May 25, 2024

Africa Day 2024: Reflections on Unity and Economic Independence

Dear All,

As we mark 61 years since the formation of the Organization of African Unity (now the Africa Union), we reflect on the significance of Africa Day in 2024. The era of global powers viewing Africa with indifference is over. Africa is transforming rapidly, driven by the continental free trade agreement, increasing interest in its mineral wealth, and superpower competition for global influence. Many African nations are making strides towards economic and political independence. Recent military coups in the Sahel region, while problematic, demonstrate the desire for more political-economic freedom.

But while Africa is growing fast, it is not growing together. Pan-African solidarity has given way to national self-interest, putting the continent at crossroads and undermining its progress. Aware of the new global iteration and greater interest in the continent, African leaders are seeking new partners as a means of diversification.

As some countries break away from one colonial power, newly assertive powers offer themselves as partners, while old ones offer ‘new opportunities.’ On the one hand, Russia, China, and other emerging markets have aggressively courted new African leaders with lucrative deals, fending off the West. On the other, the recent White House State Dinner honoring Kenya’s President Ruto and the bilateral trade negotiations between Kenya and the United States (US) signals economic prosperity for Kenya.

But these bilateral alliances raise concerns about transparency and participation. There is a need for greater transparency and meaningful civic participation before concluding any part of a US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership. Bilateral investment deals must not undermine regional economic integration which could potentially harm smaller African economies. As African leaders seek new alliances, the desire for individual progress must not threaten the collective growth and independence that Africa seeks.

On this Africa Day therefore, let us embrace our shared heritage, celebrate our achievements, and empower the African narrative. But above all, Africa must grow together, even if it means sacrificing speed for unity and collective progress, as the famous African proverb says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’.

We have given a series of presentations to different groups of sisters who come to ARU for different programs and grab the opportunity of their presence to share the richness on Laudato Si – Care for our common home in a bid to raise awareness of the climate crisis which is being faced globally but putting it in our local context. In our presentations, we put more emphasis on raising awareness about the construction of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the catastrophic consequences it will have on the people, eco systems and the environment. We are planning to have a mega online campaign against EACOP and engage the sisters on how they can get more involved in combating its adverse effects.

Since 2018, three different Congregations; (Comboni Missionary Sisters – CMS, Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu –LSMIG and Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church – MSMMC) were trained by the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) with financial support from Africa Faith and Justice Network – since then sisters are active in advocating for social justice especially in Human Trafficking and Gender based violence.

Africa Faith Justice Network (AFJN) – Uganda in Partnership with the Association of Religious in Uganda, Fort Portal Diocese has been involved in creating awareness on human trafficking. The sisters in Fort Portal had a meeting with the male victims of Human Trafficking and the local government leaders.