It is captured in our music, in our dance and in our song. But let us never forget that it is also captured in our history - tragic as that may have been. Our continent's past is a travesty of oppression, exploitation and suffering experienced by the African people through slavery, colonialism and imperialism. So while we rejoice in what we have accomplished, let us never forget our history. As we celebrate today let us also remember that great son of Africa, one of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity and a moving force behind the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Julius Nyerere, who will be buried today.
Life is a perpetual cycle.
As we celebrate the rebirth of our continent, we also mourn the loss a great leader and internationally recognised statesman.