pursuit of African unity.
Quoting Nyerere’s words from the inaugural OAU summit in 1963, Mahamat recalled, “Our continent is one, and we are all Africans. This organization symbolizes our determination to move forward together.” Nyerere’s commitment to African unity extended beyond national boundaries, demonstrated by his support for freedom struggles in Southern Africa, turning Tanzania into a sanctuary for liberation movements across the continent.
Under Nyerere’s leadership, Tanzania became the headquarters for the Organization of African Unity Liberation Committee until the dismantling of the Apartheid system in South Africa in 1994. According to Mahamat, Dar es Salaam served not only as a haven for African liberation movements but also for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Latin American countries.
Mahamat highlighted Nyerere’s role as a peacemaker, particularly in mediating the crisis in Burundi. He emphasized Nyerere’s enduring legacy as a wise statesman who selflessly provided counsel and advice to the African Union until the end of his life.
The Chairperson proposed the renaming of the building to the “Mwalimu Nyerere Political Affairs Peace and Security building,” an idea originally put forth by the late President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia. Mahamat concluded by expressing the hope that the spirit of Nyerere’s wisdom and humility would guide the work of the newly renamed building, now dedicated to political affairs, peace, and security.
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