Some pan-Africanists have voiced concerns about external military interventions in Africa, saying there is a need for the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to return to its foundational mission.

They stated this at an online conference organised to initiate discussions and preparations for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester in 1945.

The event was held by the Pan-African Progressive Front, PPF, in collaboration with the Ghana Socialist Movement and Pan Africanism.

Speaking at the event, Albie Walls of the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party emphasised the far-reaching impact of the Manchester Congress on Africa’s liberation movements and called for renewed clarity and action toward unifying progressive forces across the continent.

Also speaking, Roland Diagne of FERNET, Senegal, highlighted the ongoing relevance of anti-neocolonial resolutions adopted at the Manchester Congress, noting the resurgence of patriotism and demands for true sovereignty, especially in the Sahel region.

Diagne, who voiced concerns about external military interventions, also stressed the need for ECOWAS to return to its foundational mission.

Also, Kwesi Pratt Jr., a journalist and member of the PPF organising committee, presented a strategic roadmap for the anniversary celebration. He proposed the establishment of a central committee and specialised commissions on trade union issues, women’s rights, and youth engagement, as well as mechanisms for mass mobilization and political power analysis.

In addition, Imani Na Umoja of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, advocated for a comprehensive congress to unite organizations pursuing shared goals.

Meanwhile, Ouzayrou Mamane of Pan-African Movement for Reparations, Justice and Restoration of Historical Memory insisted that reparations for former colonies are vital for economic independence and historical justice.

On her part, Amina Hamani of MORFEPAN, Niger, urged transforming pan-Africanism from a symbol into an actionable tool for achieving full independence, amid renewed foreign interference.

In a similar vein, Saddam Alktif of CODESA emphasised the unresolved crisis in Western Sahara, stating that pan-Africanisms objectives remain incomplete while occupation persists.

Similarly, Humphrey Quaye of PPF reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fighting imperialism and neocolonialism, and called for collective action.