By Ibrahim Sesay
African diplomats accredited to Sierra Leone, alongside senior Government officials, gathered at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown on Monday, May 25, 2026, to commemorate Africa Day 2026, with strong calls for unity, sustainable development and collective action to confront the continent’s persistent challenges.
The event, jointly organized by the African Diplomatic Missions in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, was celebrated under the theme: “Together as One Africa,” while highlighting the African Union’s 2026 agenda: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
The commemoration brought together diplomats, Government officials, development partners and invited guests to reflect on Africa’s progress, examine pressing challenges and renew commitments toward achieving a prosperous, peaceful and united continent.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the African Ambassadors Group accredited to Sierra Leone, the Ambassador of The Gambia and Dean of the Group, Her Excellency Claudia Cole, described Africa Day as a significant occasion for reflection, solidarity and renewed determination to address some of the continent’s most urgent development concerns, particularly access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Her Excellency Claudia Cole emphasized that despite Africa’s abundant natural resources, millions of people across the continent, especially those living in vulnerable communities, continue to face challenges in accessing safe drinking water and adequate sanitation systems.
She stressed that access to clean water and sanitation should not be viewed merely as a developmental priority but as a fundamental human necessity closely linked to dignity, healthcare, education and economic advancement.
“Access to clean water and sanitation is not optional in the vision of Agenda 2063; it is fundamental,” Her Excellency Claudia Cole said, while urging African Governments, development partners and private sector actors to strengthen investments in water and sanitation infrastructure to ensure inclusive access for all Africans.
Reflecting on the significance of Africa Day, Her Excellency Claudia Cole noted that May 25 marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, now known as the African Union, which was established to promote unity, sovereignty, self-determination and cooperation among African nations.
She paid tribute to Africa’s founding fathers for laying the foundation for continental unity and acknowledged the strides made over the years in areas including trade, peacekeeping, entrepreneurship and technological innovation. At the same time, she noted that Africa continues to grapple with serious concerns such as climate change, insecurity and inequality.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, described Africa Day as an important moment for Africans to celebrate shared achievements while recommitting themselves to peace, solidarity and African-led solutions to continental challenges.
Timothy Kabba reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the guiding principles of the African Union, including peace and security, democratic governance, regional integration and sustainable development. He described the African Union’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation as both timely and critical, noting that access to clean water remains a basic human necessity essential for public health, economic growth and national development.
“Investment in water and sanitation is investment in human capital, healthcare, education, gender equality, climate resilience and economic productivity,” Timothy Kabba stated.
The Minister further disclosed that the Government of Sierra Leone continues to prioritize water security, sanitation systems, hygiene promotion and the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities where access to such essential services remains limited.
Timothy Kabba also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s support for Agenda 2063, describing it as Africa’s strategic blueprint for building a prosperous, integrated, peaceful and globally influential continent. While recognizing achievements in youth innovation, digital transformation and regional economic cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area, he acknowledged that the continent still faces serious challenges, including insecurity, terrorism, food insecurity, unconstitutional changes of Government and global economic shocks.
“Our strength lies in our unity, our cooperation and our unwavering commitment to African solutions to African problems,” Timothy Kabba said.
Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25, commemorates the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, in 1963 and serves as an opportunity for Africans to reflect on the continent’s collective aspirations for peace, unity and sustainable development. The celebration in Freetown concluded with renewed commitments and strong appeals for deeper partnerships and collaborative efforts toward achieving the goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
