The Pan-African movement, Africans Rising, has called for the dismantling of colonial borders across the African continent.
Meeting in Lusaka for the Borderless Africa Convening, delegates denounced the enduring impact of colonial-era divisions and advocated for a united Africa with one passport, one currency, and unrestricted movement across the continent.
The Lusaka Communique, issued from the land of Kenneth Kaunda, firmly rejected both the mental and physical remnants of colonial exploitation that continue to foster division and discord among African peoples.
The document emphasized the desire for unity and collective identity, urging Africans to transcend the confines of borders imposed during colonial rule.
“We assert our oneness as a people. We no longer want to be identified by or to live in the confines of these divisions, which were created purposefully to divide and conquer us,” the communique stated. It highlighted the detrimental effects of these divisions, noting how they have hindered trade, cultural harmony, development, educational opportunities, job creation, and overall prosperity.
The communique declared the vision of a United States of Africa as the legitimate aspiration of African peoples on the continent and in the diaspora.
It called for the creation of a unified African identity, emphasizing values of ethical governance, economic and social justice, ecological justice, respect for human rights, anti-racism, and discrimination, guided by the African principle of “Ubuntu.”
The communique praised the Government of Zambia for its support of Africans Rising’s initiative and urged Zambia to ratify the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and remove visa requirements for all Africans. It also called on other African governments to follow suit, promoting intra-African travel and trade.
To realize this vision, Africans Rising committed to continuing the mobilization of people across the continent, creating local organizing platforms, and collaborating with movements, civil society, governments, political parties, and the private sector.
The Lusaka Communique represents a bold step towards the dream of a borderless, united, and prosperous Africa, underscoring the collective resolve to overcome the vestiges of colonialism and build a future founded on unity and mutual prosperity.
