Tribute:
“It is no mean feat to have emerged unscathed from directing the affairs of what has been aptly described as a “School-tie Protectionist Club” - and one consisting very much of fractious egos, thoroughly alienated from their ownpeoples. From a self-serving policy of non-interference in the affairs of other states, to a position where OAU declared itself against the cult of unelected rulers, was a destination that consisted of numerous false starts and nearly terminal stops. Finally however, that democratic goal, if only as a declaration of intent, was achieved. In the manouevering that resulted in this transformation, Salim Salim’s behind-the-scenes deftness of political touch was evident to the knowledgeable. It was Africa’s gain that the UNO ‘Powers’ ensured that he was manipulated out of contention for the position of Secretary-General to that organization.”

Wole Soyinka
Nobel Prize Winner in Literature

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On behalf of the Pan-African Movement and in my personal capacity I would like to join all of us present in Addis Ababa today to Say Farewell to Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, the outgoing Secretary-General of  OAU.

He had been a remarkable stewardship of dedicated service and courageous leadership that guided OAU through the post cold war shifts and the historic transformation of OAU into the African Union (AU).

He opened up new opportunities for dialogue and pro-active engagement between OAU and Africa’s Civil Society and NGOs. It is largely through his commitment and encouragement that CSOs are becoming legitimate stakeholders in AU.

We shall miss his openness and constant willingness to engage but trust that his leaving the exalted office of Secretary-General does not mean taking sabbatical from Pan-Africanism and struggle for African Unity.

Therefore, we are not saying good bye to Ndugu Salim because between us it shall always be welcome.

We wish him well always and know that we do not have to look back to check if he is behind us.

Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem
Secretary - General
Pan-African Movement

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OSSREA’s tribute to Salim Ahmed Salim, the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, from 1989-2001.

His Excellency, Salim Ahmed Salim joined OAU at a time when there was a decline in superpower rivalry. As the winds of change swept across the continent from the 1990s onwards, more and more countries found themselves according greater freedoms to their citizens. In Southern Africa, Namibia and South Africa attained their freedom in 1992 and 1994 respectively, marking the end of colonialism in Africa, a key objective of OAU at its formation.

After 10 years of dedicated services, Salim is leaving when Africa is celebrating the formation of the African Union. It is hoped that the Union, bringing together 53 countries will not only strive to become the world’s biggest economic and political block, but will also act, collectively, to prevent conflicts through the creation of a new framework for cooperation and integration in Africa.

The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) would like to convey its message of appreciation to his Excellency Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim for his 10 years of dedicated service to  OAU in particular and the people of Africa in general.

OSSREA praises his Excellency’s unrelenting efforts  in hastening the democratization process in various African countries, for his achievement in promoting the African conflict resolution process and for the advancement of Human Rights in the continent. We also applaud his endeavor in bringing about regional economic integration in the continent by laying the foundation for transition the OAU to the African Union (AU).

OSSREA wishes his Excellency well in his future endeavors and anticipate his continued unconditional contribution to Africa in the future.

Prof. Abdel Ghaffar M. Ahmed,
Executive Secretary
Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA)

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Pan-African Movement wrote:
Message to H.E.  Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Honorary Patron of the Intitute for Security Studies (ISS)  and outgoing Secretary-General of OAU at the occasion of an honorary lunch by African CSOs

Your Excellency, 
The end of your tenure at OAU is in many ways the end of an era, and one that many of us look on with pride. It is also probably the start of a new phase in the form of the African Union – a task that is massive in its scope and breadth. The Union is a new structure but the challenges are much the same. The path to be taken by the leaders of the new Union must of necessity be a new one but they would do well to remember the lessons of the past. Under your leadership the AU members have already covered much of the ground necessary to bring human security to Africa’s people.

Your focus on the twin goals of unity and human security has alerted many governments and Organizations to the needs of future generations. Your willingness to listen to civil society has meant that many voices have been heard in the vibrant debates about African security. Your work with member States, and your experience within UN structures has allowed Africans to call upon election monitors, peacekeepers and diplomatic envoys during their times of crisis. Burundi, Sierra Leone and Liberia are just three examples.

Throughout all the meetings, discussions and negotiations, your consistent message has been on new values for  OAU; values that have guided the organization through periods when unity was difficult and none felt secure. Your commitment to fairness, tolerance and cooperation brought about initiatives such as the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. As you once noted, the future will be constructed through cooperation. ISS fully supports that view and is keen to support you successor in that endeavour. 

As patron of  ISS you have played an important role in helping to guide our activities, provide advice and counsel. Along the road you have served as a role model and inspiration to me and to many at the Institute. It has been an honour to have you as the patron of ISS – but with the unanimous support of all at ISS we wish for you to continue as chairperson on our Advisory Board. In this capacity we hope to continue to welcome you at ISS – and also hope to cooperate even more meaningfully with you in whatever new endeavour you may embark upon next.

On behalf of the trustees and staff of ISS.

Jakkie  Cilliers
Executive Director
Institute for Security Studies

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Dear  Dr. Salim

On behalf of all the Trustees and Staff of the Goree Institute in Senegal, I would like to express our sincere and deep appreciation for the invaluable contribution that you have made towards the achievement of the main goals of  OAU and the establishment of  AU. In particular, the exemplary initiatives that you took to bring  OAU and the African NGOs community closer to each other, should be saluted. The fruits of your sacrifice and commitment are there for everyone to see, and many generations of Africans will continue to build on your solid achievements, accomplished in often very difficult circumstances, as well as be inspired by the superb example that you have set.

You will be sorely missed and we wish you the greatest success with your next challenge; and trust that you will remain a close partner of the Goree Institute and the African NGO community in the future.

Warm regards

Andre Zaaiman
Executive Trustee
The Goree Institute

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It is  difficult to say farewell to one of the best sons of Africa at a  time we need peace-builders like you. You will always be called to give your contribution to the solution of the problems of Africa. As the late Samora Machel of Mozambique used to say “A luta Continua” the mission is not yet over. While we bid you farewell we also say “see you tomorrow!” Take some rest and don’t forget to leave us your contact.  You have lived the values of a culture of peace and will be a model for the African youth.

Thank you,
Noel Chicuecue
On behalf of the South African Chapter of the Institute of African
Alternatives (IFAA)

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I wish to place on record our deep appreciation for the long and profound contribution of Dr Salim Ahmed Salim to the cause of Africa.  He has always been responsive to our needs and frank and open in discussions.  Africa must now respond in a dynamic and constructive way to the new possibilities before us.  We wish Dr Salim well in whatever path he takes now.

Prof. Ben Turok
MP  Chair, IFAA (SA)

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I am Zitto Zuberi Kabwe. A leader of the Pan-African Youth Movement, Tanzania Chapter. I am a second year Student taking Economics at the University of Dar es salaam.

Dr. Salim, I congratulate you for your good work for the African continent. It is my dream to ensure that I will one day emulate what you did for our motherland. When you took up the post of Secretary- General of OAU, you found many problems.  Although you didn’t manage to solve all of them, you have laid a solid foundation for Africa to solve its own problems-that is THE AFRICAN UNION. I wish you all the best, I thank also your wife and children like Ahmed for their support to you.

Thank you,
Zitto Zuberi Kabwe
Leader of the Pan-African Youth Movement, 
Tanzania Chapter University of Dar es Salaam.

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Hon. Salim Ahmed Salim
Secretary-General
Organization of African Unity

Excellent Ndugu,
You have not only served Africa and Africans the world over with distinction in your capacity as OAU Secretary-General.  By presiding over OAU during the crucial formation of the African Union, you have demonstrated selfless Pan African leadership; a model of sacrificing short-term position for the strategic advantage of Africa.  You are still young enough to continue making herculean contributions; albeit in other capacities.  On behalf of Pan Africanists from the Caribbean we salute you and bid you farewell.

Asante sana,
Felipe Noguera

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Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, for succeeding to convince African leaders to ratify the Constitutive Act of the African Union, Africans at “Home” and in the Diaspora are forever grateful.

With the active support of the Global African Family the African Union, Which you helped inaugurate, shall succeed.

God Bless You and Your Family.
Andy Mensah, President, Ghana Union e.V., 
Owners of unioNews eNewsgroup

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Please give our best wishes to Dr Salim Salim. He defended Africa’s interests in all fora in most admirable manner. We are very grateful to him for doing so much to keep Africa’s image so high.

Regards,
Djibril Diallo, 
Head of Information Division,
UNDP, New York Headquarters

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Dr. Salim,
All people who have faith in humanity and our ability to progress, owe you a great debt of gratitude.  Please continue to follow in the path of our illustrious ancestors, organizations, and movements as Africa builds a brighter future for herself and all humankind.

Roy Walker

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Thank you for all you have done for Africa in spite of OAU’s lack of adequate resources.  I was director of the Africa Center in London when you started at the OAU and you gave our first Africa Center Lecture.

Best wishes,

Nigel Watt

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