The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosemary Museminali, Monday urged the African group of diplomats and representatives of international organizations to expedite peace consolidation if the continent is to achieve its development goals.

This was during celebrations that were held at the residence of the South African Ambassador to mark the Africa Day that falls on May 25 every year.

During her speech, Museminali identified disease and poverty as some of the main challenges facing the continent emphasizing that resources are available however integration and unity can be driving forces towards overcoming these issues.

"We are building a strong united Africa through the process of integration and economic development and all the 53 member states know that we can not achieve our development objectives without integration.”

"If we enhance peace on the entire continent, pool our markets into bigger and more viable entities, integrate our infrastructure and borrow each other’s human capacities, then prosperity can be realized.”

The celebrations were held under the theme "Towards a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa.”

South African Ambassador to Rwanda, Aladstone Dumisani Awadiso, noted that the celebrations acknowledge Africans’ progress while reflecting on the common challenges in the global environment.

With reference to the upcoming Confederations Cup, a soccer event that is set to kick off in South Africa on June 14 to 28, Awadiso hailed Africa’s milestones adding that these are opportunities for Africa’s future to shine.

"The 2010 FIFA World Cup to Africans means so much more than hosting a good event. It solidifies the idea that Africa is equal and able to deliver on a world class level. This confidence will go a long way in shedding negative perceptions of the continent,” he added.

According to officials, Africa Day celebrates the day when the organization of African unity, the precursor to the African Union was formed in 1963.

Museminali also underscored that this is the first time Rwanda celebrates this day.

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