TheRwandan chapter of the Pan-African Movement held its second national congress yesterday during which it elected its new top leaders.

Over the last three years, PAM-Rwanda has been actively opening branches across the country and the organisation now has structures at almost all the administrative levels, down to the sector level, while it also has a presence in tertiary institutions and schools across the country.

Indeed, the last three years have seen more Rwandans get to learn more about PAM-Rwanda and Pan-African Movement in general and the ideals that inspired its formation.

The new committee will be expected to take PAM-Rwanda and its role in nation-building to the next level, in large part.

The values of Pan-Africanism need to be manifested in the organisation’s work in a way that promotes pro-people initiatives.

Indeed yesterday’s announcement that the organisation would soon embark on a campaign to promote the Made-in-Rwanda drive is a breath of fresh air in this decades-old movement that became popular across Africa in the immediate aftermath of Independence struggles, only to gradually fade, both in meaning and relevance, thanks to sectarian and narrow-minded politics that largely went against the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

There is need to demystify Pan-Africanism.

And by actively supporting such initiatives as Made-in-Rwanda, Umuganda, Girinka and other homegrown solutions designed to foster self-reliance and unity, PAM-Rwanda is demonstrating that Pan-Africanism is not just about rhetoric for solidarity or an ambiguous  theoretical ambition but rather real belief in Africa’s quest for full liberation, durable peace and prosperity, backed by action.

PAM-Rwanda can be a major player in efforts to bring about real transformation led by young people. And this can only be possible if the youth can understand their role in nation-building and the need to lead responsible and purposeful lives.

The presence of Pan-African spirit in schools and at the grassroots should be used as an opportunity to inspire young generations to carry the torch of Pan-Africanism forward.