Today marks World Africa Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25th, 1963. This is a crucial moment for us to reaffirm our commitment to African integration, which is a key priority for the government of His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. Together, let us build a united, strong, and prosperous Africa.In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of regional integration in promoting economic growth, social development, and political stability in Africa. The formation of the African Union in 2002, as a successor to the Organization of African Unity, has further solidified this belief and has been instrumental in driving forward the integration agenda.Under the leadership of His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the government has made significant efforts towards promoting regional integration. This includes the signing of various regional and international treaties to strengthen economic and political cooperation, as well as implementing policies to facilitate the movement of people and goods across borders.As we celebrate World Africa Day today, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a fully integrated Africa. Disparities in economic development, political instability, and lack of infrastructure continue to hinder the progress of integration efforts. It is, therefore, imperative that member states work together, in partnership with the African Union, to address these challenges.One such area that requires urgent attention is the free movement of people. The adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in 2018 aimed to create a single market for goods and services, with the potential to boost intra-African trade by more than 50%. However, the full implementation of this agreement is yet to be realized, with numerous barriers still in place for the movement of people and goods across borders.In conclusion, as we honor the founding of the Organization of African Unity today, we must also remember the vision of its founders, which was to create a united and prosperous Africa. Let us use this day to reflect on our progress and recommit ourselves to the goal of regional integration. As His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has said, our unity is our strength, and together, we can build a better Africa for future generations. Let us all join hands and work towards a brighter future for our beloved continent
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