Pan-Africanism: The Political and Economic Unification of Africa, by Donovan Reynolds, independent writer Kingstonmouth.com.

October is Black History month in the UK, so Kingstonmouth.com decided to highlight the contribution of Pan-Africanism in shaping Black scholarship and ideas about how African political and economic unity can improve the lives of people in Africa and the diaspora. This is in contrast to drawing upon the usual Black History topics of the Empire Windrush, Mary Seacole and Bob Marley.

Pan-Africanism.

Pan-Africanism is a worldwide movement aimed at fostering unity among people of African descent. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to colonialism and imperialism, calling for solidarity and independence from external domination. The movement escalated during the decolonization period, inspiring political organizations like the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union (AU) in 2002. Pan-Africanism has a shared sense of identity and cultural heritage among African diaspora communities, influencing civil rights movements and efforts for social justice, particularly in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Through its advocacy for political independence, economic progress, and cultural solidarity, Pan-Africanism has a crucial role in addressing the social, economic, and political challenges facing Africa and its global diaspora. Its emphasis on unity and self-determination continues to resonate in ongoing efforts to promote cooperation, development, and equality across the African continent and among people of African descent worldwide.

Berlin Conference.

The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, convened by European powers to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa, led to the partitioning of the continent, disregarding African autonomy and ethnic boundaries. European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium, sought to carve up Africa for their economic and political gain, without considering the cultural, social, and historical contexts of the diverse African societies. This resulted in artificial borders that divided ethnic groups, leading to conflict and instability in the region.

Post -colonial scholars point out that the division of Africa at the Berlin Conference laid the foundation for the subsequent colonization and economic exploitation of the continent. European powers exploited Africa's rich natural resources, such as minerals, timber, and agricultural products, for their own industrial and economic development. This exploitation led to the extraction of resources on a massive scale, often at the expense of the local populations, who were subjected to harsh labour conditions and cultural subjugation. The legacy of the Berlin Conference and the subsequent colonization of Africa has had long-lasting effects, shaping the political, social, and economic landscapes of the continent for generations.

The impact of Slavery and Colonisation.

Slavery and colonization played crucial roles in shaping the development of Pan-Africanism. The transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas, and the colonization of Africa by European powers influenced the consciousness and aspirations of people of African descent.

The brutality of the slave trade and the dehumanizing conditions of colonialism underscored the urgent need for solidarity and unity among people of African descent. It stimulated the rise of early Pan-African thinkers and activists who sought to forge a common bond against the injustices of slavery and colonial domination. Figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, and George Padmore were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the Pan-African movement, advocating for the liberation of African peoples from oppression and discrimination.

Early leaders in the Pan- African movement.

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent African-American intellectual and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His scholarship focused on the sociopolitical issues facing African Americans, advocating for equality, civil rights, and education.

Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and entrepreneur, lead the "Back to Africa" movement, emphasizing racial pride and economic self-sufficiency for people of African descent. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), promoting the idea of a unified African diaspora.

George Padmore, a Trinidadian-born Pan-Africanist, was also a key figure. He played a significant role in organizing the fifth Pan-African Congress and was an influential advocate for African liberation, independence, and unity, particularly during the decolonization period in Africa.

Furthermore, the shared experience of resistance against slavery and colonialism fostered a collective consciousness and a desire for self-governance and autonomy. As African nations began to gain independence from colonial rule in the mid-20th century, the Pan-African movement played a pivotal role in supporting these efforts and in fostering cooperation among newly independent African states.

The First Conference.

The first Pan-African Conference was convened by Henry Sylvester-Williams in London in 1900. Sylvester-Williams was a Trinidadian lawyer, writer, and prominent figure in the early Pan-African movement. Born in 1869, he studied law in London and became the first person of African descent to be called to the Bar in the British Empire. In 1897, he founded the African Association, a platform for discussing issues affecting people of African descent globally.

The first Pan-African conference was a significant milestone in the early movement, bringing together intellectuals and activists of African descent. Some of the notable attendees included W.E.B. Du Bois, Anna Julia Cooper, Bishop Alexander Walters, and Benito Sylvain from Haiti.

 At the conference, critical discussions regarding racial discrimination, colonialism, and the need for global solidarity among people of African descent. The conference set the stage for future Pan-African movements, laying the foundation for the pursuit of racial equality, self-determination, and the advancement of African interests on an international stage.

The All-African Peoples's Conference.

The All-African People's Conference, convened by Kwame Nkrumah in Accra, Ghana, in December 1958, was a significant event in the history of the Pan-African movement. The conference brought together African nationalist leaders, intellectuals, and activists from across the continent and the diaspora. Attendees included prominent figures such as Gamal Abdel Nasser, Sekou Touré, and Julius Nyerere.

The conference focused on discussing strategies for achieving African unity, decolonization, and liberation from European colonial rule. It emphasized the importance of solidarity among African nations in their fight for independence and self-determination. The All-African People's Conference contributed to the momentum for decolonization, and it served as a platform for fostering cooperation and collaboration among emerging African nations.

At the All-African People's Conference, two major groupings emerged, each advocating for different approaches to African unification:

The Casablanca Group, led by Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, favoured a more radical approach to African unity. They advocated for the immediate formation of a continental union government, seeking a swift political and economic integration of African states.

The Monrovia Group, led by leaders such as Léopold Sédar Senghor of Senegal and Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, took a more cautious approach to African unity. They emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of individual states and preferred a step-by-step process for integration and cooperation among African nations.

These two groupings represented differing perspectives on the timeline and methods for achieving African unity and cooperation. Despite their differences, both groups shared a common goal of promoting the interests and development of the African continent. Scholars point to that conference as a missed opportunity to reunite the continent under a successful federal economic military and political leadership.

Contemporary Pan-African Leaders.

Despite these attempts to build a unified Africa, this aspirational political and economic union has not been achieved. Modern-day Pan Africanists such as Walter Rodney and Professor Lamumba argue that a lack of a political and economic union has made Africa open to economic and political exploitation.

Walter Rodney's seminal work "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," published in 1972, provides a comprehensive critique of the systemic factors contributing to Africa's economic and social underdevelopment. Rodney examines the exploitative mechanisms of European colonialism, emphasizing how resource extraction, forced labour, and unequal trade relations perpetuated Africa's impoverishment. He considers the enduring impact of colonial-era economic structures, which led to dependency and hindered independent development long after Africa's independence.

Rodney's analysis extends to the global economic context, explaining how Africa's integration into the global economy primarily served the interests of colonial powers, perpetuating the continent's subordinate position. He also scrutinizes the role of post-colonial African elites and their complicity in perpetuating underdevelopment. Through his incisive critique, Rodney challenges prevailing narratives, urging a reexamination of Africa's historical trajectory within the broader context of global power dynamics. His work examines the legacies of colonialism and the complexities of development in Africa.

Similarly, Professor PLO Lumumba is known for his passionate advocacy for Pan-Africanism. He emphasizes the importance of African unity and self-determination, highlighting the need for a collective African identity and the pursuit of common goals. Lumumba stresses the significance of political and economic cooperation among African nations, urging the continent to work together to address its challenges and achieve sustainable development through collective economic and political security.

In his many speeches posted on Youtube, Professor PLO Lumumba is vocal about the issues of political and economic exploitation in Africa. He emphasizes the need to address corrupt practices and mismanagement of resources within African nations, calling for effective governance structures and the rule of law to combat these challenges. Lumumba highlights the detrimental effects of external economic exploitation, advocating for fair trade practices and the equitable distribution of Africa's vast mineral resources. He underscores the importance of promoting sustainable development and self-reliance, urging African countries to harness their resources for the benefit of their own people and to reduce dependency on external aid or foreign interests.

Pan-Africanism now.

Today, contemporary Pan-Africanism emphasizes the importance of African integration, socio-economic development, and political stability. Efforts are directed towards fostering regional cooperation, promoting good governance, and addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and conflict. Moreover, Pan-Africanism continues to inspire movements for social justice, human rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities within and outside of Africa.

In recent times, the African Union (AU) has advanced initiatives focusing on security, economic integration, and sustainable development. Contemporary views on how the continent of Africa can be unified emphasize the importance of fostering regional integration, strengthening intra-African trade, and promoting collective governance. Leaders and scholars stress the need for increased political cooperation and the establishment of common institutions to address shared challenges, such as security threats, economic disparities, and social inequalities. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on harnessing Africa's demographic dividend, investing in education and technology, and promoting sustainable development.

Never-the less Pan- Africanist today bemoan the fact that postcolonial exploitation has given way to Neocolonial practices from multi-national corporations that have also been linked to political instability, corruption, and the manipulation of local governance structures. The exploitation of Africa's resources, coupled with the influence of external powers on the continent's political and economic decision-making processes, has posed challenges to Africa's efforts to achieve independence, sovereignty, and inclusive development.

Kingstonmouth aligns with contemporary Pan Africanists like Walter Rodney and the poet Muta Baruka, emphasizing the imperative for a unified and prosperous Pan-African vision of Africa that is free from exploitation .This includes fostering stronger connections with individuals of African heritage residing in the diaspora. Notably, significant African populations are situated in areas such as North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America, owing to historical factors like slavery and economic migration. Many possess substantial resources that could be directed toward investments in Africa, where the richest concentration of natural resources such as oil, copper, diamonds, bauxite, lithium, gold, hardwood forests, and tropical fruits. It is estimated that 30% of the earth’s mineral resources are found in the African continent. Additionally, Africa has the world’s biggest precious metal reserves on earth. However, people from the African diaspora express disillusionment, and this hinders their return to Africa for residential or business purposes due to prevalent issues of corruption, crime, and insufficient development.

To Conclude.

In celebrating Black History Month we honour Pan-Africanism, from leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey to the contemporary insights of scholars such as Walter Rodney and Professor PLO Lumumba, the spirit of Pan-Africanism continues to resonate. Yet we must also confront the challenges posed by neocolonial practices that impede Africa's path toward independence and development.

In 2023, the call to action for one political and economic federation resonates with the vision of a unified and prosperous Africa, one that transcends historical exploitation and division. By aligning with contemporary Pan-Africanist ideals, Kingstonmouth.com underscores the importance of fostering a resilient Pan-African future that includes not only the African continent but also Africans in the diaspora. It is through concerted efforts and strengthened cooperation that the true essence of Pan-Africanism can succeed, heralding a future that embodies the rich legacy and resilience of the African political and economic heritage. In closing, this quote from the great Pan- African, Patrice Lomumba:

“Afrika is one, but Afrika is not for everyone. Afrika belongs to Afrikans.”

Donovan Reynolds is the CEO of Kingstonmouth.com He is a trained Diplomat, Human Rights Activist, and Communication Consultant. This article is edited by Ann Smith, a British Educator and Social Activist. Kingstommouth.com is a charitable organization that has been in existence for over nine years. We have an interest in Politics, Human Rights, and International Development Issues. Viewers wishing to comment on this article may do so at the space provided on this blog. Alternatively, they can contact us at kingstonmouth63@gmail.com or on our Twitter or Facebook Page.