African Union Deputy Chairperson Concludes Fruitful Working Visit to South Africa

African Union Deputy Chairperson H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi recently concluded a working visit to Pretoria, South Africa, marked by high-level political engagement, solemn remembrance, and a reinforced commitment to Pan-African solidarity. The visit was anchored by the Inaugural Diaspora Week, initiated and hosted by the Government of South Africa from 8 to 10 October 2025, under the theme "Promoting Socio-Economic and Cultural Rights as forms of Reparatory Justice." The Deputy Chairperson's visit highlighted the African Union's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Republic of South Africa and engaging meaningfully with its diaspora community.

Key Takeaways:

• H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered a compelling address during Diaspora Week, spotlighting the AU's 2025 theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations."
• The Deputy Chairperson emphasized the need for reparatory justice that goes beyond symbolism, calling for economic empowerment and cultural reclamation to heal the enduring legacies of slavery and colonialism.
• Amb. Haddadi visited the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, laying a wreath at the Wall of Names to honor Africa's fallen freedom fighters, underscoring the AU's commitment to preserving the memory of those who sacrificed for the continent's dignity and liberation.
• The Deputy Chairperson highlighted projects like the AU Human Rights Memorial and the Great Museum of Africa as pillars of cultural revival, urging global and intergenerational collaboration to transform historical grief into unity, resilience, and a dignified future for Africa.
• H.E. Amb. Haddadi held a substantive meeting with His Excellency Mr. Alvin Botes, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing Africa's development and global positioning.
• The discussions highlighted the important and supportive role of South Africa to the African Union and South Africa's particular emphasis on continental integration, G20, and collaborative efforts within the frameworks of Agenda 2063 and the United Nations.

Statistics:

• The Inaugural Diaspora Week was held from 8 to 10 October 2025, with the theme "Promoting Socio-Economic and Cultural Rights as forms of Reparatory Justice."
• H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi delivered a keynote on "Memorialization and Healing and the Role of the AUC" at a dedicated ceremony.
• The Deputy Chairperson highlighted the AU's commitment to preserving the memory of Africa's fallen freedom fighters, with 52,000 names engraved on the Wall of Names at Freedom Park.
• The AU Human Rights Memorial and the Great Museum of Africa were highlighted as pillars of cultural revival, with a projected investment of $10 million in the next 5 years.

Sources:

• APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU)
• African Union (AU)
• MIL OSI Africa (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
• Contify.com