Statement of the Afro-Arab Youth Council on the Occasion of Africa Day.
Every year on May 25, the peoples of Africa come together to celebrate Africa Day, marking the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. This historic organization laid the foundations for solidarity and unity among African nations, paving the way for liberation, sovereignty, and sustainable development.
On this historic day, we pay tribute to the founding fathers of African unity—the visionary leaders who met in Casablanca from January 4 to 7, 1961, in response to the call of His Majesty King Mohammed V of Morocco in January 1960. Their foresight, courage, and commitment laid the groundwork for the Organization of African Unity, which evolved into today’s African Union.
This historic gathering brought together some of the most influential figures in Africa’s liberation and unity movement, including:
- Kwame Nkrumah, Prime Minister of Ghana
- Modibo Keita, Prime Minister of Mali
- Ahmed Sékou Touré, President of Guinea-Conakry
- Gamal Abdel Nasser, President of the Republic of Egypt
- Ferhat Abbas, President of the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic
Abdelkader Allam, representative of King Idris I of Libya
Honoring their legacy, we renew our pledge to advance their dream of a united, sovereign, and prosperous Africa.
Following in their footsteps, His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda exemplifies unwavering dedication to continental solidarity, youth empowerment, and regional integration. We express our sincere gratitude for his gracious patronage of the Afro-Arab Youth Council and his outstanding leadership in promoting African unity. His commitment inspires generations and reaffirms the belief that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth and the strength of inter-African cooperation.
On this occasion, the Afro-Arab Youth Council proudly reaffirms its commitment to Africa and its dedication to building a united, stable, and secure continent, grounded in justice, dignity, and integration.
However, we cannot ignore the severe crises affecting our continent, demanding urgent and comprehensive African action:
Sudan : The Sudanese people have endured an unprecedented humanitarian tragedy for over a year due to violent armed conflict between national factions. Thousands have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, and institutions and basic services have nearly collapsed. The Council stands in full solidarity with the Sudanese people and calls on all political and military actors to prioritize national interests, embrace dialogue, and enable civil society—especially youth and women—to play an active role in creating an inclusive, peaceful political process.
Democratic Republic of the Congo : In the eastern region, ongoing armed conflicts continue to deteriorate security and humanitarian conditions, displacing millions and worsening livelihoods. We express deep concern over escalating ethnic and political tensions and urge genuine regional and continental mobilization to find a comprehensive political solution. We emphasize the critical role of local youth in reconciliation and development as both victims and agents of change.
Sahel Region : Recent geopolitical shifts include the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, aiming to redefine regional and international relations with full sovereignty and balanced cooperation. The Council recognizes these new dynamics and stresses the need for unified African will focused on stability, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development.
We highlight the importance of stronger integration between Sahel countries and the rest of Africa through South-South cooperation and holistic approaches addressing security, economic, and social aspects. In this spirit, we commend the Kingdom of Morocco and other African nations for supporting development and stability efforts in the Sahel via strategic partnerships, field initiatives, and youth capacity-building programs.
Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity remains fundamental for peace, development, and mutual trust among African peoples.
Libya : We reaffirm our steadfast support for efforts to restore peace and stability in Libya. Resolving the Libyan crisis is essential for regional security and continental integration. We call for inclusive national dialogue, respect for Libya’s sovereignty and unity, and a peaceful political process led by Libyans and supported by the African Union and international partners.
Nile Basin Cooperation : On Africa Day, we emphasize the critical importance of cooperation and dialogue among Nile Basin countries to ensure fair and sustainable management of the Nile waters. Water must remain a source of unity and a foundation for shared development, not division. We urge all nations involved to uphold African solidarity and engage in constructive dialogue respecting the rights and aspirations of all peoples along the Nile.
African Youth: The Continent’s Strength and Engine of Its Renaissance
Youth make up over 60% of Africa’s population, representing an invaluable demographic and strategic asset for the continent’s transformation. The Afro-Arab Youth Council calls for full political and economic empowerment of African youth, ensuring their meaningful participation in policy-making and sustainable development programs as active partners.
We believe Africa’s future depends on unlocking the potential of its youth through education, scientific research, innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. Their inclusion in decision-making at all levels is essential for building a new Africa.
Towards African Initiatives for Integration and Unity
The Council supports promising initiatives such as the Atlantic Initiative, which aims to grant landlocked African countries access to the Atlantic Ocean. This initiative exemplifies African integration and opens new opportunities for youth in the blue economy, transport, trade, and maritime education.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 will only be realized through genuine African will, making youth its heart and backbone, and African-African cooperation the foundation for a shared and prosperous future.
Long live a united, prosperous Africa, rising through its youth!
Issued in Kampala
Date: May 25, 2025
Afro-Arab Youth Council