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By Godfrey Olukya 30-10-2012
The Fourth session of the African Union Conference of Ministers of Culture which kicked off two days ago has come to an end today with all the participants saying that there is need to promote culture in African countries.
It has been taking place in Democratic republic of Congo capital, Kinshasa. Over thirty ministers participated.
Among the issues focused on were the launch of the African Cultural Renaissance Campaign and the status of ratification of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance.
‘The ratification and implementation of the Charter will boost the value and preservation of our positive traditions and culture as well as uplift our self-esteem as Africans’, said Dr Olawale Maiyegun, director of the department of social affairs of the AU.
In 2013, the African Union will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) under the theme, ‘Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.’
The ministers discussed on ways of making the golden jubilee a success. They brought in their expertise and ideas to make the anniversary a success.
They also discussed the commitment for action on combating harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation.
END.