Reinvigorating Pan-Africanism Critical to Achieving Africa’s Unity, Integration: Chief Whip

Addis Ababa, June 21, 2025 (ENA) – Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige has emphasized the critical need to revitalize Pan-Africanism in order to achieve political unity and economic integration across the continent.

Speaking at the Arda Policy Talk Series hosted by the Foreign Affairs Institute today, the chief whip said Pan-Africanism has historically served as a counterforce to white supremacy and colonialism, evolving into a powerful political ideology and cultural movement.

It embodies the fundamental rights of African peoples to self-determination and envisions Africa as an equal participant in global affairs.

Despite significant milestones, such as the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its successor the African Union (AU), many core goals of Pan-Africanism remain unfulfilled, he stated, noting that issues of political unity, economic sovereignty, and cultural reclamation are still pressing concerns.

Tesfaye noted Ethiopia's unique position in the Pan-African narrative, particularly its victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which symbolizes African resistance and agency.

 

Re-invigorating Pan-Africanism to address contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in historical legacies is crucial, he stressed.

The chief whip argued for an African renaissance aiming for intellectual emancipation and economic transformation that requires bold institutional reforms, mobilization of indigenous resources, and a coherent economic vision to confront global inequities.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a prime example of this ethos, more than an infrastructure initiative, he pointed out.

The GERD represents Africa's potential for self-reliant development and regional solidarity, defying historical dependencies.

Tesfaye further underscored the importance of integrating these ideals into Pan-African institutions, including education systems and regional economic blocs.

The chief whip concluded by stressing that re-invigorating Pan-Africanism demands a critical engagement with Africa’s diverse identities and a commitment to strategic actions that foster unity through shared values and collaborative projects.