By UPF Africa
Written by UPF Africa
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Report of Signing of an MOU between IAPD AFRICA & the AFRICA UNION
Since the signing of the IAPD Resolution by religious leaders in Seoul, Korea in the WORLD SUMMIT in 2017, IAPD Africa assigned Fr. LOUISON Emerick and Pastor Adane DECHASSA to enter in contact with the AU so that they introduce the IAPD vision and mission for the sake of Peace & development in Africa with emphasis on spirituality.
Since then, IAPD Africa has unceasingly tried to get in touch with AU, notably with the purpose of signing an MOU that would allow the 2 organizations to work cooperatively.
The signing of the MOU has occurred after several challenges since the beginning of the procedure which started right after COVID-19, in 2021. That is more than 1 year actually. I have to confess there were times we felt desperate and at times, we felt hopeful. I think this is somehow normal for the signing of an MOU is not always easy everywhere. Mrs. DIXON herself and Fr. MBILA mentioned many times a signing an MOU with AU can take at least 2 or 3 years. However, in our case, it took a year and some months only. This comes to prove our MOU was in Heaven’s hands. Heaven was really following the procedure. I believe our African forefathers, founders of the OAU, were following the procedure.
We have to recall that True Mother liberated many suffering African spirits in GOREE, Senegal in 2018 and then again in SOUTH AFRICA. I am persuaded those liberated spirits are the ones to help us accelerate the procedure of the signing. Though they’re not the only ones. The whole spirit world is definitely supporting TM works; the OAU founders, the African saints such as NELSON MANDELA and many others are surely supporting the Providence. From this perspective, we can understand the nomination of Imboni as Chairman of IAPD-Africa and also, the signing of the MOU took place in ADDIS ABABA, the Headquarters of the AU and as so, the capital city of AFRICA, knowing that Emperor HAILE SELASSIE 1st of Ethiopia was one of the pillars for founding the AU.
Our dearest TM is targeting 1/3 of the world population to let them know and attend our TPs by 2027. In addition, TM is relying on AFRICA to reach our goals. The signing of the MOU is not only a signing between 2 organizations but rather an agreement, even a reconciliation between Abel & Cain. For me, the significance is even beyond that, I have the feeling CAIN is opening its doors to his mother (TM) to lead and guide Africa spiritually. From now on, African key leaders will be able to listen to our Unification movement; and what do we have to offer to them as spiritual guidance. IAPD will be able to play its role as the conscience of the AU corps (body).
The signing of an MOU between IADP-Africa and the AU is an offering to our beloved and dearest True Mother and Heavenly Parents.
We are thankful to Chairman BAKARY CAMARA and all Glory be TO HP & TPS.
Reported by Simon AMARE, IAPD Africa liaison office to the Africa Union
Special IAPD Webinar On The Historical MOU With The AFRICAN UNION Report
Africa - The webinar was held on April 18, 2024, by IAPD Africa to inform all UPF members of the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the African Union. Welcoming remarks were delivered by IAPD Africa Chairman, Imboni Dr. Uzwi-Lezwe Radebe. Reflecting on the inception of IAPD Africa, Dr. Radebe expressed gratitude for the progress achieved since the organization's inception. "The growth of IAPD Africa is the result of the unity among us, the hard work we all put in, and the zeal we possess in ensuring that Africa reaches the pinnacle and enjoys peace and prosperity," he said, emphasizing that the Memorandum of Understanding is the culmination of everyone's efforts. Dr. Radebe acknowledged Father Mbila's endless efforts in this great achievement. He announced that programs are being planned and emphasized that there will be much work to do. He concluded his speech by launching the slogan "Ah Africa!" which all participants enthusiastically repeated in unison.
The next speaker was Dr. Tageldin Hamad, the International Coordinator of IAPD. Dr. Hamad thanked all those who contributed to the establishment of the MOU and congratulated Mother Moon for inspiring the establishment of Africa Spiritual Day. "I trust the chairman's vision that IAPD will make a difference in the African Union," he remarked. Dr. Hamad focused particularly on youth in his speech, stating, "There is no peace and development without spirituality and youth." He emphasized the need to educate young people about spirituality, as it provides the framework to understand the world, relationships, and one's place within society. He concluded his speech with words of encouragement: "May more and more victories be seen coming out of rising Africa."
Rev. George Ogurie reiterated the circumstances surrounding the signing of the MOU with the AU and thanked all the leaders who invested themselves in accomplishing that goal. A video of the MOU signing ceremony was shared, allowing participants to share in this significant moment with unified hearts.
Rev. Simon Amare, IAPD Africa Liaison Officer at the AU, shared the reflections of Rev. Bakary Camara, IAPD Africa General Overseer, on his behalf. In his reflection, Rev. Camara expressed gratitude to everyone who believed in and supported this ideal and vision.
Messages of congratulations were then delivered by FFWPU Africa President, Rev. Jean Pierre Kadima. In his speech, Rev. Kadima emphasized the unity with True Mother and among leaders and all IAPD members that led to such results. He congratulated IAPD Africa for the signing and accomplishment and called on everyone to strive for more unity to achieve more victories.
Dr. Katherine Rigney, UPF Africa Co-chair, reminded everyone that it was Mother Moon who truly pushed for all this to be accomplished through her guidance to Imboni and Rev. Camara. She also shared Mother Moon's hope that Africa will become the ideal, setting an example and model for the world to follow.
Following that, a report on Africa Spiritual Day (ASD) and the membership drive was presented by Rev. Jean Augustin Ghomsi, IAPD Africa Board Member. He reiterated the context of the creation of the ASD, its purposes, and how it has progressed so far with each edition. He announced that IAPD Africa is preparing to hold an ASD at the African Union on May 22, 2024. Rev. Ghomsi also provided more insights about the registration of IAPD chapters and the IAPD membership drive campaign, stating, "In order to create a solid foundation for IAPD and ensure its active presence on the ground, our goal is to have IAPD registered in each country with at least 12 registered members as soon as possible."
Afterward, the audience had the opportunity to participate by sharing their thoughts and congratulations messages through the Zoom chat.
Vote of Thanks
Father Louison Mbila, the AU Chaplain, then delivered the vote of thanks.
For his closing remarks, the floor was once again given to IAPD Africa Chairperson, Dr. Radebe. "I am truly humbled by the collective commitment displayed by all the members of IAPD Africa," he said, summarizing his intervention and expressing gratitude for the common efforts made by all the leaders and IAPD Africa members.
The webinar concluded with the closing prayers of Grand Mufti Assadullah Mwale and Pastor Adane Dechassa Teshale.
