The 8th African Union Summit

Tafessework Wondimu

How pleasing was it to witness the movement of the 8th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa at the farthest eve of the celebrations of the Ethiopian Millennium.
It seems to me from what I have observed that the African Head of States and Governments have meaningfully underlined the expression of their political will over vital security and socio-economic issues. On the other hand, the manifestation of the political maturity of the African peoples as expressed by most of their leaders through their solemn statements in the midst of a few world figures, amongst whom was to be found the United Nations’ Secretary-General, in the same Hall where other meetings had taken place in the past, shows greater transparency and accountability, catch words of the 21st century international relations, more than any time before.
As we, Africans, have resolved to work for human dignity, respect for others, and above all for economic and social advancement; the security issues of some African nations which are prompted and prolonged by odd factors, should deserve continuous attention even beyond the venue of protocol. The stability of the countries in question should be a hot agenda until such time that security is insured in its totality.
If need be, and if permanent solution is to come through the modicum of other means such as neutralization, I gather that the world will open its ears to listen and act upon it by giving its consent to such a solution.
On the whole, one would see a bright future among African leaders in the manifestation of the will to work together for the realization of the ideals of peace, democracy, human rights and dignity, as well as for fast-paced social and economic transformation.
The 21st century is witnessing the gradual emergence of transformational and transcending African leaders who are more concerned for the interests of their own peoples and that of their neighbors more than ever before. This needs encouragement as the present and the future generations demand enlightened and quality leadership from the very individual leaders, the peoples of Africa have elected.
The 8th Summit of AU could be said, in a way, as one that has been unique and far colorful. The presence in the Summit of Prime-Ministers and leaders of some substantial countries, as well as the Secretary Generals of world acclaimed international institutions and other dignitaries, attests to this reality of the time. Yet, Africa is gaining momentum every passing year as a new world out of its old mould, indeed.
Such an event would certainly be a matter of proud historical record; however, the meaning of its content lies in the interpretation of its essence.
As for us, Ethiopians, we have been proud to receive our guests in politeness, with a feeling of responsibility and with assured security coverage. We have been proud of the all round and balanced concern for the residents and our high esteemed guests accorded by the all included city-administration of Addis Ababa. Yet we are hopeful, that in future our African and other world leaders will see a relaxed and unconfused traffic flow with the introduction of more alternative roads where guests and residents could move side by side smoothly without confusion of direction and where ambulances and fire-fighting brigades move with little strain.
That will require change of attitude to work and to the work schedule. The habit of working 24 hours seems to be foolish while it is possible. Let us work twenty-four hours all around the clock by doing away with the 8-hour schedule. Let us collect more revenues through lunch hours and evenings through the shift system; and let us build more roads in our capital city to overcome our repeatedly recurring problems. The 24-hours work schedule does not deprive us of our sleep as long as we believe in transparency and accountability and in the shift system; and as long as the slogan should be “WORK and SLEEP 24 Hours around the Clock.”
I hope a week after the publication of this article; changes will be in place that would enable us to foot our unpaid legal bills during lunch hours or the fresh evenings, TV annual fees being non-exceptional.