“As we commemorate Africa Day, let’s re-dedicate ourselves to Africa and to the ideals bequeathed to us by our Founding Mothers and Fathers,” she said in a series of tweets Wednesday.

She underscored the need for Africans to come together, explaining that such drive would facilitate Africa’s integration, unity and shared values of prosperity and bring about lasting peace for all.

Dr Dlamini said the Africa’s vision could be realised successfully if member States and other stakeholders work collectively.

Notwithstanding the many frameworks and policies formulated by the AU to achieve an inclusive, democratic and prosperous continent, she said, “many challenges still lie ahead to effectively ensure these critical norms and laws become a reality for our people”.

‘Africa is rising’ – President Mahama

However, she said given the continent’s commitment, solidarity and principles of pan Africanism that was demonstrated during liberation struggle and the recent Ebola outbreak, Africa can once again rise to the occasion.

“I am confident that once again, we will rise to the occasion to accelerate the implementation of our key priorities and programmes, she said.

She lauded Malawi‪ for leading the way with an established body to ensuring that all AU protocols, charters and treaties are ratified and domesticated.

Dr Dlamini pointed out that transformation cannot happen without the collaborative efforts of governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

“We must ask ourselves critical, legitimate & tough questions as we embark on the fulfilment of the AU’s Vision driven by its own citizens,” she advised.

Human rights & Women

The AU chair described this year’s theme: “Year of Human Rights, with particular focus on the Rights of ‪Women”, as both an opportunity and a challenge for Africans.

“Human Rights are about investing in Africa’s most precious resource. The over one billion people, majority of whom are young and over half of whom are women,” she noted.

Dr Dlamini said human rights are about investing in health, quality education, access to basic services, freedom of movement and “beneficiating our natural resources”.

“This year we want to focus on women’s rights; it is our fundamental obligation and because it makes economic sense. Investing in our women is a guarantee for sustainable peace, community stability and cohesion.

She indicated that investing in women is key because it contributes to the prosperity of families, communities and the continent as a whole.

She said on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary, the continent is aspiring for a well-governed and prosperous Africa under the tenets of democracy, rule of law and full respect of human and peoples’ rights.

By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana

Twitter @steviekgh