By Tigist Sernesa
Pan-Africanism, a catchword still reverberating throughout the continent of 1.4 billion, follows upon the visions of the likes of Nkrumah, outlining political and economic integration. The initiative is said to be critical to solidify the unity among African states. Fast-forward to present day, the lofty idea envisages an Africa that is increasingly at the center of global politics.
Talking to EBC World, South Sudanese Youth Representative, John Magok, pointed out that Africa needs a modern-day tangible Pan-Africanism initiative, one that is geared towards implementing continental policies.
The youth play a crucial role in promoting Pan-Africanism, as envisioned by Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt. Nasser was a prominent leader in the Pan-African movement and believed in the unity and liberation of African nations. During his reign, many African liberation leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Patrice Emery Lumumba of Congo got abode in Cairo. Radio Cairo was being used to broadcast liberation message across Africa. South African freedom fighters were supported by Nasser. Apollo Milton Obote visited Nasser during the early struggles of independence of uganda. Literally, Egypt became the anchor of unity in Africa. Nasser's vision wasn't complete without the youth participating in promoting Pan-Africanism.
In terms of bringing together financial and other institutions, Magok further called on African leaders to give peace a chance to reap the fruits of unity across the continent.
In terms of bringing together financial and other institutions, Magok further called on African leaders to give peace a chance to reap the fruits of unity across the continent.
Saying that Africa is not a one person contribution, Magok urges African youth to take leadership and come together united in action.
He says the youth can raise awareness about the principles of Pan-Africanism and its goals among their peers and communities. They can organize protests, marches, and campaigns to draw attention to issues affecting the continent, such as neocolonialism, economic exploitation, or human rights abuses. Their collective voices can demand change and push for African unity.
Another critical area for the African youth to help uplift Pan-Africanism to a new height is actively engaging in cultural exchange programs, fostering solidarity and understanding among African nations.
But that by no means is the finishing line for the youth as they have a few more issues to grapple with. Thus, they need to employ more and more of what we call youth-led Initiatives. The youth can initiate and lead projects that promote economic cooperation, entrepreneurship, and innovation among African countries.
No Pan-Africanist initiative could see the light of the day without political engagement. Youth involvement in politics is crucial for driving Pan-Africanism forward. They can run for political offices, join political parties, or engage in grassroots political movements to advocate for policies that prioritize African unity, economic integration, and the rights of all Africans.
Last but by no means least is collaboration with Civil Society Organizations. The youth can collaborate with civil society organizations working on Pan-African issues. By joining forces, they can pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their impact in advancing the goals of Pan-Africanism.
The sum of all these, raising awareness, mobilizing, promoting cultural exchange, initiating youth-led initiatives, engaging in politics, using technology, and collaborating with civil society, will no doubt go a long way to let the youth be where they need to be in efforts geared towards realizing a full-fledged Pan-Africanism.//