African Unity Celebrated in Santiago de Cuba

On Wednesday, the 54th anniversary of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union, was commemorated by African university students and fellow Cuban students in Santiago de Cuba.

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The celebrations, a wide variety of cultural and educational programs, as well as scientific and sports activities, are scheduled to continue until Saturday.

Prensa Latina reported that support for the event is being provided by the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples, Fernando Ortiz African Cultural Center, diplomatic representatives of the participating nations, and educational institutions in the city.

A forum titled, "Pensemos Africa," is scheduled for Friday. During the event, scholars will debate and discuss their views concerning the realities of the continent.

An artistic showcase of African cultural traditions and expressions will close out the celebrations on Saturday at the Heredia Theater.

Recent visits to Cuba by Maria Eugenia Neto and Irene Alexandra, widow and daughter of the late Angolan independence leader, Angostinho Neto, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of the Congo, Clement Mouamba, strengthened the historical ties between the African continent and socialist Cuba.

During Eugenia Neto's visit, Cuban General Tete Puebla, emphasized the Cuban people's gratitude to Africa, “We are indebted to Africa because many men and women brought from there fought against Spanish colonialism in this land.”

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Granma reported that Neto reciprocated the sentiment, noting that as a result of the Cuban people's resolve and profound sense of internationalism, Africa had been liberated from the horrors of colonialism.

African Unity was established on May 25, 1963, in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. The organization's goals were to eradicate colonialism, lift African nations from the scourge of underdevelopment, and defend the sovereignty of those nations.

African Unity was replaced by the African Union in 2002. Its first chairperson was South African President Thabo Mbeki.