African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for renewed commitment to Pan Africanism, unity and solidarity as the continent marks African Union Day….reports Africa Daily News Desk
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for renewed commitment to Pan Africanism, unity and solidarity as Africa marks African Union Day.
September 9 commemorates the 1999 Sirte Declaration, when African leaders took a decisive step towards establishing the African Union as a vehicle for accelerating continental integration and strengthening Africa’s voice globally.
In his message marking the occasion, Youssouf said this year’s celebration comes at a significant moment for the continent, following the United Nations General Assembly’s endorsement of an African led initiative supporting the use of a world map that more accurately represents Africa’s true size.
The initiative, championed by Togo with the support of the African Union, represents more than a change to cartography, Youssouf said, arguing that the way Africa is portrayed internationally is closely linked to how the continent understands and presents itself.
“A map may change how the world sees Africa, but Africa’s destiny will ultimately be shaped by how Africans see themselves,” Youssouf said.
“The time has come to see Africa in its true size, its true strength and its true potential.”
He said the campaign for a more accurate representation of Africa forms part of a wider push for greater African agency, including stronger economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, improved peace and security, sustainable development and greater African representation in global decision making.
The AU’s Agenda 2063 remains the continent’s overarching blueprint for building an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
Youssouf said the organisation’s priorities increasingly focus on strengthening peace and security, accelerating economic integration and reinforcing Africa’s voice on the global stage.
“Africa is not seeking a larger place in the world; Africa is reclaiming its rightful place in the world,” he said.
“Our task is to translate this renewed confidence into unity, prosperity, peace and influence.”
The AU Commission chairperson also stressed that Africa’s progress must ultimately be measured by improvements in the lives of its people.
He pointed to the African Union’s 2026 focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation as an example of efforts to connect the continent’s broader ambitions with the everyday needs of African citizens.
Youssouf called on AU member states, regional economic communities, African institutions, the private sector, civil society, women and young people to remain engaged in building a more integrated and self confident continent.
He reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to advancing the vision of “The Africa We Want” and ensuring that the spirit of the Sirte Declaration continues to guide future generations.
“The Africa of tomorrow must not only be better represented on the map; it must be stronger in the world, more united at home and more prosperous for its people,” Youssouf said.
He concluded by extending his wishes for a peaceful and inspiring African Union Day to people across Africa and the African diaspora.
