Africa Day – Mauritius’ appurtenance to the OAU/AU contributed to economic progress of Member States

Mauritius’ appurtenance to the OAU/AU (Organisation of the African Unity/African Union) and its commitment to the integration of Africa have enabled the country to contribute, in its own modest ways, to the search for collective solutions for peace and democracy and for the economic progress of AU Member States, states the message of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, on 25 May 2013 on the occasion of Africa Day.

The message stipulates that at the same time, Mauritius has enjoyed the strong and unequivocal support from the OAU/AU in its rightful demarches for the country to effectively exercise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. The fact that the destiny of Mauritius remains closely intertwined with that of the African continent, not only for reasons of history and geography, but also as a matter of strategic choice, is also highlighted in the message.

The Anniversary of the Founding of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union is celebrated on every 25 May all over Africa.  Africa Day is not only celebrated in Africa but also by the African Diaspora around the world.

The 50th anniversary of the establishment of OAU/AU, celebrated this year, thematically anchored as the Year of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance, is cause for celebrations and reflection, starting with a special tribute to the generation of Pan-Africanists and the founding fathers of the OAU.

These Golden Jubilee Celebrations are a defining moment which provides Mauritius with an excellent opportunity to re-affirm its engagement with the Continent and to uphold the aspirations of its peoples.

About OAU

It is recalled that the OAU was founded in 1963.  The OAU’s initiatives paved the way for the birth of AU.  In July 1999, the OAU’s Assembly decided to convene an extraordinary session to expedite the process of economic and political integration in the continent.  Since then, four Summits have been held leading to the official launching of the African Union.  The African continent witnessed the transformation of the OAU to the African Union in 2002.

Mauritius joined the OAU immediately after independence.