EFF statement on Africa Day
25 May 2021
The EFF marks the 58th Anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which is continentally and globally celebrated as Africa Day. The 25. of May 1963 represents an important day in the history of the African continent because African leaders under the political and ideological guidance of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Emperor Haile Selassie, Ahmed Sekou Tour& Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein, and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere met in Addis Ababa to commence discussions aimed at uniting the African Continent.
On that occasion, the 25'' of May 1963 Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah said that "the unity of our continent, no less than our separate independence, will be delayed if, indeed, we do not lose it, by hobnobbing with colonialism. African unity is, above all, a political kingdom which can only be gained by political means. The social and economic development of Africa will come only within the political kingdom, not the other way round".
Nkrumah said this because he understood that "Neo-colonialism is based upon the principle of breaking up former large united colonial territories into a number of small non-viable States which are incapable of independent development and must rely upon the former imperial power for defence and even internal security. Their economic and financial systems are linked, as in colonial days, with those of the former colonial ruler".
Emperor Haile Selassie said on the "Today, we look to the future calmly, confidently and courageously. We look to the vision of an Africa not merely free but united. In facing this new challenge, we can take comfort and encouragement from the lessons of the past. We know that there are differences among us. Africans enjoy different cultures, distinctive values, special attributes.
But we also know that unity can be and has been attained among men of the most disparate origins, that differences of race, of religion, of culture, of tradition, are no insuperable obstacle to the coming together of peoples. History teaches us that unity is strength and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals, to strive, with all our combined strength, for path to true African brotherhood and unity"
The EFF brings back the memories of these great leaders because all black people in the African continent and diaspora should always be reminded that the celebration of Africa Day is and should be celebration of African political, economic, and social unity. We take note however that many generations of African leaders post 1963 have not progressively carried forward the vision of African Unity and most African countries continue to be neo-colonial enclaves of their former colonisers.
The neo-colonial masters continue to ruthlessly extract and exploit natural and particularly mineral and energy resources from the African continent without paying taxes and at the expense of our people. The neo-colonial masters continue to sponsor civil conflict and terrorism in the African continent because instability in the continent gives them space to extract and steal our natural resources without consequences.
On this day, the EFF re-affirms the principle contained in our Founding Manifesto that, "the development of the African continent is inextricably linked with the development of South Africa. No amount of sustainable socioeconomic development and stability will be realised in South Africa unless the state plays in active role in the economic development of the African continent. This, obviously, should include the development of trade corridors that link up the entire African continent and create capacity to consume goods and services produced on the continent".
Furthermore, the EFF reaffirms the principle that, "the EFF will also advocate for the ultimate integration of the African continent through the erosion and eventual elimination of unnecessary borders". We re-affirm these principles because we are the only organised revolutionary party in the African continent that progressively and decidedly upholds the ideals of Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selassie, Ahmed Sekou Toure, and Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein.
In marking the 58th Anniversary of the launch of the OAU, which is now the African Union, the EFF calls for the following action:
Strengthening of the Pan African Parliament as a legislative and oversight body for the African continent.
Establishment of an African standby force and joint African military action to stop the terrorism and instability in Mozambique, Mali and all African countries affected by externally or internally sponsored conflicts and terrorism.
Isolation of Morocco from all continent bodies including the African Union, Pan African Parliament, and continent sporting bodies until the allow for full independence of the Saharawi Republic.
Cancellation of all VISA requirements for all intra-African trade travel.
Reviving of and actualisation of the African Industrialisation plan of action which will complement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Building of a strong continental economic emancipation movement which will fight for the return of Africa's land and resources to the hands and benefit of African people.
We believe that these will be important building blocks towards African political, economic, and social unity. The celebration and marking of Africa Day must always be about recommitting to the building of African unity because with small non-viable States and countries, our continent will continue to be in servitude of colonial masters and neo-colonial controllers. Forward to the Unity of the African Continent Forward.
Issued by Vuyani Pambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 25 May 2021
