Pan-Africanists Gear Up for the 80th Anniversary of the Manchester Congress

Pan-Africanists Unite: Preparations for the 80th Anniversary of the Historic Manchester Congress

On May 29, 2025, the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) joined forces with the Ghana Socialist Movement and Pan Africanism Today to organize an important online conference aimed at launching discussions and organizing activities for the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, which took place in Manchester in 1945. This gathering, featuring over sixty influential pan-Africanists from 32 countries, including participants from the USA and Brazil, highlighted the ongoing significance of pan-African unity, decolonization, and the resistance against imperialism.

The event kicked off with Albie Walls from the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, who articulated the profound implications of the Manchester Congress on Africa's liberation movements. He emphasized the need for renewed clarity and action directed towards unifying progressive forces across the continent.

Roland Diagne of FERNET from Senegal also contributed to the discussions by drawing attention to the contemporary relevance of the anti-neocolonial resolutions established at the Manchester Congress. He pointed out the resurgence of patriotism and the rightful demand for true sovereignty, particularly in the Sahel region. Furthermore, he raised concerns regarding external military interventions and urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to return to its foundational mission of security and development.

Aiming for actionable outcomes from the conference, Kwesi Pratt Jr., a journalist and committee member of the PPF, laid out a strategic roadmap for the upcoming anniversary celebrations. His proposals included the formation of a central committee and specialized commissions focused on critical issues such as trade union rights, women's empowerment, and youth involvement, alongside plans for mass mobilization and comprehensive political analysis.

In addition, several voices from key organizations participated in the conference. Imani Na Umoja from the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde called for a comprehensive congress aligned with organizations pursuing similar objectives. Ouzayrou Mamane from the Pan-African Movement for Reparations asserted that reparation for former colonies is a crucial component for attaining economic independence and justice for the oppressed.

Amina Hamani of MORFEPAN from Niger urged that pan-Africanism should transition from a mere symbol into a pragmatic approach for achieving full independence amidst renewed challenges of foreign interference. Saddam Alktif from CODESA spotlighted the ongoing crisis in Western Sahara, stressing that the goals of pan-Africanism remain unfulfilled as long as occupation persists. He echoed the sentiments of Humphrey Quaye from the PPF who reiterated the organization's commitment against imperialism and neocolonial forces, advocating for united action.

Eighteen delegates took part in a spirited discussion, leading to Albie Walls' closing remarks, which facilitated the formation of a central organizing committee. The PPF subsequently announced its plans for more meetings and collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring that the 80th anniversary of the Manchester Congress acts as a catalyst for genuine and unified progress within Africa's ongoing struggles for liberation and development. This critical juncture signals the determination of pan-Africanists to not only commemorate an important historical milestone but also to galvanize future actions rooted in solidarity, empowerment, and positive change across the continent.

As the 80th anniversary approaches, pan-Africanists around the world stand poised to rekindle the spirit of collaboration that first emerged in Manchester, seeking to harness collective wisdom and strength to confront contemporary challenges and seize opportunities for a freer, united Africa.