By Lisa Vives
Africa Day went virtual this year with a star-studded benefit concert hosted by English actor Idris Alba, an online how-to video for jollof rice, and a U.N. call for a global ceasefire issued by the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
African countries have “demonstrated commendable leadership” battling the COVID-19 pandemic, he said in a Monday message, “but more nations across the continent where conflict prevails should heed the UN call for a global ceasefire to push back the deadly virus.”
Africa Day is observed annually on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which was created on May 25, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The OAU is the precursor of the African Union (AU) and is observed as an official national holiday in Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Namibia, Zambia, Mali, Mauritania, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Besides celebrating Africa’s decolonization, Africa Day is also a time of sober reflection on how African countries can consolidate peace and democracy on the continent. Africa faces a myriad of daunting challenges that seek solutions.
The U.N. leader welcomed support for his global ceasefire call which reflects the African Union’s 2020 theme: “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development.”
“Armed groups in Cameroon, Sudan and South Sudan have responded to the call and declared unilateral ceasefires. I implore other armed movements and governments in Africa to do likewise,” he said.
“I also welcome the support of African countries for my call for peace in the home, and an end to all forms of violence, including against women and girls.”
A musical extravaganza – online – hosted by Idris Elba and Trevor Noah is intended to raise funds for the World Food Program and the Unicef response to Covid-19 in Africa. Stars include: Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Salif Keita, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz and Sauti Sol.
Finally, a mouth-watering how-to video by Vongai Mapho – a self-described Shona girl – shows YouTube viewers how to make jollof rice for Africa Day and the whole family.
Comments include this from Olive Rooney: “im deff going to ask my mom to make this.. it looks nice!”
