Latest news with #AfricanFreedomDay
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Congratulatory Message On Venezuela's Peaceful, Free, Fair, Inclusive, Credible And Democratic Election Process
The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS) congratulates Venezuelan people on peaceful, free, fair and credible democratic elections for membership into that country's National Assembly, Governorships and Local Legislative Councils, held on 25th May, 2025. We commend them for their active engagement in the democratic process, and extend warm congratulations to all newly elected representatives of the Venezuelan people at the national, regional and local governance levels. Interestingly, these elections were conducted on the 62nd anniversary of the African Liberation Day (ALD). African Liberation Day, also called African Freedom Day or Africa Day, commemorates the struggle of African people against bondage, oppression, colonialism, apartheid and imperialism. The African people's struggle merges with the struggle for Latin American sovereignty, independence and homeland dignity. So it is not a monolithic celebration of only a political struggle. It is a struggle for cultural freedom as well. Africans situate the continent's Liberation Day not only within the context of the African Union but within the context of the struggle of African people worldwide for emancipation. At least 1, 400 international observers monitored the May 25 elections in Venezuela, according to reports. We note with tremendous admiration the steadfastness, determination, patience and orderliness with which Venezuelan citizens came out and queued to exercise their rights to elect their representatives in tandem with democratic ethos. Though the outcome of the elections was very encouraging, we heard deep concerns of the Venezuelan people regarding attempts by the US government and its proxy institutions, to scuttle the Venezuelan the process. The right to vote during elections is a fundamental human right, and we condemn US policy of destabilization towards Venezuela. We are also concerned about the corporate media's frenzy aimed at misleading public opinion about Venezuela's democracy. We note also the apprehension that gripped the Venezuelan nation in the run off to the polls characterized by right wing political campaigns that were not issued based but laden with incitements, divisive messages, hate speeches, mudslinging, and imperialist-derived and imperialist-driven manifestoes. We therefore celebrate with all Venezuelans that after such a tensed atmosphere, the elections were brought to a peaceful, credible and fair conclusion. Here also, we congratulate and commend the leadership, management and staff members of the Venezuelan National Election Council (CNE), for the doggedness, resolute and commitment to a peaceful, free, fair and credible democratic election, culminating into the emergence of representatives that are really the choice of the Venezuelan people. This we note with credible reports that, election officers at all the polling stations across the country were properly trained in the execution of their duties. In addition, they were courteous and provided assistance to incapacitated voters. They informed voters of the voting process in an impartial and transparent manner. The voting process was therefore conducted according to international procedures and guidelines for the conduct of credible democratic elections. We move forward!
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future every May 25
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
Euronews
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Showcase the country's rich cultural heritage in the kitchen this Africa Day
Showcase the country's rich cultural heritage in the kitchen this Africa Day As Africa Day approaches on May 25, families across the continent prepare to celebrate, not only the founding of the organisation of African Unity in 1963, but also the rich diversity of African culture, heritage, and resilience. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday, and many South African households are taking the opportunity to gather around the table, or the braai area, and share in the joy of traditional cuisine. Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, marks a significant moment in history, the beginning of a united effort among African nations toward political freedom, economic independence, and cultural pride. Also read: Curro Bryanston preschoolers make chocolate eggs from scratch In the spirit of commemorating African unity through local flavour, we got inspired to write this article when we were invited to a newly opened traditional South African food restaurant launch event at Chilli Lane, Tasty Nation. The event launch drew food lovers, media personalities, and culture enthusiasts alike to experience a menu steeped in heritage and prepared with heart. Dishes such as umngqusho (a comforting mix of samp and beans), tribe, cow head, mutton curry, peri peri chicken livers, pap, chakalaka, spinach, short beef ribs, and bobotie were on the menu. Also read: Diverse sectors meet future talent at The IIE's Varsity College Sandton career fair The restaurant's founder, Kelly Lewis, whose roots stretch across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, shared her vision of celebrating Africa Day, not just as a nod to history, but as a vibrant, living expression of culture through food. 'When we prepare these meals, we are not just cooking, we are honouring the stories of our grandparents, the warmth of family gatherings, and the soul of who we are as Africans.' For families looking to bring the spirit of Africa Day into their own kitchens, there are many beloved dishes that are both accessible and full of flavour. Read more: Progress being made on pipe repairs at Illovo reservoir List of food to make: Bobotie Bunny Chow Mogodu (Tribe) Braai Chakalaka and Pap Potjiekos Cape Malay Chicken Curry Samp and Beans (Umngqusho) Vetkoek Roosterkoek Melktert (Milk Tart) Koeksisters Malva Pudding Homemade Ginger Beer Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt dedicates entry lanes for African Union nationals at Cairo Int'l Airport - Tourism
Egypt has dedicated entry lanes for African Union (AU) nationals at Cairo International Airport to ease their entry and reinforce growing ties with Africa, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Thursday. The initiative was unveiled in a ceremony at the airport to mark Africa Day, which commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. Representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several African ambassadors to Egypt attended the event. Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Ihab Awad said the step is part of the government's efforts to respond to the increasing flow of African visitors to Egypt, facilitate their entry, and improve their reception at the country's main international gateway. "This is one of many steps currently being undertaken by state institutions to reinforce Egypt's African identity," Awad added. He noted that the move reflects Cairo's commitment to deepening relations with African partners and strengthening people-to-people ties. Ambassador Awad highlighted Egypt's growing outreach "through sectors such as medical and conference tourism, as well as expanding scholarships for African students in Egypt." 'These steps also contribute to supporting African cooperation in the face of common challenges,' he affirmed. Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is celebrated annually on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the OAU, which was succeeded by the African Union in 2002. Despite institutional transition, the date continues to symbolize African unity and solidarity. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
