It’s Afrika Liberation Month. On May 25th 1963, designated Afrika Liberation Day (ALD), the independent heads of government met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to establish the Organisation of Afrikan Unity. Although the resultant organisation ended up being a compromise between competing blocs – the more radical Casablanca group (consisting of Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Libya, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria) and the more moderate Monrovia group (Nigeria, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sudan, Togo, and Somalia), (1) they did agree on some key purposes:
(a) To promote the unity and solidarity of the African States;
(b) To coordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa;
(c) To defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and independence;
(d) To eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa… (2)
Fifty five years on, it’s questionable the extent to which any of these have been achieved. With policies still dictated by former colonial powers, it seems that solidarity can only exist at the behest of Europe, which is in itself is not only a contradiction but also undermines any notion of sovereignty. (3)
Arguably, one way to evaluate quality of life is to identify how long it lasts. In this regard, Afrika has 46 of the bottom 50 countries for life expectancy and so one might assume the journey of independence has not been a smooth one. (4) A fundamental factor in Afrika’s political and economic turbulence lies in the failure to “eradicate all forms of colonialism,” nor indeed its more refined incarnation – neo-colonialism .
With the assassinations of the likes of Patrice Lumumba and Félix-Roland Moumié prior to the setting up of the OAU (5) as well the taking out of shining stars such as Amilcar Cabral, Samora Machel and Thomas Sankara during its lifespan it’s clear that the Afrikan liberation project has been under siege since its inception. (6)
Historically, the implacable foe has been the European axis (Europe/USA/Israel/white commonwealth) but more recently China ahs entered the fray. Initially lauded by many as leverage against white power, the wannabe number one superpower is now advancing its own perilous course in the Motherland. (7)
Although the key arena of conflict continues to be the continent, there are Afrikans mobilised globally around these pressing issues. ALD has been observed in the Afrikan world community at least sine the early 70s. The dynamism of those first events when crowds of up to 25,000 gathered has not been maintained over the years. (8)
Neverthless, ALD maintains a vital role in consciousness raising and this year is no different. The All-African People’s Revolutionary Party along with the Pan-African Society Community Forum are hosting an event on Saturday 26th May at Queen Mary University, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS from 3pm-8pm, under the theme: “Divided by Colonial Borders, United by History & Culture: Africa Must Unite!” The event will also include a special tribute to Walter Rodney and the lessons for young people. Invited speakers include Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters and artist/activist Akala. For more information contact 07914 348 259 or https://dynamykevents.lpages.co/ajamu
ALD Stalwarts the Pan-African Congress Movement are delivering their event over two days, May 27th and May 28th at St Georges Community Centre Hub, Great Hampton Row, Birmingham B19 3JG. The theme this year is Pan Africanism: The True Path to Liberation and also include a special tribute to Queen Mama Nomzamo Madikizela. The featured speakers include Prof.James Small, Prof. Bayyinah Bello, Prof. Oba T’Shaka, Dr Ama Biney, Prof. Robbie Shillam, Bro. Kofi and Queen Mama Nzingha Assata. For more information: 0121 554 2747 / 07940 709 311. Strirctly an Afrikan family event.
(1) South African History Online (03/04/11) Organisation of African Unity (OAU). . https://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/organisation-african-unity-oau
(2) Tchioffo Kodjo (14/03/12) OAU Charter, Addis Ababa, 25 May 1963. http://www.peaceau.org/en/article/oau-charter-addis-ababa-25-may-1963
(3) Institute for Security Studies (27/11/15) The Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report: It’s Shakespeare vs Molière in the African Union.https://issafrica.org/pscreport/addis-insights/its-shakespeare-vs-moliere-in-the-african-union
(4) Infoplease. (14/15/18) Life Expectancy for Countries.. © 2000-2017 Sandbox Networks, Inc., publishing as Infoplease. https://www.infoplease.com/world/health-and-social-statistics/life-expectancy-countries-0
(5) Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja and Jonathan Jacobs (12/11/13) A Fight Far From Over: Patrice Lumumba’s Legacy. .https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/fight-over-patrice-lumumbas-legacy/
(6) Oyunga Pala. (15/06/16) ‘ The Upright Man. Ten Lessons From Thomas Sankara. . http://oyungapala.com/the-upright-man-ten-lessons-from-thomas-sankara/
(7) Alemayehu G. Mariam (07/09/17) Chinese neocolonialism in Africa The Dragon eating the African Lion and Cheetah? (Part I).https://www.pambazuka.org/global-south/chinese-neocolonialism-africa
(8) https://www.facebook.com/pacm2015/photos/gm.816516685102887/471206873035605/?type=1&theater.
we ask the question:
ALD: how close are we to meeting the OAU objectives?
1) Are you a regular ALD attendee?
2) Which ALD evenst will you be attending this year?
3) Do enough people attend ALD?
4) How effectively does ALD reach its target audience?
5) Is China a friend or foe?
6) How do the events in the UK link in with the Movement in Afrika and elsewhere?