AU Commission hosts luncheon to mark the closing of OAU-AU 50th anniversary celebration

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — As part of the closing events of year-long celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the OAU-AU, held Sunday 25th May 2014, the African Union Commission, hosted the Golden Jubilee lunch, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The luncheon, with a variety of a traditional African dishes and musical entertainment, was celebrated by members of the AU Permanent Representative Committee, the diplomatic community, AU Commission staff members and their families as well as other guests participating in the closing events. AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Mr Erastus Mwencha cut the anniversary cake, with the assistance of some ambassadors and AUC Commissioners.

The year-long celebration from May 2013-2014 was launched at the AU Headquarters and various parts of the continent through formal gatherings, panel discussions, street marches and other events by different sectors of the African society that overall commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the organization.

The OAU/AU 50th Anniversary was an historic opportunity to encourage African debate on the role of Africa in the continent and to reflect on its past, present and future. The occasion boosted the movement to support the spirit of pan-Africanism and for the continent to work towards renaissance and outline its vision and mission for its agenda 2063 for an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa.