Pan-African Progressive Front rolls out plan to unite Africa

The Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) held a joint conference with the Ghana Socialist Movement and Pan Africanism Today. The event celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester, 1945.

This online conference took place on May 29, 2025. Over sixty progressive pan-Africanists from 32 countries attended. Participants included representatives from the USA and Brazil.

Albie Walls, a representative of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, was the first speaker. He emphasized the importance of the Manchester Pan-African Congress. This event set the tone for decolonization and anti-imperialism efforts for decades.

Walls noted that it was unprecedented in scale, organization, and ideology. The second speaker, Roland Diagne from Senegal's FERNET, discussed events after the Manchester Congress. He highlighted how its resolutions remain relevant today.

Diagne stated this congress united political leaders against slavery and racism. He pointed out that neocolonialism is still a pressing issue in the Sahel region. Since the early 2010s, there has been a rise in patriotism and calls for sovereignty.

He mentioned growing demands for African unity against external military interventions. Diagne expressed hope that Ghana's new government would restore ECOWAS's original mission of peace and democracy.

Kwesi Pratt Jr., a journalist on PPF’s organizing committee, spoke next. He stressed developing strategies for organizations to prepare for Accra's celebration in October. Understanding past goals from the Fifth Pan-African Congress is essential.

Pratt proposed creating a special committee to organize this anniversary event. He also called for specialized commissions to enhance PPF activities across various sectors like trade unions and youth organizations.

He raised concerns about political power serving African interests and how progressive parties can gain influence. Pratt warned about NATO's military presence threatening security in Africa.

During an open forum, 18 participants shared their views. Imani Na Umoja from PAIGC supported Pratt’s call for a full congress instead of just an anniversary celebration.

Ouzayrou Mamane from the Pan-African Movement emphasized reparations as crucial for economic independence in Africa. He described reparations as necessary to restore dignity lost through colonialism and slavery.

Amina Hamani from Niger’s MORFEPAN highlighted Manchester Congress resolutions amid Western interference in Africa’s affairs. She urged making pan-Africanism an active tool for independence.

Saddam Alktif addressed Western Sahara's occupation as an obstacle to achieving pan-African goals. Humphrey Quaye from PPF invited all organizations to join efforts against imperialism and neocolonialism.

Albie Walls concluded by outlining plans to form a central organizing committee soon. The consensus at the end was clear: more engagement is needed under a pan-African movement like PPF to champion Africa's cause.