What Pan Africanism means in the context of regional integration

African people, both on the African continent and in the diaspora, share not merely a common history or heritage, but a common destiny. This sense of interconnected pasts and futures took many forms, especially in 19th century creating political institutions. It is often said that Pan Africanism represents the complexities of black political and intellectual thoughts of over two hundred years. It was on that note that Pan-Africanism was formed with calls for African unity, both as a continent and as a people, nationalism, independence, political and economic cooperation, and historical and cultural awareness around the world. It was a refutation of the mindset that defined Africa and Africans from the perspective of the historical experience of slavery, colonialism and racial discrimination. Pan-Africanism consolidated the complexities of black political and intellectual thought over two hundred years. It marked a clear rejection of the laughable fallacy that Africans did not have a history and it was more than just a search for our racial or geographical identity of Africans but an affirmation of the rich cultural heritage of African societies and the importance of achieving freedom and continental unity. Since then the concept of Pan-Africanism has continued to evolvemeasured by the challenges and aspirations of the African continent. During the independence period, this ideology enabled Africans to overcome domination and oppression by ending colonialism and later apartheid in the continent. It was a way the diaspora people of African birth and heritage living around the world maintained bonds with the continent through culture, politics, economics and family. Decades have gone by with Pan Africanism facing turbulences of the present dynamic world where a few would afford a preserve of disassociating with their African roots while in diaspora; we have seen the onslaught of the western culture with incredible consequences. Our classic music genres like Jazz, Rhumba, just to mention a few, have been shelved. Some go to the extent of shading off the beautiful black complexion in the name of bleaching to attain light skin. Our values, beliefs and practices have been subjected to the pressures of the other side of the world. None the less, as this power of globalization continues to tear down the boundaries of our African-hood, many Africans are increasingly becoming aware of their own cultural, political, economic environment. It is worthwhile to note that most of the African youth have so far been at the forefront, forging continental unity through cross-border travel in search of education, business or employment. Additionally in this digital era, they have turned social media into a popular platform to interact and engage in African debates and share their ideas. The inauguration Pan-African National Congress in Rwanda on 8th August that brought together Rwandans from various sectors of society: Academics, politicians, religious leaders, trade unionists, civil society, the private sector youth, women among others was a great ignition of the Pan Africanism spirit. Pan-African Movement-Rwanda (PAM-Rwanda) was flagged off and followedby Pan-African Congress for Eastern Africa that was also launched in Nairobi thereafter. Rather than focusing only on identity, this ‘new’ pan-Africanism is also a call for democracy, good governance and economic development. The renewal of this pan-African attitude is manifested through increased intra-African trade, increased exchanges within Africa’s universities, continent-wide calls for good governance and the ubiquitous and growing membership of pan-Africanist groups on online platforms. Pan-Africanism reflects Africa’s conscious need for not only political independence, regional integration and the improvements of its living standards, but also the throwing of the shackles of economic bondage and democratic stagnation that had threatened to reverse the short lived prosperity of the independence era. As East African Community, which is one of the pace setting regional blocs of the 21st century, require more of Pan Africanisms than ever. We need a common sense of belonging with a shared vision of prosperity to elevate ourselves climbing the rungs of economic prosperity. “There is a lot to admire so far but still more is needed to go far.” Embracing our common goal is fundamental in realizing targets that have been set for the benefit of our people. In conclusion, as someone said “let us all agree to die a little, or even completely so that African unity may not be a vain word”. That was the African spirit over fifty years ago. Real Pan-Africanism will result in tangible fruits of development, democracy and a real solidarity amid African countries. We have come a long way and must not relent the fight to have Africa of which we all have a pride in. oscar_kim2000@yahoo.co.uk

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What Pan Africanism means in the context of regional integration