By Kombe Chimpinde in Addis Ababa
Fri 24 May 2013, 14:01 CAT
Speaking shortly after his arrival in Addis Ababa on Wednesday night ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the AU, which has coincided with the 21st AU Heads of States Summit, where he will be honoured for his contributions towards the fight against colonial rule, Dr Kaunda said the decision was a great honour to Zambia.
"I am grateful to them for recognising what Zambia did during the days of struggle. They are not honouring one man. They are honouring the country and I am grateful for that and we are here to say thank you for Zambia. Africa has recognised what you (Zambia) did," he said.
Dr Kaunda said it was gratifying for Africa to honour him and other African leaders for their contributions, which culminated into the formation of Organisation of African Unity, now called AU.
Dr Kaunda underscored the importance of the view held by the founding fathers in the formation of the union.
"AU was born out of the organisation of many nations. Our leaders saw the importance of African Union. Europe has been pushing here and there to come together. America is doing the same thing. China and India are doing the same thing," Dr Kaunda explained.
"Africans are coming together by creating more regional areas like SADC, COMESA and ECOWAS. All these are signs of African leaders who want to create conditions of coming together in the end. So I am hopeful that Africa as a union will continue to build the unity of Africa in all fields."
He reiterated that for unity to exist, Africans must accept the differences in cultural, religious and tribal affiliations.
"Zambia stands united today. That is how Zambia fought for independence, helped Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia," said Dr Kaunda.
And history was rekindled shortly after Dr Kaunda met with former OAU secretary general William Eteki at Bole's VIP lounge on his arrival.
Eteki of Cameroon, served as OAU secretary general from 1974 to 1978.
Dr Kaunda, who arrived in Addis Ababa slightly earlier than Eteki, was elated when Eteki recognised him and walked to him (Dr Kaunda) to embrace him.
"You are looking very young," Dr Kaunda remarked as he (Eteki) responded, "You too. Welcome!".
Dr Kaunda then proceeded to introduce justice minister Wynter Kabimba to Eteki.
The 50th anniversary celebrations slated for tomorrow, will be held under the theme 'Pan-Africansim and African renaissance'.
Labels: AU, KENNETH KAUNDA, WILLIAM ETEKI
posted by MrK @ 7:20 PM
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