The inception of Pan Africanism can hardly be crystallized without the participation and grand contribution of Ethiopia. As an Independent country for millennia, the country is considered the symbol of independence for the black people all over the world, and more particularly for Africans who had been in the sea of darkness.
Since the age of exploration, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonization, and post-colonization, Ethiopia has been in the driver’s seat to alert Africans in every endeavor.
Besides the founding country of the AU, the country played its card well for the conception of the Pan-Africanism movement. As we turn the page of history, such a grand contribution of Ethiopia is not well depicted.
The role of Ethiopia in amplifying the Africans’ independence and raising the dignity of the black people, fixing psychological makeups, is immense. Ethiopian Monarchs have made the relentless struggle for the Africans and the black people around the globe, which is manifested through representing Africa on international stages and giving training for them in the journey towards freedom.
Moreover, Ethiopia is the heartbeat of Pan-Africanism, a general term for various movements in Africa that have as their common goal the unity of Africans and the elimination of colonialism and white supremacy from the continent.
Pan-African movement, a Movement dedicated to establishing independence for African nations and cultivating unity among black people throughout the world. It originated in conferences held in London (1900, 1919, 1921 and 1923) and other cities. W.E.B. Du Bois was a principal early leader.
“Ethiopia should highlight its significant contribution to the creation of Pan-Africanism,” said Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD), Minister of Women and Social Affairs.
The Continental Pan-African Young Leaders Conference was held in Addis Ababa from March 25 to 27, 2017, Ethiopian calendar, under the theme “Youth Power; for a Prosperous Africa.”
Speaking to members of the press regarding the conference, Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD) said; As Ethiopia is a symbol of African countries and beacon of independence, it is very important to develop Pan-Africanism. The ministry has been in duty to foster Pan Africanism and enhance the issue of psychological makeup.
Ergoge (PhD), who said that the Pan-African Youth Leadership Conference has been organized in collaboration with the African Union and stakeholders, said that the conference will help to develop a sense of Pan-Africanism among the youth, enhance the diplomatic capacity of the youth, and enable young Africans to understand their rights and obligations.
Youth in Africa constitute the largest population. She pointed out that if this power is engaged in various fields, there will be bright hopes for Africa’s potential for development and prosperity; this will enable African youth to become ambassadors of change who fight for the rights and interests of Africa.
She also stated that Ethiopia, as a symbol of freedom for other African countries, is playing its part in strengthening the ties between African peoples.
She pointed out that one of the missions of the Ministry is to ensure the participation and benefit of the youth; in this regard, it has been carrying out extensive work, from improving the national youth policy to strengthening youth organizations. She said that she will continue to strengthen this in the future.
She said that the conference will be of great importance in terms of explaining the idea and values of Pan-Africanism to the youth; the aim of the conference is to inspire youth to contribute to the efforts of building a prosperous and peaceful Africa and to instill the idea of Pan-Africanism.
She also mentioned that there will be a panel discussion, a start-up exhibition, a visit to development projects, and an exchange of experiences and culture among participants in connection with the conference.
She also indicated that more than one thousand participants are expected to attend the conference, including youth organizations, representatives of international institutions, ministers, influencers, and guests.
Ethiopia was among the first independent nations to sign the Charter of the United Nations, and it gave moral and material support to the decolonization of Africa and to the growth of Pan-African cooperation.
Pan-Africanism is said to have its origins in the struggles of the African people against enslavement and colonization, and this struggle may be traced back to the first resistance on slave ships—rebellions and suicides—through the constant plantation and colonial uprisings and the “Back to Africa” movements of the 19th century.
Pan-African thought influenced the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963. One of the biggest goals that the African Union has set for the continent in the 21st century is improving long-term economic growth.
Early Pan-Africanism sought to establish a common identity amongst people of African descent. Henry Sylvester-Williams, a Trinidadian-born barrister, created the African Association to build unity among African people, particularly colonial subjects.
To sum up, Ethiopia paved the way for the black people’s independence and became an inspiring entity for the inception of the pan African movement and is considered as the beacon of light calling for action to confront the white majority deceiving the black preaching gospel by formulating colonial policies that the white men rule in black skin.
The battle of Adwa has inspired the black people to think, “It is possible,” as it is the first victory of the black over the well-equipped white forces with shields and arrows. Thus, the contribution of Ethiopia is one of the grand historical factors that should be archived for the generation to come.
Ethiopia has been at the forefront of promoting pan-African ideals as well as sharing the values of freedom and unity, according to the Global Black Center, Executive Board Chairman and former Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, Professor David Francis.
Ethiopia, the historic and oldest independent African nation, represents a melting pot of ancient cultures. Moreover, the oldest remains of a human ancestor ever discovered, dating back around five million years, were found in the Awash Valley in Ethiopia. Most importantly, Ethiopia is known as an ancient land with a long, deep, rooted, and fabulous history, which has enabled the country to play an exemplary role on the continent through maintaining statehood and developing it into an independent nation.
Particularly, Ethiopia has a unique place, in this sense, as the guardian of independence, freedom, and unity across the African continent, it was learned. Ethiopia is the origin of humanity. So, what does that simply mean? It means that Ethiopia is the Center of Pan-Africanism for two reasons.
Adwa is a symbol of African freedom. It’s a symbol of African unity, a symbol of African freedom. Most importantly, it’s a symbol of black pride, heritage, freedom, and resistance globally.
Ethiopia has shared the pan-African values of freedom, of unity, of resistance, and common solidarity, living in a new Africa that would promote the pan-African ideals.
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025
