How Africa News
Africa Day has diverse meanings to Africans across the world. As Africans across the continent and world celebrate Africa Day, we asked our readers what the day means for them and to evaluate the progress which has been made to develop the continent. The responses have ranged from messages of optimism, pride at our African independence, cultures and identities.
The positive messages on African pride, unity and hope reflect the shared aspirations for prosperity and freedom. These messages resonate with the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063[established in January 2015].
Agenda 2063 is, “both a Vision and an Action Plan. It is a call for action to all segments of African society to work together to build a prosperous and united Africa based on shared values and a common destiny.”
Social media messages which speak to the hope and optimism.
President John Magufuli of Tanzania is the reason Africans should have hope. Africa Day has a new face👏🏾👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/5XbhkdZSzB
— Elijah Ngurare (@ngurare) May 24, 2016
Happy Africa Day, May the spirit of Ubuntu, Trust and Togetherness sprinkled on us all and manifest in our thoughts, aspirations and actions
— #IkamvaLethuFund (@uwc_src) May 25, 2016
Happy Africa Day!!! Our identity is our inspiration! If we don't know who we are, other nations will tell us who we are not!
— Dr John Tibane (@DrTibane) May 25, 2016
The irony of Africa Day is we have some leaders still locking up/killing people for criticising their misrule and corruption.
— Sure Kamhunga (@sure_kamhunga) May 25, 2016
Reflecting on the challenges
As they reflect on the challenges facing the continent in terms of economic and social development, respect for human rights, amongst others, social media users have been asking some really tough and critical questions, invoking Chinua Achebe’s perennial question, “where did the rain begin to beat us?”
Here’s our selection of messages which speak to the disillusionment with the trajectory that the continent is taking.
Africa Day.Not yet uhuru. 875m Africans live in dire poverty.Biggest letdown:corrupt,cruel & incompetent leaders–& their moronic followers.
— Brezh Malaba (@BrezhMalaba) May 25, 2016
#AfricaDay Happy Africa Day. It's sad that this continent, rich in minerals,has been robbed of much of its wealth.
— Farah (@fwilliams786) May 25, 2016
Happy Africa Day. .
Sad though that 53 years after formation of the then OAU that we still have despotic and undemocratic regimes..— Sure Kamhunga (@sure_kamhunga) May 25, 2016
#AfricaDay Happy Africa Day. It's sad that this continent, rich in minerals,has been robbed of much of its wealth.
— Farah (@fwilliams786) May 25, 2016
Happy AU day y'all. It's only sad that till now, AU is being sponsered by EU. Oh mother Africa….smh
— ßën-køßߥ (@kobby_opuni) May 25, 2016
Source: Thisisafrica.me, Facebook and Twitter
