De-colonisation of the mind is what Africans need to fully liberate themselves.

This was observed by different experts during the celebration of African Liberation Day (ALD), which in Rwanda was marked at the headquarters of the University of Rwanda in Gikondo, yesterday.

The event attracted senior public officials, including envoys accredited to Rwanda, women and youth organisations and students from different universities, among others.

Protais Musoni, the chairperson of the Pan-African Movement, Rwanda Chapter, said Africans need to liberate their minds and stop thinking that they are the weaker species of humanity.

Musoni deplored the fact that Africa has a greater share of wars and conflicts in the world and called on the youth to show determination to liberate the continent and fulfill the aspirations of Africa’s forefathers.

"The seed was sown to create better lives of Africans. Africa was liberated by Pan-Africanists but we must work hard to unite it,” he said, adding that everyone should take responsibility.

"No one will pull us out of poverty. We should work together, trade together, and allow free movement of people, among other policies,” Musoni said.

Prof. Nelson Ijumba, the deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs and research at the University of Rwanda, also stressed the need for Africans to liberate themselves mentally.

"The struggle of bullets is over. Africans should strive to decolonise their minds. We have to focus on political education so that our youth can feel the pride of being African,” he said

New course on Pan-Africanism

Apart from establishing Pan-African movements in learning institutions, it was agreed at the event that courses of Pan-Africanism also be introduced.

Ijumba said in a new module about History of Africa, Pan-Africanism will be introduced at University of Rwanda.

"Starting next academic year, we will initiate a course about contemporary history of Rwanda, Pan-Africanism, and civic education, we want to make it compulsory for every student and for them to be serious, the course will be credit bearing,” he said

Participants were urged to shun the outdated thinking that allude to the fact that Europeans are the only heroes or calling white someone who is punctual or smart, which demean Africans.

The theme for this year’s celebration was, "Women and youth at the forefront of African liberation.”

Justine Mutoni, one of the panelists at the event, said it is essential to focus on youth and women since the youth have energy and are future leaders and women are mothers of a nation because charity begins at home.

Participants stressed the need for Africans to not only decolonise their mindset but also embrace their heritage.

"Africans should change mindset and value their own ideals, for example, mother tongue, products, among others,” said Dr Olivia Rutazibwa, a lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, UK.

Participants committed to engage in Pan-Africanism to contribute to African Union’s 2063 agenda whose aspirations are integrated Africa, people-centered governance, caring for children, among others.

Onesphore Bahati, a student at Kigali Independent University (KIU), said young people have a role to play in uniting Africa.

"We are young but our voice can be heard. As a student, I have a responsibility to convince my peers that we are one as Africans and that we should be united to move Africa forward,” he said.

Treasure Mukeye, a student of UR’s College of Business and Economics, said women should embrace Pan-Africanism and teach their children about the same.

She added that students should learn knowledge to benefit Africa and banish the mindset that Europe or America are the only places one can live a successful life.

African Liberation Day is celebrated annually on May 25. Rwanda celebrated the day for the first time yesterday, but will now be observing it every year, officials said.

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