The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) recalled the historical contribution of all those who made possible the founding in 1963 of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), predecessor of the African Union, with the aim of defending the independence of the colonized peoples, fighting against neocolonialism, promoting peace and solidarity among the countries of Africa.

The aspiration to have a “more united, emancipated, resistant to maneuvers contrary to its growth and free development” continent still stands after 60 years, the MPLA said.

The Ministry of Foreign Relations (MIREX) reiterated on behalf of the State the exhortation to consolidate the principles of solidarity and reinforce the search for solutions to old and new challenges.

“Africa faces numerous challenges to fully achieve the goals set 60 years ago by the founding fathers of the OAU,” the Mirex said.

“The continent continues to struggle to eradicate poverty, illiteracy, endemic diseases and hunger caused by cyclical food crises. It also faces the consequences of extreme weather variations, armed conflicts, terrorist actions, unconstitutional changes in government, and is now trying to recover from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the statement said.

“The exodus of young people to Europe is also worrying, since it deprives the region of valuable labor and its creative capacity for economic, cultural and technological development.”

llp/ro/mjm