The Power of Movements – Reflections from the 2025 African Social Movements Baraza in Ghana
Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2025 African Social Movements (ASM) Baraza, held in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “The Power of Movements.” From the very first moment, the energy was electric! The Nkabomye Cultural Troupe opened the gathering with a vibrant, rhythmic performance that beautifully set the tone for the critical conversations and collective reflections that lay ahead.
Coumba Toure, Board Chair of Trust Africa and former Movement Coordinator at Africans Rising, officially welcomed participants with warmth and passion, sharing her joy in hosting the Baraza. In his opening remarks, Ebrima Sall, Director of Trust Africa, reminded us why the gathering mattered. He described the Baraza as a space to “affirm our commitment and strengthen the bonds that tie us together.” One message from his speech particularly struck me: “Movements can’t exist without solidarity.” This message strongly echoed one of the core programmes at Africans Rising — building solidarity among movements across the continent. Briggs Bomba, Programs director at Trust Africa, urged us to “correctly situate ourselves in the clock of history.” His call to action was clear: “We must see this moment as a chance to deepen our movements and organize collectively for the future we want”.
Day 1 – Building Movement Power
Day one featured engaging plenaries and group discussions that centered around how we, as Africans, can build the power of our movements. A central theme that emerged was the need for a unified agenda — the idea that we must act as one force, guided by a common vision. Several participants emphasized that we do not only need to define our route but also be intentional about how we journey together.
A particularly powerful moment for me was the call for introspection: the idea that we must be willing to hold a mirror to ourselves just as we do to systems of oppression. Listening to reflections from the Gen Z protests in Kenya later that day was equally inspiring and it involved young people reminding us that action and courage knows no age.
Day 2 – Pan-African Solidarity in Action
In addition to participating in the plenary discussions on day two, I joined a compelling side conversation on Pan-African Solidarity, moderated by Hardi Yakubu, Movement Coordinator at Africans Rising alongside two other comrades. During this conversation, we explored historical and contemporary examples of solidarity, and shared ideas on how we can rekindle and strengthen solidarity across movements.
This session gave me the opportunity to share lessons from Africans Rising’s solidarity actions especially our Sudan Solidarity Action and the support to Africans affected by the war in Ukraine. It was a reminder that solidarity is not just an idea but a practice and a way of showing up for each other, across borders and struggles. In Hardi Yakubu’s words , “What affects Africans anywhere affects all Africans everywhere”
That evening, our discussions culminated in a Pan-African Solidarity Vigil. As we lit candles and comrades recounted the stories of lives lost in Sudan, the DRC, Cameroon, and other conflict zones, the atmosphere was deeply emotional. It was a powerful moment of solidarity and of recommitment.
Day 3 – Campaigning for Change
The final day of the Baraza brought new energy with ignite talks and a Campaigns Open Space, where movements shared their current efforts and rallied support. Africans Rising took the lead in the #BorderlessAfrica campaign session, using the platform to share updates on the campaign’s progress, highlight past activities, and outline our next steps. It was also a valuable moment to engage in honest dialogue around some of the common concerns and misconceptions about open borders from national security to economic fears. The level of engagement was inspiring, as activists and organizers expressed genuine interest in advancing the vision of a more connected, inclusive, and integrated Africa.
We closed the day and the Baraza on a joyful and powerful note with the Africa Without Borders Concert. Poets and musicians lit up the stage, paying tribute to our struggles, celebrating our rich cultures, and affirming our unity. I found myself dancing nonstop. It was a night filled with laughter, connection, and pure, unfiltered joy.
The 2025 ASM Baraza was more than just a gathering, it was a powerful declaration of hope, strength, and shared purpose. It reminded me that movements thrive when they are rooted in solidarity and guided by a clear vision. I returned energized and inspired, ready to carry forward this spirit in my work leading Movement Building and Support at Africans Rising.
