Op-ed by Ms. Laure Olga GONDJOUT

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Former Ombudsman of the Republic, Gabon

On this May 25, Africa Day must not be merely a symbolic date.

It must be a moment of truth, of collective awareness and responsibility for the African peoples.

Africa is entering a period of profound geopolitical, economic, cultural, and spiritual transformation.

The entire world is interested in its natural resources, its youth, its lands, its strategic minerals, its markets, and its future influence.

But while external powers move forward methodically, Africa too often remains fragmented, vulnerable, and divided.

Even more worrying, certain behaviors observed on our own continent are undermining the Pan-African ideal itself.

The violence, discrimination, and acts of rejection targeting other Black Africans in South Africa constitute a moral wound for all of Africa.

No economic or social frustration can justify hatred between African peoples.

Africa cannot defend Black dignity in the world while tolerating forms of humiliation, segregation, or rejection among Africans.

With all due respect to their ranks, I, Laure Olga GONDJOUT, in full knowledge of the facts, call upon Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, and Cyril Ramaphosa to remember the role played by all of Africa during the long years of imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and the other illustrious sons and daughters of South Africa.

African peoples shared their resources, their lands, their diplomatic voices, and sometimes even the blood of their children to support the struggle against apartheid.

MADIBA belongs to all of Africa.

His struggle cannot become the symbol of selective memory or forgotten solidarity.

Today, a fundamental question arises:

Who will help Africa remain true to itself while fully entering the 21st century?

The answer lies first and foremost with Africans themselves.

Africa must:

• protect its unity;
• preserve its identity;
• make the most of its resources;
• transform its wealth locally;
• strengthen solidarity among its peoples;
• and reject all forms of division fueled by political, economic, or identity-based interests.

The challenge of the 21st century will not be merely economic.

It will also be civilizational.

Africa must learn to fully embrace modernity without losing its soul.

On this May 25th, may every African woman and every African man ask themselves this essential question:

What kind of Africa do we want to pass on to future generations?

A fragmented and timid Africa?

Or a strong, dignified, united Africa, faithful to the spirit of Pan-Africanism?

The time has come to choose.

WITH BEST AFRICAN REGARDS

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabon

Former Ombudsman of the Republic, Gabon