Three Pan-African Voices Worth Listening To

What is Pan-Africanism?

Pan-Africanism is an ideological and political movement that advocates for the unity, solidarity, and empowerment of African nations and peoples, both on the continent and in the African diaspora. The core idea is that all people of African descent share common interests, challenges, and a history of colonialism and oppression, and therefore, should work together to achieve social, political, and economic equality.

Today, the most critical aspects of Pan-Africanism are still unity, identity, and empowerment. 

1. Unity: The idea that African countries and peoples, regardless of national borders, are one and should unite to be stronger on the global stage.

2. Identity: The importance of celebrating, promoting, and preserving African cultures, traditions, and heritage as a means of building self-esteem especially in the face of globalization and strong Western influence.

3. Social and Economic Empowerment: The economic independence of African nations and the need to address inequalities within African societies and across the globe.

Sadly, many of us Africans are ignorant and apathethic when it comes to Pan-Africanism. In fact Pan-Africanism should not be just "an" ideology, it should be the mindset of every educated African person. It should only be optional for non-Africans. But we have somehow been manipulated into thinking pan-Africanism is extremist. In my opinion, Pan-Africanism should be taught in our homes, schools, and churches. But the way the world is currently setup, our minds are rather inundated with propaganda that keeps us passive and mentally enslaved. Propaganda that sometimes causes us to even act against our own best interest.

Africa is an excellent affirmation of the phrase: "Divided we fall, United we stand." And the West has been very successful at keeping us divided. Personally, I woke up to the manipulation of Western media after the elimination of Gaddafi. For over 40 years they turned a blind eye to his eccentricities, and then all of a sudden in 2011 NATO intervenes under the guise of "taking out a dictator"? No, the truth is Gaddafi had become a threat because of his pan-African plans. 

The truth is that as long as we remain ignorant and asleep, the powers that be will continue to take out those who pose a threat. In my quest to help my brothers and sisters get informed, here are three Pan-African thinkers worth following and listening to today:

Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao

She is a prominent physician, diplomat, and advocate for African unity and development. She was born in Zimbabwe and is best known for her work as the former African Union (AU) Ambassador to the United States, a position she held from 2017 until 2019.

Dr. Chihombori-Quao is an outspoken advocate for the political, social, and economic empowerment of Africa and its people. She has often spoken about issues such as the need for African countries to reclaim their independence and resources from foreign powers, as well as the importance of unity among African nations. Her activism extends to a focus on issues like education, health, and sustainable development.

She is also the founder of several initiatives aimed at supporting Africa's development, including organizations dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges facing the continent and fostering collaboration among African countries and the African diaspora.

Amílcar Cabral

Amílcar Cabral was a prominent revolutionary leader, intellectual, and nationalist from Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, known for his role in the liberation struggles against Portuguese colonial rule. 

Cabral was the founder of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), a political and military organization dedicated to the struggle for independence. Under his leadership, the PAIGC led a successful guerrilla campaign against Portuguese colonial forces, which played a major role in securing independence for Guinea-Bissau in 1973 and later for Cape Verde.

Apart from his military and political activities, Cabral was also a highly educated man, having studied agricultural engineering in Lisbon, Portugal. He was deeply influenced by Marxist thought, and his leadership was grounded in the principles of anti-imperialism, Pan-Africanism, and the belief in the importance of cultural identity. He argued that the struggle for independence was not only political but also cultural and economic.

Cabral was assassinated on January 20, 1973, by political rivals, just months before Guinea-Bissau achieved independence.

Thomas Sankara (and Ibrahim Traore)

Thomas Sankara was a charismatic revolutionary leader and the President of Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. He is regarded as one of Africa's most revolutionary and visionary leaders, known for his bold policies and efforts to transform his country and challenge colonialism and imperialism. He adopted the name "Burkina Faso," which means "Land of Upright People," in 1984, reflecting his vision for a self-reliant and sovereign nation free from foreign domination.

Sankara's leadership was marked by progressive policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people. He implemented widespread social, economic, and health reforms, including:

1. Agricultural Reforms: Sankara promoted self-sufficiency and land reforms to reduce reliance on foreign aid and ensure food security.
2. Women's Rights: He championed gender equality, banning female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and polygamy. He encouraged women to take active roles in society, including in the military and government.
3. Health and Education: Sankara launched campaigns to combat diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, initiated vaccination programs, and expanded access to education for both boys and girls.
4. Anti-imperialism: He advocated for the rejection of foreign debt and the exploitation of Africa by former colonial powers. Sankara also sought to reduce Burkina Faso's dependence on foreign aid and international organizations.

Decades after his death, Sankara's legacy continues to inspire many across Africa and beyond, especially for his emphasis on pan-Africanism, self-reliance, and social justice. Today, we have a new leader in Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore, who seems to have picked up where he left off. He is setting a much needed example for other African presidents, and he needs all the prayer he can get, for protection against the powers that will seek to take him out.