Political party leaders tipped on Pan-Africanism

Political parties have been called upon to challenge their members to embrace the Pan-African Movement (PAM). Speaking at the general assembly of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO) in Kigali, yesterday, Protais Musoni, the chairperson of the Rwanda Chapter of PAM, said political organisations play a significant role in setting the country’s agenda. RPFs SG, Francois Ngarambe asks a question during the meeting. “We believe that they will help the government to set up policies that will enable us to achieve the real Pan-Africanism. Once their members are engaged, we will have the real Pan-Africanism that can eventually lead to full liberation of Africa,” Musoni said. He said neocolonialism is still visible in different sectors which call for liberation. “For example, our goods do not easily access markets in Europe whereas African market is open for them. Besides, if you examine African trade you will realise that trade between Africans stands at only 30 per cent. If you want to adopt a new model to shape your economy, you will realise that most African countries are forced to adopt the donor’s model, we have to liberate ourselves from that,” Musoni said. PAM is a movement whose existence is based on African belief that unity is vital to socio-economic and political progress. Alphonse Mukama Kayiranga (R), the spokesperson of the Consultative Forum of Political Organisations during the meeting. It brings together many stakeholders, ranging from government, political parties and women and youth groups, to civil society and academia. François Ngarambe, the secretary-general of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) Inkotanyi, said there is a need for better cooperation among Africans to ensure success of the Movement. “There can’t be Pan-Africanism without peer cooperation among Africans. There is a need to strengthen cooperation among African countries and to continue raising awareness on Pan-Africanism to avoid the perception that the Movement is for top leaders alone. Everyone should understand it and take part.” Some of the members of the parties forum during the meeting with Protais Musoni. (All photos by Timothy Kisambira) Jean Claude Ntezimana, the secretary-general of Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, said Africans need to strive for economic resilience. “We need to strive for economic growth to ensure that donors do not use their funds to manipulate us,” he said. Pan-Africanism is an ideology and movement that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide. It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social, and political progress and aims to “unify and uplift” people of African descent. The Rwandan Chapter has a diverse membership, from civil society, youth and women representatives, to MPs and academia, to ensure that Rwandans of all walks of life are represented. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Political party leaders tipped on Pan-Africanism