- Future of Europe, incomplete without Africa
- Italy, a privileged bridge between Europe and Africa
- African leaders pledge political, structural, and technological reforms
The Italian Prime Minister has lamented the increasing number of African youths dying on the Mediterranean Sea in their attempt for a better life in Europe, urging for actionable steps to curb the menace.
Georgia Meloni, who spoke at the just concluded thirty-ninth (39th) Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, made a strong case for reversing the ugly trend of migration of young Africans from their motherland to seek greener pastures.
She decried the fact that most times, these young people end up in the hands of their predators, insisting that they must have the freedom they desire to stay and contribute to the building of their respective countries.
Aerial view of the Summit. Credit: AU
Meloni noted that the future of Italy and the entire European continent is not complete without the African continent, hence the need for shared understanding and taking deliberate measures to ensure that the African continent is better for the pragmatic decision of its leaders today.
“Our point of view is that Italy and Europe cannot think about the future without taking Africa into proper consideration, because our future also depends on yours.
“Aware of this, Italy intends to continue to be a privileged bridge between Europe and Africa, making available the strength of its institutions, its great tradition of dialogue, and the expertise of its companies.
“We want to do this to achieve another goal we all considered momentous. To guarantee the men and women of this continent a freedom that is often denied them.
“The freedom to choose to remain in their country, to contribute to its growth without being forced to leave it and often paying unscrupulous traffickers to risk their lives in an attempt to cross the Mediterranean,” she stated.
He emphasised that “Those who believe that migration is necessary and indispensable are in fact acting selfishly” and rhetorically questioned, “If young people leave their land and their people in pursuit of the promise of a better life, what will become of the history, culture and existence of the country they abandoned? “
Also speaking at the occasion, the United Nations’ Secretary-General, António Guterres, charged the African leaders to embrace sustainable peace and security across the continent.
On his part, the Ethiopian Prime Minister and host, Abiy Ahmed, advised that Africa should move from reacting to global events to becoming an active player in global affairs.
He stated that as the AU approaches its 25th anniversary, the continent needs to be united, acting with confidence and greater continental influence that underscores true sovereignty and drives Africa’s narrative toward a robust technological future.
Speaking earlier at the event where former Heads of State and Government, present distinguished ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, and the leadership of the United Nations (UN) gathered, the President of the Republic of Angola and outgoing Chairperson of the AU, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço underscored that the union must chart a common front to gain its rightful place in the world.
He officially opened the 39th African Union (AU) summit, which had a theme that touches on access to water as a political, moral and strategic priority essential for Africa’s development, public health, food security and stability by urging for accelerated action to ameliorate poor conditions of the water and sanitation systems across the continent.
The AU Chair, Angola’s João Lourenço, used the occasion to highlight progress towards achieving the Agenda 2063.
The AU Chair and Angola’s President, His Excellency João Lourenço. Credit: AU
He urged all to expedite action through mobilising investment for infrastructure, strengthening continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting reforms to improve AU efficiency and reduce bureaucracy.
