Minister Osman Saleh’s Address on the Occasion of Africa Day

Excellencies, Honorable Ministers and PFDJ Senior Officials;
Distinguished Government Officials;
Heads of Diplomatic and United Nations Missions;
Honorary Consuls, and members of the diplomatic community;

Let me begin by extending my warm greetings and sincere appreciation to you all for joining us today to mark Africa Day in a spirit of solidarity, friendship, and shared purpose.

This year’s theme of the African Union is: “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.” This theme is not only timely—it is foundational. Water is life, and safe sanitation is dignity, health, and development. Together, they underpin thriving communities and a healthier future for the entire continent.

Today, we also recognize the remarkable efforts being made across Africa to ensure that water resources are managed responsibly and sanitation systems are strengthened. In this regard, Eritrea has scored remarkable achievements in assuring the availability of water, despite the severe realities of a dry climate and challenging desert conditions. Our achievements are a testament to resilience, long-term planning, and the firm commitment of the State to safeguard this precious resource for present and future generations.

Guided by the principle of saving every drop of water, the Government of Eritrea has constructed several large, medium, and small dams and reservoirs to capture, store, and effectively manage available water resources. These initiatives demonstrate that even in arid environments, sustainable water availability is achievable through determined action, sound planning, and disciplined conservation.

At the same time, the Government is working hard to ensure and further enhance sanitation systems in the country. And it is important to emphasize a simple, powerful relationship: availability of water greatly influences sanitation systems. When communities have reliable access to water, it becomes possible to practice proper hygiene, maintain cleanliness, and prevent water-borne diseases.

Therefore, the message of theme is clear: by securing sustainable water availability and safe sanitation, we protect lives and build resilience; by strengthening unity, we gain strength in global participation; and by working together, we advance Agenda 2063 and the aspirations of our peoples.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we celebrate Africa Day, we should also celebrate the spirit that unites us as Africans. In Eritrea, the African Group together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organized this day under the theme: “Africa: One heart, one land, one destiny.”

This theme reflects our shared identity, our collective memory, and our values of solidarity, hospitality, and mutual support. It speaks to the fact that regardless of language, region, or background, we belong to one family of peoples and one continent of promise. One heart symbolizes our common aspiration; one land represents our cherished heritage and responsibility to care for our resources; and one destiny confirms that our future is not negotiable—it is built by Africans, for Africans, through dedication and unity.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”, remains viable today. The progress towards achieving this vision leaves a lot to be desired. The African people continue to suffer from poverty, in the midst of the enormous wealth of the continent; conflicts continue to ravage the continent destroying lives, property and opportunities. The level of integration and complementarity within the regions and countries of the continent remains low. Hence, it is imperative that our continent undertakes a thorough evaluation of its current reality and craft strategies to extricate itself from poverty and conflicts, as well as to augment the integration and complementarity required for collective action.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, the global order is changing. New centers of influence are rising, technological transformation is accelerating, and economic interdependence is deepening. Competition for resources and strategic partnerships is increasing while global challenges such as climate stress, public health threats, and inequality require coordinated solutions. In the midst of this transformation, it is essential to recognize that Africa is a rich continent endowed with precious natural resources—resources that can drive inclusive growth and sustainable development, provided that we manage them with integrity, discipline, and shared long-term vision.

Africans are united in spirit. And now, more than ever, we must also be united in action—united in changing global realities and shaping a fairer world. Africa should earn its rightful full place in the global arena, not through division, but through solidarity. We will no longer accept being left behind in international decisions. It is through unity that Africa can prosper politically and economically in this changing world order.

In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of African unity, and to the shared mission of ensuring that every African—woman, man, child—can enjoy clean water, safe sanitation, and the dignity that comes with it.

Once again, I thank you all for your presence and for your continued support and cooperation. Happy Africa Day to all!

Thank you.