"African unity, let us make it reality, let's celebrate this day, unity is the key to African century," the theme song of the African Union (AU) echoed the Absa Stadium in Durban, a eastern port city of South Africa, Tuesday morning marking the public launch of the AU.
South African President Thabo Mbeki told a crowd of about 20,000 that African leaders pledged to honor the commitments they hadmade with the establishment of the AU.
The new union replaced the 39-year-old Organization of African Unity (OAU) on same day when 52 heads of state and government and their representatives of the African countries attended the first AU assembly.
The transformation of the OAU into the AU is an important process in light of the need for a continental structure better suited to the challenges of the 21st century and globalization, and better geared to the goal of the realization of Africa's renaissance.
Member states of the union will commit the continent to a departure from the old, in implementing serious changes related topolitical, economic and corporate governance.
The launching program, dubbed the "Spectacular", included performances by a brass band of 320 members, a mass choir of 300, the Cape Minstrels from Cape Town and popular local musicians.
A Boeing aircraft and three Cheetah fighter jets flew overhead before a national salute by 800 South African National Defense Force members.
A 21-gun salute was also fired.
Kenyan President Daniel Moi in his speech called up African leaders to intensify efforts to end conflict on the continent through actions and not mere rhetoric.
Also at the launching , President of Gabon El Hadj Omar Bongo described the launch of the AU as a great victory for Africa.
After the stadium launch, the leaders will reconvene at the International Convention Center for closed round-table discussions.
The topics on the agenda are strengthening multi-lateralism theempowerment of women, and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
They will then proceed to discuss conflicts in various parts ofAfrica and the establishment of a single African defense force.
The first AU assembly is expected to close on Wednesday.
(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2002)
