It is time for Africa to dismantle borders that keep its people poor, says Otafiire

The minister of Internal Affairs who is also the Chairperson of Pan-African Movement, Kahinda Otafiire has rallied Africans to work hard for a unified continent.

He made the remarks during the celebration of Africa Day last week.

Africa Day is observed annually to commemorate the founding of the African Union (AU) which was created on May 25, 1963. This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Enhancing Patriotic Pan-African Ideology Towards Umoja Wetu Ninguzo Yetu” and was organised by the Pan -African Women Organisation (PAWO)

"African governments in charge of this area, the nexus of liberation should take the unity of Africa seriously and the people of Africa must demand it of your governments as a right. It is your right that the people of Africa are united and liberated," Otafiire said.

He revealed that it is time for Africa to remove the legacies and borders that keep its people poor and deprived.

"Our acceptance of these colonial borders was a tactical move but our acceptance of these borders for a long time is a strategic mistake. Those of us who inherited the colonial states have failed to erase these miserable definitions," Otafiire said.

The minister for General Duties Justine Kasule Lumumba, commended the women for their efforts towards the development of Africa.

"The efforts you put in doing business and taking care of children is key in building Africa. Thank you for being great women," Lumumba said amid cheers from the women.