All-African Group Advocates for Free Movement, Human Rights Advocacy

The All-African Movement Assembly, has called for Pan-African solidarity, free movement across the continent, and more robust human rights advocacy.
The call was made at  the  gathering of African movements, activists, and human rights defenders, in Accra, Ghana.
In statement  by African Risings, the gathering  would  enhance the movement of people and goods as well as  strengthen intra-African trade, foster economic prosperity, and build fraternity among Africans.
“A key theme that emerged from the Assembly was the push for a borderless Africa, where all citizens can travel freely between countries without needing visas”.
The President of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African Center, Samia Nkrumah, stressed for the need to carry forward the legacy of the African Union’s founding fathers.
“We can achieve this with the necessary political will and determination. The time for action is now”. She urged,
The statement also noted that  : “Participants visiting the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles,  were reminded of Africa’s painful past, including the exploitation of natural resources and the horrors of slavery.
“The tour, which included visits to the infamous ‘Condemnation Room” and the “Door of No
Return”, served as a poignant reminder of the need to learn from history and work towards a united and free Africa.
In their speeches,  the descendants of iconic African leaders Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Kwame Nkrumah, Emma Nyerere and Samia Nkrumah, of Ghana,  reignited the call for African unity, emphasizing that solidarity is crucial in tackling poverty, inequality, and neocolonialism.
“The time has come for us to unite and face our challenges together”, said Emma Nyerere.
While Samia Nkrumah echoed  for the renewed efforts towards political and economic
integration across the continent.
A significant focus of the Assembly was the shrinking civic space in Africa, with increasing
reports of crackdowns on dissent, harassment, abductions, and the killings of activists. Delegates stressed the urgency of collective dialogue and unified action to protect human rights and ensure the rule of law.
The  Coordinator,  Africans Rising, Hardi Yakubu,
called on African leaders to demonstrate
the political will to champion the cause of a borderless Africa.
“We must move beyond rhetoric and
take concrete steps towards making this vision a reality”. He stated.
The Assembly also launched the Pan-African Solidarity Network to solidify support for human rights defenders.
This idea arose in response to the multiple issues that activists encounter, which may be addressed more efficiently through a collaborative platform.
At the same time, the Africans Rising honoured activists for their contributions towards positive societal change, with Activism Awards
African activism, where honored with the presentation of three awards: namely: ’Activist of the Year’, ‘Movement of the Year’, and the ‘Artistic Activist of the Year’.
“The awards support individuals and movements, aiming to bring positive societal change.
We believe that activists deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their selfless efforts in pushing for a better continent for all. This year marked the 6th anniversary of the
awards initiative”.
2024 Activism Award Winners
In the activist of the year award category, Seth Tsongo from the Democratic Republic of Congo was named the Winner followed by Mwami Samuel from Zambia who came in second, and Adel Azoun from Tunisia took third place.
In the Movement of the Year award category, Hand In Hand from Cameroon was named the winner, followed by Equal Education from South Africa.

Sanitized Communities Konnect Foundation frombGhana took third place.
Mwiza Zulu from Zambia was named the winner in the final category for Artistic Activist of the
Year. Blanchard Bosey and Schela Mutaka, both from the Democratic Republic of Congo, came in
second and third respectively.
Each winner was given an award plaque, Africans Rising Souvenir and USD 1,000 prize for the winner, while the first and second runners-up received USD 500 and USD 300 respectively.
The  winners of 2023 Africans Rising Activism Awards were celebrated and similar awards presented to them.
The  Assembly brought together over 400 physical participants, and more than 1,000 virtual attendees, all united in their commitment to advancing Africa’s
development.

Hauwa M.