2024 All-African Movement Assembly
the largest gathering of African movements, activists, and human rights defenders, concluded its three-day event in Accra, Ghana, with a resounding call for Pan-African solidarity, free movement across the
continent, and more robust human rights advocacy.
Number and distribution of participants
The Assembly
Held from August 29th to 31st, the Assembly brought together over 300 physical participants, and more than 100 virtual attendees, all united in their commitment to advancing Africa’s development. 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. According to the delegates, this would not only enhance the movement of people and goods but also strengthen intra-African trade, foster economic prosperity, and build fraternity among Africans.
The All-Africans Movement Assembly, AAMA began this day August 29th 2024 in Ghana with participants visiting the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles. The aim was to provide participants with an opportunity to revisit African history, including the exploitation of natural resources, human trafficking, and the history of slavery.
Divided in two groups, one group of participants visited the Cape Coast Castle and another group visited the Elmina Castle.
With such injustice of slavery and human trafficking, how do you explain religion? This question was asked during an “Intergenerational Lunch Dialogue” organised at the end of the visit to the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles. The dialogue was led by Coumba Touré, a writer, a feminist and former AR co-coordinator and Koumi Naido, a climate justice and human rights activist globally.
The 2024 All African Movement Assembly (AAMA) in Accra, Ghana, saw a resurgence of Pan-Africanism with the speeches of influential figures like Emma Nyerere and Samia Nkrumah, President of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African Center. Emma Nyerere, a Pan-Africanist and descendant of Julius Nyerere, emphasised the need for a united front to tackle challenges such as poverty, inequality, and neocolonialism.
Samia Nkrumah, a staunch Pan-Africanist, called for renewed efforts to foster political and economic integration across Africa, stressing unity as the key to realising Africa's full potential. "Ghana holds a special place in the history of Pan-Africanism," Samia Nkrumah said. The presence of Nyerere and Nkrumah’s daughters generated renewed commitment to the cause of African unity, setting the stage for a new era in the Pan-African movement.
The assembly also discussed issues such as economic independence, cultural identity, and the role of the African diaspora in the continent's development and movement building. There were equally two training sessions on “Advocacy and Campaigning” and “Future-dreaming Rituals”.
In line with the Africans Rising solidarity program, a Pan-African Solidarity Vigil to remember fallen activists was organised to pay homage to activists and Africans who have died in liberation struggles. Milouda Bouchi who was an Africans Rising Coordinating Collective Board member was one of those remembered. This was done around a huge fire with participants holding lit candles as they sang solemn liberation songs. During the vigil, participants were equally edified on the crisis going on in some African countries like Cameroon, DR Congo, Kenya and Sudan.
Movement coordinator, Hardi Yakubu called the gathering a "pivotal moment in our history," stressing the importance of African unity.
A grand pan-African gala took place on Saturday, August 31, 2024 as a major highlight of the Assembly’s agenda, to reward prestigious winners of the Africans Rising Activism Awards.
The event, held at the Hill View Guest Center in Accra, Ghana, was to celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of their communities and the global African continent.
The highly contested title of “ 2024 Activist of the Year” was awarded to Seth Tsongo, a remarkable figure from the DRC
Three organisations stood out for their unwavering commitment to change in the “2024 Movement of the Year” category.
The final award of the night, dedicated to artistic activism, saw Zambia’s Mwiza Zulu emerge as the top honoree.
The movement coordinator, Hardi Yakubu handed “Honorary Awards” to some outstanding personalities for their support to the movement.
The first category was handed to Lawyer Salieu Taal and Richard Ssewakiryanga for their unparalleled commitment to social justice and Pan-Africanism.
Ambassador Sallah Hamad Siddiq, Head of Governance Architecture at the African Union was recognised for his support to the Movement and young people’s initiatives over the years.
The second category went to comrade Madi Jobarteh and comrade Naledi Pandor, Former Foreign Affairs Minister of South Africa for their commitment to social justice and human rights.
Lastly, the Defenders Coalition for demonstrating resilience, positive defiance and relentlessly demanding justice, accountability and for upholding human rights from police and judicial service.
The evening concluded with a shared sense of engagement and unity, as attendees celebrated the achievements of the night’s honorees and the ongoing struggle for a better Africa.
