Africa Must Confront Modern System of Colonialism with Strong Solidarity: President Assoumani

Addis Ababa March 2/2024 (ENA)  Africans must open a new phase of struggle to overcome the ideas of neocolonization on the continent and decide their own destiny, President of Comoros and former Chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani underscored.

Ethiopians are celebrating the 128th anniversary of the shining Victory of Adwa that thwarted the Italian campaign to expand its colonial empire. 

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, President Assoumani recalled that African countries were inspired by the Victory of Adwa to assimilate and embed the notion of pan-Africanism in order to work and develop a unified force and build a better Africa.

Ethiopia is an ancient and uncolonized country, which Africans look at as an example in their struggle for independence and sovereignty, he stressed and reminded that Ethiopia needs to carry this great responsibility.

He added Ethiopia has always been a staunch defender of peace and freedom on the African continent.

According to the president, the aggression of foreign power bent on imposing colonialism, was conquered by Ethiopia at the Battle of Adwa, which is seen as pioneer in Africa.

However, colonialism has now changed its shape and casts bad shadow on sovereign countries, hindering their social and economic development, he said.

Impact  of colonialism still wreaks havoc in our societies in Africa, he said.

He explained that manifestations of colonialism are prevalent through economic pressure on African countries, exacerbating political tensions, carrying out cultural invasions, upsetting the balance of power and using international financial institutions and aid organizations as tools for achieving their goals.

The African continent has not yet recovered from the deep wounds caused by slavery, Assoumani said, adding that slavery has caused irreversible damage on Africans.

He elaborated that the cope of reparations, which are requested by African Union, for instance, financial reparations, involving initiatives which aim at strengthening victim communities through education and guarantee of equality in the phase of opportunity for sustainable development of communities who have for long been left behind.

 AU is implementing Agenda 2063 for a decade now to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development, he said, adding that this is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan Africanism.

The president pointed out that we are at an important stage where we will fight together to strengthen the African Union so that Africans can decide on our shared interests.

 To this end, he suggested that promoting the idea of Pan-Africanism, fighting along with countries, such as Ethiopia that defended their sovereignty, underscoring that sovereign rights will not be negotiable, should be our main strategy and option for victory.