Freetown: African diplomatic missions and the Government of Sierra Leone jointly commemorated the country’s first Africa Day celebration in Freetown, renewing calls for continental unity, sustainable development, and greater investment in clean water and sanitation in line with Agenda 2063.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Claudiana Ayo Cole, spoke on behalf of African ambassadors, describing Africa Day as a significant occasion that honors the vision of the leaders who founded the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa. She emphasized that the day celebrates African identity and solidarity while reminding governments, diplomats, and development partners of their shared responsibility to advance the continent’s development goals.
Referring to this year’s focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation, High Commissioner Cole highlighted that access to clean water and sanitation is a matter of human dignity and a foundation for public health, education, food security, and economic growth. She noted the millions of Africans who still lack access to safe drinking water and the ongoing challenges faced by communities, especially women and children, in accessing safe water.
She called on African governments, development partners, and the private sector to increase investment in water and sanitation infrastructure and strengthen water resource management. She emphasized that Agenda 2063, described as ‘the Africa we want,’ cannot be achieved without guaranteeing clean water and safe sanitation for all.
High Commissioner Cole also highlighted Africa’s broader promise, pointing to a population of more than 1.4 billion people, vast natural resources, youthful energy, and rich cultural diversity. She praised initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the resilience of African nations despite challenges such as poverty, climate change, insecurity, and inequality.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Kabba, attended as guest of honor and described it as a privilege to join the African diplomatic community in marking a day that symbolizes the resilience, unity, dignity, and aspirations of the continent and its people. He reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the African Union, including peace and security, democratic governance, regional integration, and sustainable development.
Minister Kabba stressed that access to clean water is not just a development concern but a basic human necessity and a requirement for inclusive growth. He detailed Sierra Leone’s national priorities focused on improving water security, strengthening sanitation systems, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.
Reaffirming support for Agenda 2063, Minister Kabba emphasized the need for collective action, stronger partnerships, good governance, and sustained investment in key sectors such as energy, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and climate action. He acknowledged the major challenges Africa faces, including unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, food insecurity, and climate vulnerability, and stressed the importance of unity and African-led solutions.
The event concluded with renewed calls for peace, stability, good governance, and stronger bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood across the continent. Both speakers agreed that Africa Day should serve not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a call to action for a united, prosperous, and self-determined Africa.