Activists Call for Unity at All-African Movements Assembly in Ghana
Samia Nkrumah, president of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African Center, emphasized Ghana's role in Pan-Africanism during her opening speech.
ACCRA, Ghana— Activists and human rights defenders from across Africa gathered in Ghana's capital for the 2024 All-African Movements Assembly (AAMA), calling for unity amid growing challenges to civic freedoms, writes Winston Mwale.
The assembly, themed "Towards Pan-African Solidarity: United We Stand, Divided We Fall," brought together over 300 participants from 55 African countries and diaspora communities.
It aimed to address pressing issues ranging from civic repression to climate justice.
Samia Nkrumah, president of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African Center, emphasized Ghana's role in Pan-Africanism during her opening speech.
"Ghana holds a special place in the history of Pan-Africanism," Nkrumah said. "Our independence is significant not only for us but for every African state and individual. True freedom is only achieved when every African is liberated."
Nkrumah called for a renewed spirit of Ubuntu, urging political, economic, and social unity among African nations.
Kumi Naidoo, Africans Rising founder, highlighted the shrinking civic space across the continent.
"The human rights and activism space around the continent and the world is rapidly shrinking, and we must leverage the strength in our numbers and unite as defenders," Naidoo said. "Our survival and prosperity depend on it."
The assembly focused on protecting rights to free expression, association, and protest.
Governance issues, including efforts to stop coups, corruption, and the erosion of democratic values, were also key topics.
AAMA 2024 launched the Pan-African Action Solidarity Network to address historical injustices and promote reparations for slavery and colonization.
The initiative aims to hold former colonial powers accountable and address generational trauma affecting African communities.
Hardi Yakubu, coordinator of the African Rising Movement, called the gathering a "pivotal moment in our history," stressing the importance of African unity.
"This is a crucial platform where Africa's movements come together to shape a just and borderless future," Yakubu said. He emphasized that Africa's unity is essential to reclaiming its strength and controlling its destiny.
The assembly also highlighted the importance of solidarity between Africans and the African diaspora.
It reaffirmed the role of the diaspora as the sixth region of Africa, aiming to advance the Pan-African agenda on the global stage.
As AAMA 2024 concluded, participants renewed their commitment to a united Africa, envisioning a continent free from the limitations of borders and outside influences, and ready to address shared challenges collectively.